Monday, May 12, 2014

Q&A

Meet
Olivia Naomis


HOME:

Where do you draw your inspiration from to decorate your home?
I tend to draw inspiration from everything that surrounds me on a daily basis, as well interior blogs/magazines/instagram and current fashion trends. When I started to use pinterest to document images I loved or that inspired me, I started to notice that my boards were like a pantone chart (that’s the graphic designer in me!)  and that I had a distinct style but that there were obvious colour trends - one month I was obsessed with blue and the next month it was pink! People have even mentioned this about my instagram posts, so knowing this is what I’m like I do tend to stick to neutrals in my home and add colour with bright and patterned tea cups, fresh flowers or books that I can easily change up. 

What are your go to stores for home accessories?

Dlux - which recently changed over to Luis La Pegna (www.luislapegna.com) is one of my favourites here in Perth as well as Empire Homewares (www.worldofempire.com). They both have such a diverse range of colours, patterns and styles and I am always inspired (and overwhelmed) when I visit. Being a visual merchandiser for T2 I am constantly surrounded by the most beautiful homewares and absolutely love the variety in designs that they source and also in house design (I own quite a collection).

Do you have any tips for making the home cosy this coming winter?

I really love a modern home but have found it to be a little more difficult to create a ‘cosy’ space and atmosphere, especially in the winter time. I think its really important to love and feel good in the rooms you spend time entertaining or relaxing, and so comfort comes first! Plenty of cushions, soft throws, fluffy rugs, mood lighting and the scent and look of candles burning can instantly warm the place up. I also love having different shades of the same colour in a room, as well as contrasting of light and dark colours. All white and light shades is my favourite, and is clean and fresh in summer but can feel clinical and cold in the winter. 

What is your favourite thing about your home?

I would have to say the living room!  it’s a big open but cosy space surrounded by windows and it is where my family and friends gather for “tea time”.

Do you currently have your eyes on any home décor or furniture?

When do I not! I was recently gifted a beautiful Hermes Balcon du Guadalquivir teapot and a tea mug from the same range though, so sitting at the top of my wishlist is a platter to match the set. I am also eye’ing the Santamarta cutlery set in silver which is so beautifully engraved. I discovered a love for engraved cutlery at Vue De Monde, the restaurant we went to the night my fiancé and I got engaged. I feel like having the set in our own home to use for special occasions will be a beautiful reminder of that night. 





FASHION

How do you plan your outfits? Do you have any rules?

I usually plan my outfits in my head (my mind is like that program Cher has on Cluless!) If I put it on the day of the event or outing and I don’t feel right in it or it doesn’t look the way I had imagined then I usually change my outfit all together. I have learnt to never go out if I’m not 100% comfortable in what I am wearing as I will always regret the decision. Going out to enjoy yourself to me shouldn’t be compromised by how amazing an outfit could potentially look (hence I ditched the stilettos long ago and invested in wedges and chunky heels!) 

Favourite luxe brands?

YSL (now Saint Laurent) & Hermes.  

Favourite street brands?

I love Australian labels! My favs are Zimmermann, Aje, Sass & Bide, Willow, Country Road, Witchery, Viktoria + Woods. 

What are your 3 must have piece for this coming winter?

A pair of light fitted jeans, a warm turtle neck knit and an amazing sneaker. 

What is something that you will splurge on?

Jewellery, Sneakers, Handbags. I think it’s about having a few very special investment pieces that you know you will get so much wear out of and you can then build upon. I’m more willing to splurge on an item that is more classic than what is ‘on trend’ for the season as I’m less likely to get over it. 

Do you have a fashion icon?

My Yiayia (grandmother in Greek) who was a dress maker and always pulls together the most amazing outfits even at 80 years of age. Miroslava Duma, Olivia Palermo and Nicole Richie are constantly putting together outfits that I lust after or are inspired by.

Do you have any safety net pieces i.e ponchos on a bloated belly day? If so, why?

LBD and playsuits! If I try on everything and like nothing I will always opt for one of my black dresses that I will dress up with a chunky neck piece, or one of my lace playsuits that are tied in at the waist. There is one long sleeve lace playsuit by Zimmermann that I have that has saved me a number of times! It’s so versatile and can be worn night or day and it’s the first thing I pack when I go on Holidays as a back up. 






BUSINESS

How did Santiek come about?
I started Santiek in the last year of my graphic design degree to kick start my freelance business.

Did you have a clear vision for you brand?
I had a clear vision then, and fast-forward 6 years to now my vision has slightly altered and expanded into a few different avenues such as styling, events and pop up shops resulting in ‘House of Santiek’. As these picked up quite quickly and I started collaborating with a good friend of mine we decided we wanted to keep these other ventures separate from my graphic design business and EDIT by Rebecca & Olivia was born.

Where do you hope your brand will be in 5 years?
Recently I have been working on a lot of creative projects with santiek more suited to my interests than earlier years. With freelance of course you can’t choose your clients (they choose you) but my focus has been more on wedding stationary, bridal showers, baby showers and business identities. In 5 years I hope to be specializing in one area.

What can people expect from Santiek/EDIT?
Santiek - Personalized designs that cater to your personality, style and vision.
EDIT – A permanent gallery space/shop front is on the cards…   



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