In the sixth instalment of David Clark's Edit, we profile Briony Fitzgerald of Sydney-based Briony Fitzgerald Design.



What attracted you to the world of design?
From an early age I went to work with mum at Marion Hall Best's shop in Queen Street. I was surrounded by contemporary furniture, fabrics, tiles, colour + inspiring women. I was made incredibly aware of detail and was taught to open my eyes, so the environment I spent my time in has profoundly affected the way I see the world. I have always lived and breathed design.  For me colour evokes emotion and my 'feeling' world is purely visual.

Who are the people alive or dead that you think are/were truly inspirational?
Fashion was my first passion so Gaultier + Azzedine Alaia were visionaries in my eyes.  Their couture was very architectural and structured which influenced my early career. I also found Rothko's colour combinations impacted me and opened my eyes to colour palettes.  Today art, architecture, travel and nature all affect my vision.


We collaborated with MCK Architects to create an earthy abode in Bellevue Hill. The design created a connection between truth in materials by using sandstone, concrete & walnut whilst adding comfort, the interplay of textures & colour. Image – Steve Back.

How would you describe your signature style?
My signature style is contemporary classic with a twist of colour. My style is very intuitive; I firmly believe that a space will tell me what it wants. In my work I layer colour, textiles and bespoke elements into a space to create a comfortable and inviting house my clients can connect to emotionally.

What matters to you most in the work that you do?
It's important for me to discover how the client lives and what their requirements are.  A home should be an expression of the owners' personalities and their way of life.  So it is our job to help them to realise their vision and educate them through the design process so we can create their dream home.


I love this space - it's intimate & inviting because of the layering of textures, colour & textiles. Image – Georgia Moxham.

Do you have a favourite residential project?
I really enjoyed working on the Porter/Mougey House which was published in Vogue Living. It was a 3 year project where we had the space and time to explore every finish and detail.


Attention to detail in the Porter/Mougey House - grasscloth, linen and glass beads. Image – Chris Court.

What is your design pet hate?
"Matchy-poos"! When everything is in the same tone - beige!

What do you think works without fail?
One of my frequently used "tools" is to use white as a framework for colour.  It defines the architectural details by picking out the architraves, doors, skirtings + ceilings which defines and articulates space. Once the basic framework is achieved it then enables us to change colour and texture.


The light in this spectacular house by iconic Australian architect Professor Leslie Wilkinson is exquisite. We enhanced the architectural space by using colour, texture and pattern, not forgetting the addition of our signature bright front door! Image – Brigid Arnott.

What do you look for in the people you work with?
Collaboration is the most inspiring & creative process – to work with other talented architects, landscapers, builders and artisans who have an open mind and an eye for detail is energising. Above all I look for people to work with who want to explore new possibilities.


Bathrooms don't have to be boring! Image – Brigid Arnott.

You have had much peer recognition over the years. Is there a key moment that matters most?
What means the most to me is that my business has been going for over 20 years and has grown entirely through word of mouth and recommendations from clients.

The moments that matter the most to me professionally are when clients move into a finished project and the joy that is brings when their vision has been realised.  A beautiful space can change the way that you feel.


A Tamarama kitchen – you change the way a room feels with the use of colour. Image – Brigid Arnott

What would the future bring that would make your career complete?
I would love the opportunity to work on a boutique hotel and give people rooms that aren't all beige and uniform!

Over the years we have created many bespoke furniture pieces for clients and we are in the process of creating a beautiful furniture range to be released in 2014.

To learn more, visit the Briony Fitzgerald Design website or check out their new Facebook page and Instagram account @brionyfitzgeralddesign.