My home is not a show home it is a family home full of memories from passed family members, friends and a grown family.  It is full of ‘project stuff’ that I do for interest for myself or others.   Projects that often involve fabric but not always, projects taking me months or sometimes years to complete.

I am a hoarder of fabric and books!  Sometimes an impulse buyer if I see a piece of fabric that takes my fancy and it will often get stashed for years before I make it into something.  The beauty of that is that no one else will have what you wear.  The fabric is often brightly coloured or an unusual weave or texture, often a natural fibre but not always.  I recently wore a top out that I made 15 years ago, it is a one off as it is one of my own designs and the fabric is very unusual and because it is different I often get complimented when I wear it.    I like that I still have clothes in my wardrobe that are not trendy, that were never trendy but are me because I don’t buy off the shelf clothes that often.

I buy books, new and preloved!  I love design books, craft books, motivational books, and so many different books.  I don’t always read them, some are there for reference and left with markers, others are just to look at the pictures, some I just simply loved the feel or smell of them.  One of my favourites (one of many) is a little book of Victorian Posies I bought probably 20 years ago that has a purple/blue fabric cover, beautiful watercolour  images of posies throughout with instructions on what flowers are in each posy and the treat when you open this delightful book is it smells of lavender.   And long after the scent has gone it still lingers in my memory and the images as if it is as fresh as the day I bought it.

I am not a believer of buying fashionable ‘stuff’.  Anyone can all do that.   Where is the individuality in purchasing something where there are racks, shelves or shop floors of the same ‘stuff’?

I am a believer in buying quality, well made products where possible, but this is often driven by budget as to whether it is affordable or not.  I’m not opposed to buying preloved furniture and accessories if it fits.  There are various internet sites offering good quality preloved goods that are often affordable and can look great with a little TLC if purchased wisely.  It is no different from purchasing new piece furniture.  You should always be aware of what you are purchasing, how it is made and where it comes from, if possible.  The better the quality the longer it will last and the less chance of it going to the landfill within 5 years.  If you choose something that you love, you will be more inclined to keep it.

My personal style is very eclectic with pieces of furniture that belonged to my grandparents, new pieces sitting along pieces purchased off Buy Sell and Exchange (before Trademe days).  I love local art!  My artwork is a mixture of paintings by my kids to New Zealand scenery of favourite places to well-known local artists.  Everything tells a story of where it came from or where I was and who was with me, when it was purchased.

We are very much a throwaway society and to make the change we need to buy wisely and think about why we are purchasing.  Make a conscious decision!  Create a home that tells a story, your story rather than just pieces of furniture or accessories that will fill a space and ‘look trendy’.

Make a difference!

I am available for speaking engagements for small groups or larger organizations and can be contacted below.

Terry Lobb Colour and Design Ltd – Interior Designer/Personal Stylist/Colour Consultant

If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation or have a query about product discussed you can contact me on 027 602 3298 or terry@terrylobb.com or like me on Facebook.