• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
    • Tv-Removal-2_a-1Before and after: how to make the most of compact living
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
    • AFTER kitchenKitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Greg Natale accessoriesGreg Natale debuts new lifestyle collection at Maison&Objet Paris
    • Joan BlondNew Aussie original art collection inspired by our endless summer
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Screen Shot 2023-01-23 at 4.05.25 pmTerrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • 0Q7A5539Foodie Friday: Confit salmon with preserved lemon & pomegranate
    • Burrawang HouseNew Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Baz Du Bois shares his design senses

January 24, 2015 Leave a Comment

FacebookPinEmailTweet

When Jen asked me to join the Reno Addict team, I didn’t have to think about it at all! The chance to share my 30-plus years of experience as well as collaborate on all things design, renovation and real estate with my amazing co-contributors was an opportunity I could not refuse!

Baz Du Bois headshot

I love these subjects with a passion. I am that guy that if you ask me a very simple question about your home, I will spend the next hour asking questions, talking design philosophies, drawing plans, perspectives, sections and details on the back of a napkin or any scrap paper I can find! Alongside that will be a timeline and budget estimate!

I love all adventure sports, I am very competitive and love surfing and especially sailing, but nothing gets my blood pumping like the journey from a conversation about the way you live to broad strokes on paper, right through to the birth of a space that will be a part of someone’s life.

Baz Du Bois roof

My career is vast and I feel very lucky that I have been able to design contemporary styled multi-million dollar homes, renovate heritage rich, master built state buildings, design and craft furniture and knock together a chicken coup with a mate and his kids in exchange for a BBQ sausage and cold beer on completion. For all my projects, regardless of the value, the size or the timeline in which it’s completed, I have and follow a very simple philosophy.

For any design project I will always consider what I call my Design SENSES:

S: Self and self-awareness.

Many people search photo libraries for inspiration for their space. Whilst this may help refine details later in the process, magazines, photo galleries etc are snapshots of other people’s lives or a styled photo contrived to turn on the consumer gene in your brain, tempting you to rush out and buy everything you see in that photo.

For a design to work, it must turn on all your emotions and to have that strength the first consideration must be the relationship you want to have with others in the space. Analyse that relationship, how you want guests in the space to feel, and write all these thoughts down then put them in order of importance and refer back to them.

E: Entry and Exit.

Architecture can’t force people to connect, only plan the crossing points and stage the journey. How you orientate the entry not only determines the start and finish of your journey, which should never be rushed, it also should give a hint of the personality of the people who occupy the space as well as the personality of the space itself. The way you allow movement through the space toย turn on many emotions. Be surprising but balanced, to enjoy the focal point or vista of a space.

N: Niche.

Your niche is your identity and it’s what makes you ‘you’. If you are having an identity crisis with design then I guess you can’t figure out who you are or how to express that. If you’re working with a client or for your own space, it’s very important not to lose this niche or spirit in a space. It may be a classic piece of furniture, a view or an artwork. These are ideal moments to determine a focal point.

S: Signature.

This is what identifies it as yours or your client’s own, best achieved with colour and texture. Be bold, be subtle, but be honest to the people who will inhabit the space.

E: Environment.

I have always been passionate about our environment and that passion has amplified since the birth of my twins, Bennet and Arabella. For all of my projects, I consider not just this lifetime but how what I do today will affect my children’s life and their planet. The health and wellbeing of the fabrics, material and coatings you use will be reflected and recognised in the soul of your space and designs

S: Sunlight & mechanical light.

If not considered, artificial light will dull your senses and drain the space you have created of all life and personality. Light is the final layer of your space. It’s the layer that changes regularly and without reference. Nothing plays on you senses and emotions like light, whether it’s the morning glow of the sun, the dance of the moon or the mood set by mechanical light.

By all means reflect on my design SENSES but I encourage you to create and develop your own too. They will vary from job to job, but I promise this investment will pay dividends 10-fold.

Peter Wilmouth

Architecture and the built environment are essentially an extension of nature into your world. It is necessary to find a balance between control of the space and a freedom which allows things to happen. If you build your space or project on paper from the ground up over and over again, continually increasing the detail, you will not only build confidence in the design but also start building your critical construction, path and budget. It’s an extension of the old saying: measure twice, cut once.

Read all Baz’s posts for Reno Addict.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • AFTER kitchen Kitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes
  • IKEA hacks Australia: DIY built-in HEMNES cabinetry how-to
  • The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

Follow us on Instagram

Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

More from Architecture

AFTER lounge

80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home

Hardie exterior cladding

New exterior cladding product perfect for the Scandi-barn look

Burrawang House

New Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands

Bedroom

Art and colour star in cottage reno inspired by Kit Kemp

The Fabric

Mirvac’s new stylish and sustainable display home in Melbourne

Master bedroom

Sophisticated Melbourne home an ode to its owners’ Italian roots

Download digital house plans & schedules from The Designory

A modern interpretation of the Arts & Craft movement in London

Lounge and dining

Apartment transformed with luxury finishes and space saving ideas

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarRebecca from Wee Birdy says

    February 5, 2015 at 3:12 am

    Hurrah for your first post, Barry!

    I love your approach to design and you also seem like a super-nice fella on The Living Room (everyone in the room has to shush when you’re giving DIY advice.

    Looking forward to reading more tips and advice on renovating and design. We moved into a 30-year-old pole house in the middle of a rainforest-type environment about a year ago. The original owner was a builder/architect so he designed his dream home informed by modernist design. And while we’re in love with the space, let’s just say it’s presented us with some… *interesting* renovating issues.

    And congrats Jen on the launch of your website. Loving it! x

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 5, 2015 at 10:10 am

      Thanks for your post Rebecca! I’m sure Baz will appreciate your kind words!

      Reply
    • AvatarBaz Du Bois says

      February 10, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks for the comment Rebbecca, I would really suggest living in it for at least 2 years before planning and major changes. Take care and let me know if I can help with any advice

      Reply
  2. AvatarKim DiPasquale says

    February 11, 2015 at 12:12 am

    Thanks so much for sharing such informative tips, Barry. Your passion for design and Reno is so evident- as well as being such a knowledgeable leader in your profession and that’s why we can confidently follow your tips and know that they will not only work, but beautify as well- which is so important in our dream home renovations we are undergoing

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 11, 2015 at 1:46 am

      Thanks for your comment, Kim!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!