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Suzie Beirne

 

She's a bundle of energy, a firecracker of a woman whose vitality and passion for life imbue every facet of her personality. For many years she has been recognised as one of Queensland's leading interior designers whose work in and for the industry carries her signature style - always original, always interesting, always fascinating.

 

She is, of course, Suzie Beirne of Maison Jardin.

 

Suzie's latest project is the fitting out of her new showroom/studio where paint colours and the latest fabrics rub shoulders with home accessories and artworks in a custom designed space which will allow her clients to select the finishes and fittings for their projects.

 

Speaking to one of Suzie's past clients, whose home was featured in Queensland Homes magazine was an illuminating experience. "Suzie led me through the process of furnishing and decorating our new home" she said. "The choices were allways mine, and we would discuss pieces I needed, and she would suggest colours that would work. If I bought anything she would tell me whether it worked or not - I always felt that the decisions were mine, but the backup Suzie gave me was wonderful. I had so much fun, and I am so happy with the end result."

 

Suzie's expertise extends across the whole gamut of interior design and has been recognised by her peers. In 2002 she received an award from the Design Industry of Australia for her work in advancing the design industry and as a designer since 1978, she has made a significant contribution to the recognition and prestige of the industry here in Queensland.

 

We asked Suzie for her views on a range of subjects:

 

Is there one element of interior design which is of paramount importance?

I think that today, choosing the right elements to design and decorate a modern home requires strict adherence to some basic but essential rules. Often colour is thought to be the most important element,and of course it is extremely important for the final result to be perfect, but prior to the actual colour selections being made we have a number of crucial design steps to take to set the stage.

 

First we must work our way through the design development stage to create a three dimensional canvas - there is no point waving colour samples around unless you have carefully planned what you intend to paint.

 

So I guess my answer must be that design development is the key element - space plus lighting plus colour = balance. Balance is of paramount importance but it is the end result of good design development and planning.

 

Do you have a favourite look or style of interior design?

As a designer I look at the connection between interior space and exterior space. I love a seamless and subtle flow of spaces. I like to keep to the bottom third of the room with furnishings and then explode up the walls with exciting art or special cabinets or wonderfully clever planes of light or space. If this can be the backdrop of a superbly lit garden or pool I am even happier.

 

l adore really primitif cabinets and strange pieces of arty things - I collect unusual objet d'art - usually from Asia, very early stuff. And then I like to put it with sleek modern furniture and wonderful rugs. For me every inch of interior space should be a fabulous expo - every corner you turn should present you with something stunning. Just a clever little light or a change in texture or floor level.

 

What is the biggest change you have seen in interiors and or lifestyle since the turn of the century?

Are you talking about the 1900s or since 2000? I think more has happened since 2000 in design than ever before (except for the Bauhaus guys in the 1930s). It is so concentrated.

Ideally, our furnishings should reflect our lifestyle and today we have never had it so good. The biggest changes have been those in the kitchen and bathroom. All the renovations we are doing at the moment include reefing out horrid characterless kitchens.

 

What are the major benefits associated with using an interior / exterior designer when building or renovating?

Exactly my point in the answer to the first question - methodical planning carried out in a professional manner. It is basically the "colouring in" of the black and white plan. You wouldn't build without an approved plan but so many people just launch themselves into building or renovating, rushing out on the day the tiler is due to start to choose the tiles. Not enough planning!

 

I am a Virgo and unless everything is all neatly signed off I can't begin to work. Renovations are a little different because you are so often faced with unimagined questions. I provide the client with a little book of items to be resolved by trade e.g. interior finishes, doors, door furniture, architraves, cornices, flooring, windows, joinery, whitegoods, and of course, paint colour selections. This is just a basic addendum to the building contract. Once the builder has his little book all neatly filled out he can forge ahead. You will also save a lot of money. Professional designers know where the best buys can be made, they are always able to ask for a discount, even 50% can add up with a costly building project and there will be no silly mistakes made.

 

What do you think is an absolute killer colour combination?

An absolutely killer colour combination - pink, orange and red with a touch of lime or, red and khaki with white, or grape and chocolate with taupe, or white and hemp.

 

What is the most important consideration when selecting artworks for your home?

I do believe that artwork is often too small - large and imposing works of art are a joy to behold - they preside over a room, rather than cowering in a corner. If I do use smaller art I use three or four or six together.

I try to select the works of up and coming young artists - just recently I purchased original art for clients from "Artworks Gallery" and their investment is more than secure. I also buy better works as I believe art is an excellent investment- I own three David Rankin works now and they are quite spectacular.

Buy art that you adore - iIf it grabs you and you just have to have it, go for it.

 

Where would you like to live?

If I could, I would have a garden apartment in London, a courtyard apartment in New York, a rooftop apartment in Cortona in Italy, a garden apartment in Sydney, a penthouse in Brisbane and of course a house at Main Beach or Budds Beach and another one in Noosa's Little Cove. And I don't mind Meadows in the Adelaide Hills, on the farm and Dunsborough in WA at the Empire Retreat ( I could have a permanent villa). Should I continue the list??