I feel there’s nothing Tara Dennis can’t do. This local legend has been designing, styling and crafting the nation for years and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. It’s not all style hits, though, as I found out when I spoke to Tara and asked her about some of her interior wins, woes and ‘what was I thinking’ moments!
You’ve been the wondrous design queen on Better Homes and Gardens for years. What do you love about the show?
“Wow, that’s quite a title but better that than being known as a princess!
It’s my eighth year with Better Homes, I adore the cast and crew; we’re all great mates and we do it for the viewers. Friday night is family night and people tell us often that they sit down together to watch, so it’s really special time. It’s fun, fast and harmless – and inspires people to have a go and make their homes better. I love being part of that”.
What’s been your best design or craft project to date?
“My husband and I build and renovate houses together and our latest build is where we’re currently living. It’s on the Hawkesbury River just north of Sydney and is coming together nicely. It’s exactly how we planned; a little white wooden cabin with a weekend vibe. It’s really cosy and now it’s nearly done I’m having fun furnishing and working on the details”.
Any projects you look back on and think “what was I thinking”?
“Oh always, but often that was the brief! The TV show I was on called Changing Rooms was hilarious – we had such limited time and budgets and the producers were pretty cool with people not always liking the outcome. It completely freaked people out and it was a massive learning curve for me”.
What’s an easy thing readers can do to improve the look of their room on a budget?
“It’s amazing what a big difference simply moving the furniture around can make. I always suggest having a big tidy up, put things away you seldom use and find better ways to store things. This bookcase (below) is a story on my website and is a great example of what a quick paint makeover and clever organising can do. Accents can make a big difference too, cushions, throws, a rug and new lamp can have huge impact and can be found at affordable prices these days”.
How would you describe your own home style?
“Casual, relaxed, coastal. I like to live with soft colours and natural accents”.
What do you think are the hot trends for interiors right now?
“Geometrics are still big, while golden metallics and copper shine on. Coming up I’m seeing a real tribal, African safari vibe as well as tropical resort luxury. I like the new term ‘well thy’ that’s used to describe living in harmony and balance – natural organic materials and soft weathered colours. Grey is still a key colour while black and white schemes are coming, warmed with blonde timber”.
What’s your one design must-have?
“My paint box – all of my ideas start there. With it I create designs for my homewares range and if I want to whip up an art work to liven a plain wall, it’s right there at my fingertips”.
CLICK HERE to find out more about talking trends with Tara at Reed Gift Fair.
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