After dealing in homewares in a retail role and as a hobbyist,it became obvious to Juliet Horsley it was the path she wanted to pursue. She decided it was time to turn her passion and natural flair for design into a dedicated venture. Specialising in the custom design of lamps, mirrors, tables, screens and accessories, her forte is finding distinctive recycled timbers and showcasing them at their best. Growing up on a farm in NSW, Juliet developed a love of natural earthy hues, as well as a ready supply of timber to salvage. She believes recycling old timber from farm fences and cattle yards is a win-win situation: The environment benefits as old materials are removed from the land, and she gives the timber a new life. "You have to spend a bit of time searching for the right timber. But things don't have to be perfect; it's nice to have the odd quirky element to it," Juliet says. Getting something beautiful in its natural state, then allowing nature to speak for itself, is pivotal to her style. "I don't think ahead that I'm going to make a mirror to look like this, then go looking for the timber," she says. Juliet says having a bit of history surrounding the timber source allows a piece to take on more soul and depth. Admiration from visitors for a large mirror her mum had framed using old timber from the farm's cattle-yard gate was the ideal research and inspiration for Juliet's venture into design. "The mirror was a bit of home on the wall," she says. But her design work extends beyond reclaimed woods. She developed an interest in screens after falling in love with Belgian linen. Juliet views a screen as a blank canvas, and applies many finishes such as fabric, baked enamel and wallpaper. "Screens can be a way to use fabric that you love without having to use masses of it," she says. Lamps were a natural progression, combining her love of linen fabric with timber. She finds the complementary colour tones of linen the ideal suitor for a shade to fit the character of the recycled timber base. Interest shown by customers in Juliet's tables she had designed to use in her showroom in Middle Park, saw her add tables to her range. For those who enjoy the warmth of timber or traditional style, lots of pieces harmoniously blend together.
Wreaths are priced from $45, birch tealights are $15 for a single, screens start from $950, lamps from $460 and mirrors from $350. For commissions or to view the range, phone Juliet on 9534 0633.
HOME JUNE 11, 2005