Recently ITC became aware of a Lane Cove interior designer who has created an amazing blog that has been nominated for an international award. We wanted to find out more and we did!!
The Design Library AU is an Australian interiors, homewares and home improvement information website. It is a collection of interior designer “Little Black Books” all in one location. Created by Liane Cooper an interior designer by trade and a compulsive renovator to create the ultimate source directory, highlighting the Australian interior design and home improvement market in one place to share with everyone. Within The Design Library website is an interiors blog full of helpful, informative and inspirations articles.
The Design Library has recently been shortlisted in the top 5 of the international Amara Interior Blog Awards in the “Best Australian Interiors Blog” category. 589 blogs for all over the world were nominated and divided into 15 design blog categories. Winners will be announced on October 28th 2015 in London at the Ham Yard Hotel. The Amara Interior Blog Awards were devised by luxury goods retailer Amara to recognise the importance of design blogs in the design industry. This is the second year that the Amara Interior Blog Awards have been held.
1. Why did you start the blog;
I first started blogging under the name of Confessions of a Compulsive Renovator. It was the day to day happenings of seven personal renovations I had completed. At the time I had plenty to do with two young children, school runs, attend sport and dance rehearsals. All the while juggling the searching for tiles, carpets, kitchens, etc. and dealing with issues like broken water pipes that flooded part of a property. I was regularly asking around for anyone who knew a quality electrician, painter and other trades. The blog was an outlet I created to clear my mind and highlight what really happens in a renovation.
I then moved on to start The Design Library, a website passion I had dreamt of for a long time. I wanted a website where I could collate a list of all the great products, services I had on file; businesses that I wanted to visit and details of information I had selected from the piles and piles of interiors magazines that fill my book shelves. My own person online design assistant.
I am forever being asked questions of “how to do this” and “where can I find that?” that blogging about everything interiors came naturally to my site.
2. What is your favourite thing about writing the blog;
Writing the blog gives me a wonderful opportunity to search and seek out amazing design pieces and highlight the fantastic people and businesses that work in the interiors industry. Just today I came across some beautiful cushions that I have never seen before that would look great in a summer outdoor setting. The blog gives me the opportunity to plan out the shopping spree I look forward to having for my next renovation.
3. What is the most popular feature of the blog;
One of the most popular areas to the blog is the directory. It is relatively new and I have many companies still to add, making it a valuable resource for everyone to use.
Any posts of interior inspirations always does well as I know everyone is looking for ideas. Posts like Weekend Dreaming 22 Amazing Relaxing Spaces and 15 White Bathroom Ideas are perfect examples.
4. What did you do before starting the blog;
After finishing high school I studied interior design and went on to work in a commercial interior design office. When my children reached school age I completed a marketing diploma and while creating The Design Library I have been working in marketing and building other people’s websites.
5. Why do you live in Lane Cove;
Lane Cove is a great area to bring up a family. I love the village atmosphere. The proximity to Chatswood, Macquarie Centre and the city is fantastic, it is so central to everything.
6. What is your favourite thing to do in Lane Cove;
I love to meet friends for coffee (editorial note – so does ITC). With so many great coffee shops you can’t go wrong. I am also a little partial to boutique shopping in the mall for great finds in shoes and handbags. I love to stop in to see what they have to offer.
7. Do you have style tips for Lane Cove residents
- Invest in classic pieces – anything with a high price tag needs to be classic in style. It needs to last the distance and look fantastic in 5 years’ time.
- Select neutral for items that will last like kitchens, bathrooms and flooring. Add colour and pattern with accessories.
- Declutter – Apart from making a room seem bigger, it’s easier to clean and creates space for new and interesting items.
- A great reading chair and lamp for quite moments out is a must in a busy life – I do have a liking for an Eames Lounge Chair.
- Mixing different design styles together can work, just don’t overdo it.
- When renovating or decorating create a Pinterest account, add boards for each room you are working on and pin images from around the internet. Your interiors style will show through and make the searches for products so much easier with your mood board collection of pins. I have a slight obsession with Pinterest so feel free to start at The Design Library account and repin any of the images we have collected to your own boards. Enjoy!
