TBR Conversation : Di Challinor
Known for her flawless, eclectic style, accomplished interior designer Di Challinor is the creative talent behind Queensland’s award-winning, design-led Bli Bli Hotel and a slew of other upscale projects.
Three Balls Red caught up with the formidable Di to chat about her bold start in the business, why a space needs to invite rather than alienate and how decorating brings joy in an uncertain world.
TBR: Have you always been creative?
DC: I’ve always loved design and colour, inspired by my mum’s marvellous creativity. After leaving school, I walked past Avant Garde, an interior design studio in Sydney, and fell in love with the window displays.
I simply walked in and asked if they had a job. To cut a long story short, I trained to be an interior decorator and ended up as their international purchasing officer.
TBR: We love that! What are your main influences?
DC: So many designers! From the classical and traditional like Ralph Lauren to the sensational architecture by the late Zaha Hadid and the ultra-contemporary Italian designers - there are too many to mention.
TBR: How would you describe your design style?
It’s very eclectic. From beach houses, country estates, slick city apartments, boutique hotels, man caves, I design for my client and each job is unique.
I prefer understatement to over-embellishment. I love the mix of opposites such as antiques with minimalist furniture.
I love to incorporate a client’s treasures with their new-look surroundings.
TBR: Bli Bli Hotel took out Hotel of the Year at the Queensland Hotels Association Awards last year.
Can you tell us about this project and the initial brief?
DC: I was lucky enough to have Carte Blanche so I was able to indulge my creative nature.
I wanted a space that invited all ages, felt truly comfortable to be in, where one felt at home rather than at the office.
I used wallpapers, hanging plants, oversized trees and high-end fabrics to create a sense of high decorative drama yet social intimacy.
TBR: What do you think makes a truly beautiful space?
DC: One that invites rather than alienates; modernity with soft edges!
When you invest in a beautiful space, you invest in a client’s well-being, their joyfulness and their peace of mind.
A beautiful space means a beautiful life. I believe that decorating brings joy to an uncertain world.
TBR: Why do you opt to work with/source from Three Balls Red?
DC: Your products are high-quality, innovative and their choices ahead of the crowd.
The Three Balls Red team’s personal attention and service is always delightful.
Your business standards are unwavering and highly professional.
TBR: What projects are you currently working on?
DC: A man cave in Melbourne, a terrace house in Sydney’s Surry Hills, a hotel in Sydney’s Paddington, the gaming room at the Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane, and the foyer and indoor pool in a local high-rise on the Gold Coast.
