A Design Journey – Georgina Jeffries Interior Design
With an empathetic understanding that each space can be its own unique sanctuary, Georgina Jeffries Interior Design is founded on principles of balance and timelessness.
Based in the coastal town of Lorne, on the Great Ocean Road, the studio sees the evolution of design as a reference for nostalgia, the creation of refuges and, ultimately, the elevation of the liveability of our spaces. With a portfolio spanning boutique residential and retail projects, Georgina Jeffries Interior Design has an underlying connection to tactility and texture, using light, proportion and balance to propose spaces that connect and resonate. At the core of the practice, reflects Founding Director Georgina Jeffries, is the belief that “the design journey is just as important as the finished project.”
A small and growing studio, “we believe in the importance of an emotional connection with spaces and the power of good design,” she says. Each different client comes with their own narrative, and “our work is varied between coastal, country and city living, so each project has its unique style, but we try to ensure that all projects share a refined and restrained response to detail and design.” She adds, “although we may have a distinct look, our clients are our driving inspiration and dealing with both new builds and renovations means there is a lot of variety in our work. We approach each project with the design principles that drive and inspire, such as quality finishes and workmanship, light and refinement of spaces. We are committed to creating timeless interiors.”
Georgina honed her skills at Hecker Guthrie, where she met Pip McCully, with whom she later started multidisciplinary practice Wonder. Later, some time away from the design industry ensued when she travelled the west coast of Australia of six months. Upon reflection of that time, Georgina says, “it was a journey for personal discovery and a time out that I needed to renew my passion for design. I decided to move down the Victorian coast when I returned and was super excited to start over in the industry. As soon as we settled in Lorne, everything fell into place and my practice was established.”
The studio’s design process is about collaboration and developing an understanding of each client, Georgina says. “The initial stages are all about getting to know our clients. We listen, ask questions and try to extract exactly how our clients want to live – what their hopes and dreams for the spaces are.” She believes the key to her success thus far has been centred on human connection. “We are a small practice, but I see our team as a big family – our builders, joiners, sales representatives and external consultants are all involved in realising our vision, so a lot of people are involved in our daily practice. We work very closely with our clients and family of trades – site meetings are usually a really fun and exciting part of our day.”
Connection between disciplines is also an important part of her practice. “There is such a close connection between architecture and furniture,” explains Georgina. “Shuowen Jiezi is a Chinese dictionary from the Han Dynasty. [There is an expression] that ‘Home means the living. Furniture means the provisioning.’ The two need each other to realise a holistic design outcome. This is how I see all aspects of design. They are all interwoven.”
Working within such a dynamic industry, there are a number of changes that Georgina believes are improving the way design is delivered. “A real positive is the championing of sustainable and carbon neutral design practice,” she says. “At the start of this year we saw a huge development driven by the architecture industry for practices to go carbon neutral in 2020, and I think it has really pushed designers and clients to be more conscious and considered in their approach to practice, materiality and design. It’s a great step forward, not only for Australian design but also
for the future and longevity of our projects.”
Georgina’s work speaks for itself, with the subtle consideration that sees every element designed and brought together through deliberate contemplation. Her approach and constant development of processes are testament to her detail and dedication to craft. She says, “with every project I learn something new and am constantly evolving and discovering new and better ways to approach design. Over the years, I have learnt to trust my own judgment but also that a great team is everything. The best work comes from collaboration.”
With plans for custom designs underway and the intention to immerse herself in travel and expand the horizons of her practice, Georgina is excited about what the future holds. “I’m super passionate about what I do and would love an international project,” she says. “Styling is an ever-growing part of our practice and I am looking to blend these two passions and have a small but special selection of pieces on offer to my clients that I’ve sourced from around the globe. I’m looking forward to this – travel is my greatest inspiration.”
