Colour Pop

In a world of monochromatic neutrals, Brisbane-based design firm Ivy and Piper stand tall, bold and bright.

“We unashamedly love colour,” says Elizabeth Flekser, who, alongside fellow director Melanie Parker, own and run the boutique consultancy.

“To us colour can alter a mood, set a tone and make an otherwise generic space absolutely unique,” says Melanie.

Whether it be a daring wall colour, a custom piece of furniture or a statement upholstery fabric, the duo have carved a highly-sought niche for themselves, creating these bold, eclectic and refreshingly bright interiors for clients across Queensland.

“We’re passionate about creating a bespoke experience for clients, weaving their personal story into a seemingly disparate mix of elements that results in an elegant interior, but one which is comfortably familiar,” says Elizabeth.

They have also recently completed stage one of a refurbishment of a Vanuatu-based resort; Aore Island.

“The design brief was to make the resort feel like a home away from home. We therefore treated it like any other client’s home – except we also needed to consider the commercial resort setting as well as the harsh tropical climate. On top of all that there were tight shipping deadlines we had to meet so that our clients could continue to operate, for the most part, during the renovation!” says Melanie.

While working away on stage two of Aore Island Resort, the duo are also looking to their ever-growing list of projects closer to home, with beautiful homes currently being transformed throughout Australia.

“The best best best design advice that we like to pass on to any homeowner comes from textile and literary master, William Morris, who said, ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’. In your travels the items you choose, whether big or small, should always fit into either of these two phrases. When you find a treasure that steals your heart, trust it. Chances are you will find the right place for it at home and you won’t regret buying it.”

“This is the rule we try to live by,” says Elizabeth, “that and to have fun with your interiors – pattern play should be the norm, not the exception!”