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Young Designer: Connie Condylios, Greg Natale Design

By Jen Bishop โ€ข

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Our Young Designer series aims to inspire those who are yet to get their first foot on the ladder in this fiercely competitive industry.

Many graduates would give their right arm to be where 25 year-old Connie Condylios is. The interior designer at Greg Natale Design impressed her well known boss withย her initiative and good work ethic.

Connie Condylios Portrait

She completed her Advanced Diploma in Interior Design at the respected Design Centre, Enmore, where Greg also studied before her, and worked for interior designer Thomas Bucich throughout her studies.

She explained how showing initiative and not being afraid to ask, got her where she is today. โ€œThe high school I went to never offered work experience but because I was extremely keen to get some hands-on experience, I sent Greg an email asking for a week of work experience once I finished my HSC. I had followed and admired Gregโ€™s work for quite a while, so once I got a response from him, I was extremely delighted that he said yes! He appreciated my work ethic and called me back for some part-time work. I continued this on and off throughout my studies and once I graduated, I scored a full time job at Greg Natale Design.โ€

See? Don’t ask: don’t get.

04

Of course, Connie’s design flair also played a part. โ€œA good eye is vital, although on a day-to-day basis we use technical and graphics computer programs, so qualifications are just as important,โ€ she adds. โ€œA typical day involves client meetings, site meetings, going out to suppliers to source new furniture and fabrics, working in a team putting a concept together, emails and phone calls back and forth, all of which is quite fast-paced but extremely exciting!โ€

She was still at high school when Connie, who is inspired by Kelly Wearstler, realised every time she walked into a space she would observe every detail and think about what she could do to improve how it looked. โ€œThat then led to buying interior magazines and tearing out pages that were of interest to me and filing them in a folder which quickly became a large collection of magazine cuttings.โ€

Connie describes Greg as the most passionate, daring, knowledgeable person she has ever met, who has taught her to push boundaries. โ€œEach day I learn something new from him, but one thing I will never forget him telling me, is to fight for your designs like they are your children. In interior design itโ€™s important that you think outside the box and when doing this, there will quite often be something or someone that gets in the way. One of the many things I admire about Greg is his motivation and constant encouragement to be different and avoid the safe option.โ€

27

Convincing clients to trust her, as the professional, when they struggle to visualise an end result, can be challenging. And Connie says many people confuse interior design with interior decorating. โ€œA lot of our work does involve decorating, but it also touches on the nitty gritty details, for example the detail involved in constructing joinery. People often think our day consists of choosing paint colours and cushion fabrics, but there is a lot more involved.โ€

Connie’s top advice? โ€œDoing work experience is a great way to get your foot in the door and if it doesnโ€™t lead to something in the future, stay positive and keep trying all possible avenues.โ€

In five years’ time, she’d love to be working in a different city, interstate or even internationally!

Favourite magazines and blogs for interior inspiration: Belle Magazine and, aside from Interiors Addict, Yellowtrace is another great blog which I follow for inspiration.

Interiors bibles: Kelly Wearstlerโ€™s Rhapsody, David Hicks’ Designer and Taschenโ€™s city books.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER YOUNG DESIGNERS: Brendan Guy and Lauren Rugless

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February 17, 2014

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Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) ๐Ÿ˜œ

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: whatโ€™s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป This is just one room fr Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that๐Ÿ˜

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜ Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! ๐Ÿ“– ๐Ÿ› Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! ๐Ÿ“– ๐Ÿ›

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing ๐Ÿ˜‚ 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too ๐Ÿฟ because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
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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 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarRachel says

    February 17, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    I have just started my Diploma at The International School of Colour and Design so this was a really inspirational piece to read. I am only 21 and cannot wait to get started in the industry. After reading this article, I am now more determined than ever to have an outcome like Connie’s!
    This was so encouraging to read!
    Thank you!

  2. AvatarErick says

    February 17, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    I’ve been working with Connie for the last 18 months! She’s not onlya very talented Interior Designer but also a wonderful person to be around. Very proud of you Connie! x

  3. AvatarCaroline Robinson says

    February 18, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Looks like a very promising career ahead for Connie…well done…the rooms displayed are gorgeous!

  4. AvatarSamantha Bailey says

    February 19, 2014 at 8:52 am

    Loved this interview and really loved the styling if the rooms shown. Totally awesome to see a beautiful young person with such focused passion! Go girls!

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