Writing the wrap-up has made me realise how quickly this year has gone, as it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was reflecting on 2022 and looking forward to 2023. But just before the holiday season gets into full swing, and the dates change to 2024, I wanted to share a quick wrap-up of the year here at Marylou Sobel Interior Design.
My Interior Design Team
As always, one of my favourite parts about working as an interior designer in Sydney is the wonderful people that I get to work with every day. Mid-way through the year Hannah moved on from the team to pursue her passion, focusing more towards the decorating industry. Hannah was a wonderful asset to the MSID team and we wish her all of the best in her new venture, we know she will do great things.
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the newest member of our team, Olivia. An intuitive and passionate senior designer, she completed her studies in Interior Architecture at the University of New South Wales. With over 5 years of hands-on experience in the industry, she has worked on numerous bespoke residential projects, seamlessly guiding them from concept to completion. Her expertise spans a spectrum of endeavours, from new build homes to intricate renovations, and the craft of furniture design. Olivia has fit into the team effortlessly, the rest of the team and I are looking forward to continuing the great work with her in the new year.
Our Interior Architect Blanka travelled to Bali in August this year for a very special reason. Blanka is originally from Jakarta, so when she got married in Sydney during Covid sadly none of her family could be there to attend. So her recent wedding reception in Bali, albeit a bit delayed, was a huge personal highlight of her year.
Relationships Built to Last – Our Clients
As an interior designer, you get to know your clients on a very personal level, to be able to create the perfect home for them that will last a lifetime. When a project comes to completion, witnessing the joy they find in their new spaces, is wonderful and very satisfying. A designer and client relationship is special, so when you have the opportunity to rekindle that bond it’s something I don’t take for granted.
This year we have had a number of our past clients return to us to work on different projects or new spaces in their homes. It’s a testament to the unique relationships that we have with our clients that we can create such a meaningful, lasting impression and continue to create beautiful designs together. I am very excited to be working with some returning clients in 2024.
Sustainable Interior Design: Re-purpose & Re-store
Looking to the future, sustainable interior design I believe is going to be a stronger focus in every respect. Take furniture for example, rather than discarding older furniture, we can re-purpose or re-store pieces rather than sending them to landfill. I’m currently working on re-upholstering two ottomans with new fabric, that will re-invigorate them instantly. Expect to see more of this in the future from MSID.
I’ve long been a champion of using natural materials in my designs. From natural fabrics to stone or colour palettes, natural is a word you hear me reference quite often. Moving to sustainable interior design will include a focus on these natural materials that can really stand the test of time, and aren’t the ‘quick fashion’ version of design.
Women Who Support Women
On a personal, but professional note, I have really enjoyed the support of the business groups that I have been a part of. I belong to a couple of different groups of professional women in the world of design (or similar industries/professions), and it has been very important to me. It’s a space to share and learn from others, being able to help each other out and lend support. There aren’t many of us in the groups, but believe me, there are enough to make a world of difference. This support has been priceless and I look forward to growing with these ladies in the months and years to come.
On a Personal Note
I’ve recently welcomed a new granddaughter, a wonderful addition just in time for the holidays. And as if that wasn’t exciting enough, Stephanie, Associate Interior Architect at MSID (my daughter) will be welcoming her third child in February next year, adding another grandchild to our ever-growing list! So we’re expecting lots more pitter-patter of little feet in the studio in 2024.
My husband Robin and I visited Europe again during their summer. It’s always such an inspiration, not just for work but just for life in general. So pleased that we are able to travel around the world again so freely, experience the many wonderful cultures it has to offer and continue to be inspired.
The Studio
This year we added some new joinery in our studio completing a full wall of joinery. Honestly, none of us could believe that we didn’t do it sooner, it now feels like it has always been there. I still love my studio and its location. Every year there is a Christmas window display competition on Queens Street, and last year (2022) Marylou Sobel Interior Design won! Here’s a look at some of our window displays over the years. Happy holidays everybody.
To beautiful design always, Marylou Sobel
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