TBR Conversation  Di Challinor

TBR WEBSITE BANNER (5).png__PID:6a8e728b-cc91-438b-9cb7-dc36846cfaadTBR INSTA POST (6).png__PID:728bcc91-338b-4cb7-9c36-846cfaadeffb

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 INSTA POST (7).png__PID:c284b177-4ca9-4d38-b6d2-273f245779c0

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 INSTA POST (9).png__PID:4e8195c5-35cc-42f1-ac6f-7c7664b70890
4.png__PID:a2f16c6f-7c76-44b7-8890-a45ac7753c8c
6.png__PID:a45ac775-3c8c-4e1b-8cba-29354f3f5209
5.png__PID:64b70890-a45a-4775-bc8c-3e1b8cba2935
TBR INSTA POST (8).png__PID:4ca9bd38-f6d2-473f-a457-79c0595d271b

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 choses 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.

Shop the Di Challinor Look

SHOP NOW