Have you ever dreamed of transforming your passion into a fulfilling career? At The Interior Design Institute, we believe that with the right skills and guidance, you can turn any dream into reality. Our courses provide more than just a qualification—they equip you with the technical know-how to bring your creative vision to life. Today, we share the inspiring journey of Bianca Lucille, who transitioned from a successful career in software development to becoming a sustainable design maven. With the guidance of The Interior Design Institute’s comprehensive online Diploma course, Bianca has successfully created an enchanting eco-retreat and embarked on a journey that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
I’m Bianca Lucille, a nature lover, yoga enthusiast, reader, gardener, and designer. I live in the countryside with my partner, Rob, and our 11-year-old French bulldog, Duke.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
While I’ve always loved designing and styling my interiors and homes, it was not until I undertook the design work for our country cottage that my passion for design really took hold. Everything from the architectural designs to the layout and elevations was drafted by myself—immersing myself in the creative design process felt natural.
My partner Rob always dreamed of building his own home, so he championed our sustainable build project. Our future home began to take shape as envisioned—witnessing your vision come to life is hugely rewarding and that was a turning point for me. I emerged from our home journey changed and realised that if I could design for myself, I could definitely design for others.
My design style is one which takes inspiration from nature, its organic forms, textures, and shades. I embrace simplicity and love working with curves, texture, natural light, and handcrafted elements. I stick to a few simple elements in my design then weave them together for maximum effect.
The work and projects we’ve undertaken at our nature retreat, Sempre, are inspired by a desire to live slower in harmony with our natural surroundings. We opt for authentically sustainable construction not only due to the proven environmental benefits of natural building but the resulting healthy home benefits experienced living in a natural home.
Our style of sustainable construction utilises reclaimed car tires as foundations, adobe earth bricks, and natural plasters make up the structure. To date, we’ve saved over 350 used tires from overburdened landfills and our construction practices drastically reduce the carbon footprint of construction as most building materials are made on-site (i.e., adobe earth bricks, mortars, plasters).
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
Organic design meets sustainable construction resulting in a unified composition where the nature of the materials, nature of this building’s purpose seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings. Sempre is surrounded by natural beauty so it was against this stunning backdrop that I took inspiration for our cottage. My interior design took the lead from the natural building elements featuring handcrafted, bespoke finishes, the tactile rich plaster nods to the textural finishes of boucle and natural wood. I love the seamless open plan layout, it’s supremely livable. There is an abundance of soft curves, texture, and natural light. The highlight windows are a treat, serving as moving artwork, each framing a beautiful natural perspective.
I have five essential themes that underpin my work: Natural, Sustainable, Synergy, Longevity, and Less is More.
I do. There is no denying that we are part of the natural world, and I believe our homes should embrace this fundamental connection thus cultivating an environment which nourishes us and allows us to thrive. There is a place for luxury and a place for simplicity. Homes should age gracefully.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
I’ve lived in my fair share of poorly designed, cold, uninviting, and unhealthy homes. Now that I’ve experienced a well-designed, healthy home which is constructed without harming the environment, I believe we owe it to ourselves and the environment to live better. Through my journey and work, I wish to empower others with knowledge and insights about natural design as well as sustainable and natural home construction.
We all deserve to live beautifully, in a kind and healthy home which operates in harmony with its surroundings.
Where do I begin?! I love designing bespoke finishes and furnishings and am working on a core collection of ceramic vessels and textiles made in collaboration with skilled, local artists.
We’d like to take on empowerment and charity projects with the aim to train and empower individuals with the knowledge of natural building so they can build their own safe and healthy homes.
I’d love to include ecotourism work in our portfolio—collaborating with nature reserves and lodges on their development plans. Lastly and importantly, I've worked on the design of our dream home for years and it's our shared goal to build this home at Sempre (so watch this space!)
I’m not one for trends.
This is tricky, even more so when you love what you do! But I’m a firm believer that we shouldn’t sacrifice home and family life for work, so I manage this balance by limiting the number of projects I take on in a year or at a given time. I stick to a single project at a time and am selective with projects I take on.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
The lifestyle and home we’ve shaped for ourselves. I believe that when your home, your lifestyle, and your work mirror your values, your passions, and your soul, you begin to exist in harmony; you then really begin to thrive.
Definitely—an engaging community of followers who resonate with your work is essential to not only build your brand but some of whom may inevitably become your clients.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
You’ll often find me amongst the wild things in my gardens or out in wine country!
Sky Blue and Beige!
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” – Rumi.
My preferred design magazine is House and Leisure SA, and we’re big fans of The Block AU.
Long time fan of the work by House of Grey, love the designs by Comun Interiors, and am currently enjoying the character-filled work by Sue Bond.
Love the organic, sculptural ceramic work by Jan Ernst and the handcrafted, hand-painted ceramics by Gemma Orkin. Love the woven art by the lovely ladies at Crossing Threads and the textile designs by Leila Atelier.
Natural, Organic, Neutral.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
The flexibility and self-paced nature of the course is why I chose IDI.
I really enjoyed the insight into the history of design and loved redesigning the home in Assignment 4!
Soak up the theory provided, acknowledge your sources of inspiration, then be brave and define your own style.
Our guest studio—I’m really excited about this project. The studio embraces curves, showcases embedded design elements, and is the perfect representation of my design style. We’re wrapping up construction as we speak and are moving into the finishing stage. I’m currently working on my core ceramic collection, a design collaboration with Gemma Orkin. I have a redesign project lined up too, which I’m looking forward to getting stuck into!
I’m active on Instagram, sharing moments of my slow life, interiors, and projects @bianca_lucille. Our website semprevida.co.za has been launched, but is still a work in progress. PS. If our work resonates with you or you’re keen to work with us, I’d love to hear from you, get in touch with me on Instagram or via email slow@semprevida.co.za.
Image source: #IDIstudent Bianca Lucille from @bianca_lucille
Sustainable design is all about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their entire life cycle. This design approach is gaining traction in modern architecture and construction as we aim to reduce our ecological footprint and promote healthier living environments. By integrating sustainable practices, designers can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Key principles of sustainable design include:
At The Interior Design Institute, our courses provide an in-depth understanding of essential design principles, combined with hands-on experiences that equip students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. As demonstrated in Bianca’s inspiring journey, our programs empower students to integrate sustainable practices into their designs, making a positive impact on the environment and enhancing their clients' lives.
Ready to study with us and master the principles of sustainable design?
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