When it comes to interior design, there are blank canvases that require a simple makeover and then there are much tougher assignments. Never afraid of a challenge, Tina collaborated with top Australian influencer Emmylou MacCarthy @emmylou_loves to transform an industrial car wash into a creative multipurpose space all set up to fuel Emmylou’s thriving business.
Tina created a “multi-layered” space for photo shoots, fashion showings, pop ups, kitchen demos, makeup tutorials, events and entertaining. Practical essentials including warehousing, administration, meetings and reception areas were also introduced into the space.
The building’s beautiful, exposed beams, windows and door frames were painted a contemporary black to frame the space and retain the warehouse feel, with simple white walls freshening up the interior and creating a perfect blank canvas for Emmylou. From there, Tina used a series of floor to ceiling curtains, non-fixed furniture and fixtures to create zones within the warehouse as required. “Everything has to be moveable,” she says.
The conversational lounge features curved velvet chaises, a contemporary arched mirror and mid-century style coffee table that can easily be stored away during stand-up events and photoshoots. The dining “room” features a chunky oversized outdoor table, softened with velvet dining chairs.
The glassed-in office and meeting rooms sit behind the feature curtains which can be drawn or closed depending on what’s happening. Tina has further differentiated the office spaces with the use of 3D graphic wallpaper on feature walls. She opted for giant dining room tables rather than sterile office furniture to allow lots of space for viewing garments and co-working. Her tradies then added cut-out holes for IT requirements.
Tina carpeted specific areas to further emphasise the zones of the space, including the pop up shop with its private dressing room that features a luxurious graphite velvet curtain and generous well-positioned mirrors. “We want Emmylou’s customers have a luxe shopping experience,” says Tina.
The “industrial chic” interior is designed to maximise a variety of locations and looks for content creation, to conceal and reveal when required. Tina has also filled the space with lush greenery and hung the ceiling with feature cane lights to soften the space.
Tina’s passion for commercial spaces has been honed through her own career and family’s commercial ventures. Working with budgets from the extravagant to oily rag variety. “I like to think outside the office box.”
This ultimate guesthouse features kitchenette, walk-in shower, a work station and bi-fold doors opening onto the lap pool which its cascading water feature. The floors were replaced with modern wood grain tiles run throughout (even in the bathroom) on the vertical, making the space feel twice the size. Layers of texture are added with linens, velvets, woven rugs, a custom beaded chandelier and an elegantly panelled console. The color palette features a balance of classic Palm Springs succulent greens and pure whites complemented with soft pastel shades including a signature pastel green splashback in the kitchenette with matching SMEG coffee machine.
Every last detail is considered, including the monochrome poolside umbrella, Hamptons glass lanterns in rose gold and even perfectly placed parlour palms. Says Tina: “I wanted to create a true sanctuary, a space where guests will never want to leave.”