The Sydney interior design firm behind some of Australia’s most stylish restaurants and cafes, Like Minds (formerly known as Guru Projects), recently rebranded after 10 years. With 600 projects under their belts, founders David Veksler and Gemma Chapman share the top takeaways from commercial fit-outs which we can use in residential projects and our own homes.
The team’s impressive projects include Longshore, Reign at the QVB, Raja, Gabriel Coffee Roasters, Hurricanes Castle Hill, and The Gantry.
How to keep costs from spiralling
- Repurpose existing furniture: Instead of buying new pieces, consider repurposing or refurbishing existing furniture to give it a fresh look.
- DIY elements: Incorporate DIY projects for certain elements, such as painting walls, making your own light fixtures, or creating custom artwork.
- Shop secondhand: Explore thrift stores, online marketplaces and auctions for secondhand furniture and decor that can add character at a fraction of the cost of buying things brand new.
- Prioritise investments: Allocate your budget towards high-impact areas where the most value can be added, like key furniture pieces or main rooms within the home.
- Opt for cost-effective materials: Use affordable materials like laminate or engineered wood for surfaces, and consider peel-and-stick tiles for a quick and inexpensive option.
Combining form, colour and materiality to evoke emotion in a space
- Harmonise colour schemes: Ensure you focus on colour tonality: choosing colours from the same family or have the same undertones. Soft, cool colours can create a calming effect, while bold, warm colours can energise a space. A hot tip from our creative director, Gemma: a Dulux fan deck will be your best friend. Choose colours from the same fan, and you’re guaranteed tonality.
- Texture variety: Incorporate different textures through materials like wood, metal, and textiles to add depth and tactile interest, enhancing the emotional response.
- Flow and movement: Design with natural movement in mind. Ensure smooth transitions between spaces to create a sense of harmony and continuity.
- Focal points: Use standout elements like an accent wall, a unique piece of furniture or striking artwork to draw attention and anchor attention in a specific space.
- Natural elements: Integrate natural materials like stone, wood, and plants to evoke a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.
