Shaynna Blaze’s style secrets

Como Historic House in South Yarra, Melbourne, is the epitome of Victorian architecture. I’m drawn to the romance of the home’s story – Edward Eyre Williams built it for his wife [in 1847] and apparently he wrote love letters to her in the study. I can see myself living here – if only! My dream home is definitely a Victorian house – I’d bring in some modern furniture but respect the features and the architecture.”

I’m amazed by the artistry involved in these handmade cloisonné vessels. This ancient metalwork technique could have been lost, but it has enjoyed a resurgence in the past 30 or 40 years. These versatile pieces are in my favourite colour combinations – black and white and blue and green – and can be used for storage or display. I try to leave one in each of my clients’ homes as my little gift to them.”

Black and white never goes out of style and always provides a classic base to work with, kind of like a little black dress. I recently visited The Mark hotel in New York and was in heaven in their foyer [left] – it’s a really modern and dramatic interpretation of monochrome. I also designed this kitchen, where the black-and-white palette allows the blue splashback to pop.” Try Taubmans Endure Interior paint in Trendy (below left), $45.90/1L, and Crisp White, $39.90/1L.

Flowers bring elegance; how can you go past fragrant peonies?! I especially love them because of their shape –  they start off really small and as they
bloom, they transform into a different structure. They’re equally beautiful as a single stem or as a massive bunch. If you have a stark room, put in a bunch of peonies and you’re in happy land! I like to have flowers in all my interiors, but at the moment, because I’m travelling so much, I have to stick to scented candles.”