In the first edition of ‘Ferrari Living’, we thought it fitting to get to know our very own Bernadette Ferrari, senior designer and owner of Ferrari Interiors a little better. We poured her a cuppa, peppered her with questions and discovered the path that led her to interior design.
Who/what inspired you to become an interior designer?
My family are furniture manufacturers so at a very early age I was exposed to a wonderfully creative environment, which sparked my passion for design and shaped how I approached interiors. I am besotted with beautiful furniture!
Tell us about the path that led you to interior design?
The world of fashion enticed me in first. At the age of 20 I found myself the women’s fashion buyer for David Jones. Although I had a business and marketing degree under my belt, it was a sink or swim situation. I was young and inexperienced but thankfully I picked up the strokes quickly. DJs was a baptism of fire, an invaluable experience, which helped me secure the coveted ‘buyer role’ at some of Australia’s leading fashion brands.
During my time in fashion I established strong relationships with many top suppliers and as a result still have access to a wide array of product, which greatly helps with my interior design work.
Next, I took up the challenge of running my own helicopter charter company, an exhilarating time of my life but I missed working in a creative environment. A niggling feeling spurred me to return to University to study Interior Design which is where I found my niche. Word of mouth recommendations kept the jobs rolling in and forming Ferrari Interiors felt like the natural step to take. I haven’t regretted a day since.
Tell us about your personal style?
Personally I love warm muted tones such as cream, beige and taupe. I also like the combination of modern and classic design, fused with luxurious textures and touches of individual personality.
As an interior designer, I am a chameleon. My design style is ever-changing to reflect the tastes of my clients. One week I might be working with bold vivid colours and the next week my client might prefer rustic charm.
Do you have a favourite room in your home and why?
I adore my living area. The seating is arranged in a U-shape which draws attention to the fireplace and the marvelous custom-made oversized mirror that sits above it. The space is conducive for entertaining which suits my lifestyle. It is also the perfect setting to relax in. In winter I like to cosy up in front of the fireplace and read.
Comfort and style go hand-in-hand in this room, with our furnishings consisting of two armchairs on swivel bases, upholstered in fabric by Etamine of Paris. Across the room is a white leather sofa, complemented by a pair of large ottomans. The ottomans are upholstered in the reverse side of the chair fabric and piped in white leather.
Lighting adds a touch of glamour to this room, with the large antique oak coffee table lit up by a dramatic crystal pendant light suspended above. Finally accessories and cushions ensure the space is homely and welcoming.
What is the secret to successful interior design?
When talking about the secret of successful interior design, I often use a fashion analogy. Like an item of clothing, a room has to fit you. Let’s face it, when ankle boots are in-style they will not suit everybody, so like fashion you shouldn’t be a slave to design trends.
Put simply, your home should perfectly fit with your lifestyle and reflect your unique personality. I believe a home that reflects your personal style will reward you with both physical comfort and visual pleasure.
Also great style has nothing to do with your income level. The keys to design success are selectivity, judgement and refining your eye. All of this comes with experience.