• 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

      Australia’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

      We’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 doesn’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 lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

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

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • EnsuiteLuxury lakeside living on NSW South Coast: A fab reno
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

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

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • BathroomNew Kmart homewares range one of its best yet!
    • Soffle_Nina-Szewczyk3How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’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
    • BedroomFormer Block twins Alisa & Lysandra’s latest project
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’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

Passion and integrity are Barbara Hermon’s secrets to longevity with Hermon&Hermon

April 19, 2013

FacebookPinEmailTweet

The last 46 years have seen Barbara Hermon become a household name synonymous with style, quality and the best of interior design.

John and Barbara Hermon of Hermon&Hermon
Husband and wife John and Barbara Hermon, of Hermon&Hermon

This year, Melbourne institution Hermon&Hermon celebrates 23 years on top, but inside the fickle and often foreboding world of retail, perhaps Barbara’s most impressive accomplishment is the mere fact that she is still an ever-present force among her fellow design enthusiasts, pushing the boundaries to create trends whilst simultaneously avoiding them.

Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting with Barbara to discuss the logistics behind her longevity. “Passion, resilience and determination are the most important things,” she told me.

After moving to Melbourne, she  began working for Trade Action and, in 1972, became the homewares and jewellery buyer for Handicrafts of Asia. “I travelled to developing countries; Pakistan, Ethiopia and India, and discovered many incredible handmade, one-off pieces. My experience being a buyer was invaluable and gave birth to my passion for quality handmade products and natural fibres.’’

Barbara says the biggest issue with bricks and mortar retail right now is “truly dismal” customer service. “I am very proud of the feedback we get and I believe this is due to the emphasis we put on staff knowing the products and having a genuine love for what we do.

‘’We take our staff to visit our local manufacturers to witness how the product is made for themselves. People still want that shopping experience, especially with furniture, and my passionate team offers that to the huge cross-section of customers coming through our doors.’’

Hermon&Hermon in Melbourne’s Richmond

At the heart of H&H lies a great deal of philanthropy. Barbara is a strong voice and advocate for the Philippines, where much of her stock is manufactured, and freely declares her dislike of imitation furniture and the importance of defending the integrity of designers.

‘’Often people ask me why I don’t go to China and have the furniture made cheaply and I tell them copying is something I am firmly against. Once copied, furniture loses its soul. If I see a designer being replicated I will contact people. It is about principle. Quality design and craftsmanship is what I love and I will defend it.

“We have spent a long time building our relationship with the H&H manufacturers in the Philippines and we are passionate about the country and the incredible work of its people. I also think of how many people rely on our business for their livelihood.’’

After two decades, Barbara is well placed to explain how she keeps H&H customers on their toes: “The future will always bring the promise of reinvention, something my husband John and I believe to be a vital aspect of our business. I never sit back; instead I look for different ways to showcase the furniture. The same couch displayed differently is a new piece.”

With staff whose ages range from 22 to 72, they’re forever working to evolve the store and everyone’s opinion is valued. “The youth in our team have been a huge part of how we find middle ground between staying true to what many describe as “very Hermon&Hermon’’ and staying fresh and innovative,” says Barbara. Having product appear on shows like The Block, holding in-store events with guests like Shaynna Blaze, and great relationships with magazine stylists and itnerior designers, have also played their part.

Barbara makes sure there’s always “a wow factor piece” in every H&H story, even if it’s only one item. “There must always be that element of wow. It excites people and draws them into the store. The piece may live its life on display but the power in its statement is worth it.”

Through the tough times in retail, it’s passion that has kept Barbara going. “In 46 years there have been so many ups and downs and I think ‘Oh my God, this is bad,’ but you have to keep going. Yes, be a realist. At the end of the day I’m a businesswoman but I do believe if the passion’s strong enough, it will get you through.’’

Hermon&Hermon | 556 Swan Street | Richmond
 | Melbourne

Photographs by Julian Pang.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Ailanto The best new interior finds for kids + designer chair giveaway!
  • Lounge room 90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home
  • Ensuite Luxury lakeside living on NSW South Coast: A fab reno
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home

Follow us on Instagram

New @kmartaus home has dropped! Hit up the link i New @kmartaus home has dropped!

Hit up the link in bio for more and links to buy. Enjoy!

#kmarthack #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #kmartaustralia #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #bargainhomewares #bargainbuys
Take a scroll through the stunning new art on line Take a scroll through the stunning new art on linen collab from @grottilotti and @linen_house We love it! ❤️

And even if you're not in the market for new linen, the bird cushions would look fab on a sofa. The pink one might be finding its way to my house...

More info on the homepage now via link in bio.

#grottilotti #artistcollaboration #australianartist #australianart #australianartists #bedlinen #linenhouse #boldbedroom #colourfulbedroom #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #bedroomrefresh #bedroomgoals😍 #linenaddict  #cockatoos #australianbirdsofinstagram
I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scal I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scallop design and colour pop of these lampshades from new brand @soffle_lights 

Read founder Sophie Cartwright's top tips for transforming your rental home on the blog now. Via link in bio.

Which colour is your fave?!

#lampshademaker #lampshadedesign #lampshademaking #floorlamps #lampshades #scalloped #sofflelights #lightingdecor #rentaldecor #rentalhome #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

#neutralhome #neutralhomedecor #bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #builtinbunkbeds #skylights #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #holidayhousesofinstagram #nswsouthcoast #wollongong #wollongonghomes

@projection_build @lumiere_collective @shersonarchitecture 
📷@the.palm.co
Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclé recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

#kidsroomstyling #kidswallpaper #playmats #feedingchair #nursingchair #nurseryroomdecor #washablerugs #washablerug #bouclechair #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

“I wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"I’m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego – it allowed me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do.”

📷 @tanikablair_photography 

#interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #gemmapeanut #wedonthavetimeforthis #parentingpodcast #parentingpodcasts #holidayhousesofinstagram #cabaritabeach #airbnbstyle #airbnbstyling #colourandpattern #wallpapergoals #patternedtiles #featuretiles #poolgoals #sparkjoy #yocabacaba #boldinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulkitchen
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
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 John Clements

John Clements is our man in Melbourne; a visual merchandising graduate (RMIT) and an interiors addict.

More from Interviews

AFTER lounge room

1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after

Lounge room

90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home

AFTER lounge

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

The Old Vicarage project

Designer profile: From expat childhood to high end interiors

AFTER kitchen

Kitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes

Affordable flat-pack furniture brand focusses on Millennials

Kitchen

Tired apartment becomes luxe home with improved floorplan

Multi-residential interiors designed by the popular Bec Judd

Bedroom

Art and colour star in cottage reno inspired by Kit Kemp

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarAndrea Lund says

    April 22, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    I worked with Barbara a long time ago at David Jones. She is a wonderful woman and deserves her success

  2. AvatarOTOMYS.COM says

    April 24, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    I am fortunate to have been both a supplier
    and a client of Hermon & Hermon. In both capacities they have been exemplary. There is a fabulous blend of natural ease and sophistication to the store and the staff – making Melbourne proud!

  3. AvatarTreacy says

    May 1, 2013 at 10:01 am

    Barbara has integrity and passion in volumes (and of course charm) this relays to all her staff and every facet of the Hermon & Hermon business.

  4. AvatarTai says

    May 8, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    Adore this beautiful creative women. I am very grateful for their support and vision and are in the fore front for design direction in this country

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 · Log in

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

Email sent!