GET TO KNOW DESIGN DIRECTOR SHEIRA SAID
Tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and your work. How does your life shape your work as an interior designer?
I am first and foremost a mother. A mother to 3 adult children that have been a driving force in my personal and professional life. I started out in interior design when I was just 25 years old, working on my first home – my own family home. For the first time, I felt completely alive and fulfilled and realised this was my calling. I am a highly aesthetic person, both with respect to design and also fashion, art and everyday life. Being so aesthetic and being aware of every detail that surrounds our everyday lives, I am continuously inspired.
What’s your earliest memory of being impacted by design?
My mother is a highly aesthetic person, a woman that has always had incredible style and impeccable taste. I grew up in an environment where beauty was everywhere around me. My mother was not a professional designer but she could have been. From our home to the way she dressed to the way she presented food – it was always magnificent. This was how my life was impacted by design – it was by osmosis.
How would you describe your personal aesthetic/style?
My style would best be described as eclectic. I love the collection of personal items that have historical or emotional connections. I strive for unique and personal and avoid trends where possible. I don’t relate to one specific style, I let the architecture and energy of the property lead me to what works best, they must work together to get the best result.
What piece in your home most excites you?
I have a Glass Italia Shimmer coffee table designed by Patricia Urquiola that is my pride and joy. It’s that bright modern twist, that is unexpected in my calm and neutral palette.
What are your favourite design tips?
If you love it, use it. There are no right and wrongs in design, don’t be scared to try things. Small spaces work best with large pieces.
We know that you are also a professional stylist. How do you approach your styling projects? And How did you manage fashion styling and interior designing all at once?
Fashion Styling is not much different from interior design. The client, their shape, lifestyle and personality are similar to the architecture of a home. I am able to curate looks that work best with these perimeters. The fashion styling arm of my business was born from the interior design side – my clients always asked me where I got some of my pieces and how did I manage to shop and look effortless – one thing led to another. I seem to be like an elastic band, I stretch to take on as much as I can, and there is no line between my work and my life.
Can you talk about what we can expect from your upcoming projects?
I am working on an exciting project on Hamilton Island, a refurbishment of a 20-year-old property nestled in lush vegetation overlooking the Whitsundays for an amazing family from Brisbane. I am also working on a beautiful traditional home in Mosman that is getting a respectful rebuild with a classic contemporary feel. My Barangaroo apartment is going through another upgrade and I have a chic apartment in Sydney’s easter suburbs for a couple who are downsizing from a big family home. 2022-23 is looking exciting.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The connection I make with my clients and my team, the singular goal of bringing a project to life and seeing the surprise elements that I worked into the design but were unexpected. The people I meet and the friendships I make. Also seeing the end result, where my vision has come to life and my clients’ are truly thrilled with the result.
What inspires your interior design decisions?
Gut instinct is 80% of my decision process – I just see it. I also endeavour to avoid trends that make selections easy and work towards a variation on a theme. All the things around me continue to inspire me even when I am not conscious of it – a movie I have watched, a place I have been or a book I have read.
Describe a project that you’re most proud of.
I am proud of so many, regardless of the size or budget but from a creative point of view, I would have to say my Mykonos Meets Miami project and Art House are two that stand out.
