Madison wears Binny The Great Migration Shirt.
When I was working as an interior designer in Australia, I often struggled to get my hands on the vintage mirrors and lighting I wanted for my projects. I love mixing old and new, but back home, the vintage selection was limited. I’d find amazing pieces online, but they were always in Europe, or belonged to an elderly person selling off their knick-knacks with no idea how to ship abroad—so I kept running into the same roadblock.
My husband Tom was always floating the idea of moving to Europe and the timing just felt right. In 2021 we got married and within 30 days were on a flight to Spain. I’ve always loved vintage Rattan and Bamboo. So when we were deciding on a city, Barcelona was a no brainer. A haven for vintage mid-century furniture, incredible architecture and any sunny weather almost 365 days a year.
Madison wears Binny Hatari Shirt & Landrover pants.
Your background at RMIT and seven years in the industry clearly shape your work. How did those early experiences influence the aesthetic & vision for Petite Motif?
I’ve always been drawn to eccentric, unique lighting and objects. I think I am allergic to white! When I graduated from RMIT, I knocked on the doors of Frey Home and Tiles of Ezra asking for a job. Considering my attraction to Mediterranean and eclectic interiors, this seemed like the perfect match for me. And it was a success.
Madison wears Binny Hatari Shirt, Landrover pants.& Giraffes Can't Dance Dress.
You’re known for mixing old and new in your designs. What draws you to vintage Mediterranean & as an Aussie how do you approach sourcing these treasures without giving up all your secret sources of course? Are there any favourite discoveries that stand out?
For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved anything rattan, bamboo or shell shaped. When making furniture selections for clients the first thing I would search for would be a vintage rattan piece of furniture and then the rest would follow.
When sourcing at a flea market, I go in with an open mind. With vintage it’s so “hit and miss”. Some days are amazing and some days there is nothing. I try not to overthink it and just go with pieces I am drawn too.
Don’t make me choose! Haha. This year I sourced a pair of pink crystal flower murano sconces. Oh my god. They are up there. Seriously a piece of art.
Madison wears Binny Hatari Shirt & Landrover pants.
Has living in Barcelona influenced your style and the way you curate for Petite Motif? (We can imagine you wandering Park Guell on a daily basis.)
Absolutely. Just walking down the street to get your groceries here is a visual treat. There is no detail spared. Especially in the old, original interiors.. There will be a cute little light fitting sitting in a nook and I will think ‘I would never have thought to put that there’. Not to mention all the new interiors around town. Barcelona is the epitome of blending traditional and modernity.
Madison wears Binny Masai Mara Dress. & Giraffes Can't Dance Dress.
We love from the fashion perspective the relaxed effortlessness & use of colour in Spain. As an interior designer with experience in both Australia and Europe, how do you think the design preferences or styles differ between the two regions?
I feel Australian’s are far more relaxed and neutral with their interiors, leaning more towards palettes of whites, greys and beige interiors that won’t date. In Spain, colours and patterns are their “Neutrals”. Their commitment, consistency and confidence to playful materials and finishes is what makes it work. I can see Australia is starting to experiment with bolder colour ways and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Madison wears Binny Masai Mara Dress.
Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca. My absolute dream project is to design, furnish and style boutique accommodation on the Balearic Islands!!
I swear by matching sets. I have a mix of plain linen and then some fun patterned sets. They take out the guess work of what to wear each day and you effortlessly look put together. For a special event I will lean towards a silky, patterned set - pair it with a cute bag, do my hair and makeup et voila! Linens for day, silks and patterns for night!
Madison wears Binny Hatari Shirt.
We are lucky enough to have warm weather for around 9 months of the year in Spain. So hosting dinner parties on our terrace is one of my favourite things to do. The key is having all the food prepared before your guests arrive and the kitchen cleaned. On a Summer night there is no reason for anyone to be inside!
As a lucky double summer person what's your go - to summer holiday spots for both Australia and Europe? And your favourite things to do in each?
Europe - We love any beach towns along the Costa Brava. Palafrugell is gorgeous. You can walk along the coastal trail and finish up in town and have lunch facing the sea at Margarita. If you want to treat yourself - book a few nights at Isabella’s ;)
Australia - When we are visiting Melbourne we drive straight down to my husband’s family beach house in Inverloch. Fish and chips by the beach are essential.
Madison wears Binny The Great Migration Shirt.
What does the future hold for Petite Motif? Is there anything exciting on the horizon you can share with us & ( sneaking two questions into this last tenth question) if we are in Oz & you are in Spain how is the best way for us to work together on interiors?
I am always working on projects in Australia from Spain! I will be in Australia for parts of 2025, if you are interested to work together please do send me an email and say hi!
I’ve been bringing to life my own collection of Petite Motif lighting, designing sconces in stitched parchment paper. They’re handmade here in Barcelona with local craftspeople. So I'm working on more designs to add to the collection!
I have some fun interior projects coming up in 2025. I am always working on projects in Australia from Spain and vice versa. If you are looking to work together, please send me an email and say hi! I love hearing all your ideas - big or small!
Xx
- Maddy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitemotif/?hl=en
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