Alix Helps

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

I saw an opportunity to combine my passion and knowledge to offer a solution to people who are either too busy, lacking confidence or simply find the idea of decorating utterly daunting. I love working with people and I find the process of transforming a space immensely rewarding.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU DO?

I’m an Interior Decorator working mostly in residential projects. Essentially, I work with a pre-existing space, helping people to turn a room into something they love and feel proud of. Sometimes it might be just one room, sometimes more.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON LATELY?

A lovely local project for a fabulous family of four. These guys did the dream new-build about four years ago, but as is often the case, after you move in… there’s not much left in the tin. Four years down the track and they were ready to make their gorgeous house into a dream home. With two parents working full time and a busy family life, time was precious and they were keen to get it right. I was engaged to design and specify four rooms in the house:

  • A formal lounge – my clients were looking for a very grown up feel with a dash of glamour for sipping champers with great mates and listening to the grand piano get a work out.
  • Home office – A total blank canvas, it needed to accommodate their girls’ homework activities and a provide a stylish spot for the owners to work from home. They loved the idea of incorporating a map of the world.
  • Dining room – this was one of those open plan areas that links common areas and transitions with sliding doors to a fabulous outdoor living space. As is common in many new houses, it featured many hard, shiny surfaces and I really saw an opportunity to soften harsh lines and bring about balance by introducing texture whilst sitting within the neutral palette through the common areas of the home.
  • Family room – this was an opportunity to stamp some style on a TV watching area connected to the kitchen. Designs are in final stages just now, and I’m so happy with the transformation that’s about to take place. Watch this space…

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ISCD?

iscd seemed to offer exactly what I was looking for and I think I sit squarely in the middle of their target demographic, so it was a good fit. I was nudging 40 and craving the freedom to pursue my long held passion while keeping the family wheels turning.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR TIME AT ISCD?

I loved it. The learning, fun and friendships and the growing possibility of a new career that I had dreamed of for so long.

WHAT WERE THE MOST VALUABLE THINGS YOU LEARNED THERE?

Alongside the fundamentals of design, colour theory, styling, sourcing, and presenting were the equally important nuts and bolts of exactly how to set myself up with a workable business.

HOW DID YOUR TIME AT ISCD HELP YOU TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I felt really well prepared. The fact that we studied hard and researched, role-played and practiced pretty much every aspect of my job, right down to the nitty-gritty admin, gave me the confidence to get started with real life client projects.

ANY ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY AND ARE LOOKING AT STUDY?

Think long and hard about what you are most passionate about. Apply the good old “Do what you love/ love what you do” theory. Talk to your family. Get the support you need. And… Do it!