Meet:

Loreta Bitteler

TBR’s in-house interior designer

“I have a true passion for colour, patterns, and textures. These elements can greatly impact the feel and atmosphere of a space, and I love experimenting with different combinations to create unique and visually stunning environments.”

Introduced to the world of art by her painter grandmother, Loreta Bitteler was encouraged to explore her creativity from a very young age.

It’s her deep love of love of art, architecture and history that still very much influences her work as an interior designer with her eclectic style combining different cultural influences to create a look that is both unique and full of personality.

We are thrilled to have someone with Loreta’s talent and rich experience on the Three Balls Red team, working closely with custom builders and clients on inspiring residential and commercial projects.

We chatted to Loreta about growing up in a multicultural family in Brazil, her greatest creative influences – hello Kelly Wearstler! - and the key design trends for 2023.

Have you always loved design, and can you share a little bit about your background?

I have been captivated by design from a young age, with a strong appreciation for architecture, art, and history. My grandmother, who was a painter, played a major role in my development as a designer by introducing me to the world of art and encouraging me to explore my creativity. Growing up in a multicultural family, I was exposed to a rich diversity of styles and influences, including those from Brazil where I was born and Argentina, where my father came from, which has greatly shaped my design style and perspective.

After moving to Sydney in 2006 and living there until 2011, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in home improvements by participating in several renovation projects. This practical experience, combined with my passion for design, led me to enrol in a Certificate 3 in Interior Design course at the International School of Colour and Design (ISCD) in 2014.

In 2016, I started working at Beaumont Tiles, where I learned everything about tiles, natural stone and bathroom ware. I loved helping customers make decisions about the hard finishes for their renovations or new builds. This role allowed me to develop my skills in material selection, space planning, and customer service.

My love for the design kept growing and I needed to know more. By December 2019, I graduated from TAFE Queensland with a Diploma in Interior Design, further enhancing my knowledge and expertise in the field. During my time in Australia, I lived in different cities, including Mudgee and the Gold Coast, my home since 2015, which gave me the chance to experience different Australian cultures and styles.

By February 2021, I joined Three Balls Red. This has been a fulfilling and exciting journey, working alongside amazing professionals that truly support me in being my authentic self. 

You have a passion for colour. Whom or what is the biggest inspiration for you as a designer?

I have a true passion for colour, patterns, and textures. These elements can greatly impact the feel and atmosphere of a space, and I love experimenting with different combinations to create unique and visually stunning environments. I have many designers who greatly inspire me. Kelly Wearstler is a major inspiration for me. She has a fearless approach to textures and is known for creating bold and dramatic interiors. Her use of patterns and colours is truly mesmerising and has helped me to push the boundaries of my own design style. Justina Blakeney is another designer I admire. She has a bohemian, eclectic style that incorporates a rich mix of patterns. Justina's work inspires me to be more playful and to mix and match different patterns to create dynamic and interesting spaces. Larissa Catossi is a Brazilian designer whose work I find particularly inspiring. She has a distinct style that incorporates traditional Brazilian motifs, colours, and textures, which she incorporates into her designs in a modern and sophisticated way. Lastly, Greg Natale is an Australian designer whose work I admire for its sophistication and attention to detail. He has a clean and modern aesthetic that is characterised by his use of geometric patterns and strong, bold colours. Greg's work is a great example of how colour, patterns, and textures can be used in a refined and elegant way.

Their work continues to inspire me to push the boundaries of my own design style and create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Do you have a distinctive style?

Yes, my style can be defined as a blend of ethnic elements from around the world, with a touch of bohemian and mid-century modern elements. A combination of Justina Blakeney and Larissa Catossi’s styles. An eclectic mix full of character, my style is all about combining different cultural influences to create a look that is both unique and full of personality.

What is your favourite material to work with and why?

I like to incorporate materials such as porcelain tiles, natural stone and timber to add a strong foundation to any interior. Porcelain tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces, such as indoor and outdoor spaces, floor and wall coverings. Porcelain tiles are also low-maintenance and durable, making them a practical choice for most people's everyday lives.

Natural stone such as marble, travertine, and limestone bring a touch of luxury and timeless elegance to any space. Natural stone is an amazing product and adds value and a sense of permanence to any space.

Timber is a warm and natural material that can be used in a variety of ways, such as flooring, cabinetry, or even as a feature wall. Timber brings a sense of warmth and comfort to a space and can be used to create a range of design styles.

What do you think makes a ‘great’ home?

A “great” home is one that makes those who live there feel comfortable and at ease.It is not about the latest trends or the most expensive materials but about creating a space that reflects the residents' tastes, styles, and needs. When a home is designed with these factors in mind, it has the potential to become a truly great home, one that residents will love for years to come.

It should be easy to navigate, with a logical flow and well-organised spaces.The layout and design should also take into consideration the lifestyle of the residents, providing spaces for relaxation, work, and entertainment.

This can be achieved through the use of soft, warm textures, inviting colours, and comfortable furniture.

A well-designed home will also incorporate natural light and fresh air, creating a sense of connection with the outdoors.

What are some strong trends in design right now?

There are some strong trends now such as:
• Natural materials like wood and stone bring a sense of warmth and comfort to any space as well as being sustainable.
• Bold, bright colours are making a statement in interior design, with many designers incorporating eye-catching hues into their spaces.
• Textured surfaces such as terrazzo, concrete, natural stone and timber grains are popular for adding depth and interest to spaces.
• Mixing and matching different design styles is becoming increasingly popular creating eclectic and unique spaces.
• Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into interior spaces, is becoming increasingly popular, helping to create a connection between humans and nature.

It has been found to support cognitive functions, physical health and psychological well - being. It is important to note that design trends are constantly evolving, and what is popular today may not be popular tomorrow.

Tell us about some of the TBR Projects you're currently working on?

I'm working on a few exciting projects in Yamba, Toowoomba and various locations around the Gold Coast. I'm looking forward to seeing the finalised projects bringing the clients' visions to life. 

What do you think is the TBR point of difference?

At Three Balls Red, we have passion for design and a commitment to helping people create spaces that reflect their unique personalities and lifestyle.Our goal is to help customers bring their ideas and dreams to life, and to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. This approach sets Three Balls Red apart from other design/tile shops, which may focus more on making the sale than on truly understanding the customer’s needs and vision.These points of difference make Three Balls Red a unique and valuable resource for anyone looking to create a beautiful, functional, and personally meaningful space. Whether you are renovating or building new, Three Balls Red is the perfect place to start.

To book a consultation with Loreta or learn more about Three Balls Red’s interior design consult package, click here