From a very early age, Sharene understood the deep connection between our surroundings and how they make us feel. After a twenty-year creative career in the graphic design and marketing industries, her lifelong passion for interior design led her to complete a Diploma in Interior Design through Torrens University, Billy Blue College of Design.
Starting her own interior design practice in early 2023, Sharene offers a personalised, full-service approach tailored towards mid to high-end residential projects, and small-scale commercial spaces.
With a strong focus on communication and building supportive, collaborative relationships, Sharene brings to the table a deep passion for interior design. Her specialisation in space planning, detail drawings and cabinetry design, reflects a commitment to precision and high standards, resulting in spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Her approach is centred on creating elevated spaces that evoke a feeling of connection and relaxation, interweaving a foundation of timeless, classic design. Drawing from the colours of nature, the coast, and the Australian bushland that surrounds her on the mid-north coast, Sharene has a keen interest in preserving vintage and heritage pieces that can inspire and add character to her interior spaces.
As a tutor, Sharene combines her extensive creative background and industry experience with her passion for mentoring, offering students practical insights into SketchUp and the art of interior design.
My journey into interior design has been a fulfilling evolution, shaped by years of a lifelong obsession for beautiful spaces. After a twenty year career in the creative industries of graphic design and marketing, I followed my passion and returned to studying a Diploma of Interior Design. The inspiration for pursuing this career path stemmed from my childhood, where I developed a love of space planning and a deep appreciation of timeless, thoughtful design.
I distinctly remember staring at floor plans as a child and instinctively moving walls and re-designing the spaces in my head. From a very early age, my surroundings became extremely important to me and I understood their connection to how they made me feel. As a child, I would often critique room designs, giving a score out of 10 to my family. Although this amused them, what I didn't realise is that I was building a passion for interior design that would never leave me.
A combination of creativity and administration work is what most of my days look like. There are many facets to running an interior design business, so I find that having strong systems and processes in place helps to ensure every aspect is treated with consistently high quality – everything from client communication to documentation. I have a draft plan for what a typical week looks like; then, at the end of each day, I like to make note of the priorities for the next day. Time management skills are vitally important.
My focus is on creating elevated spaces that allow a feeling of connection and relaxation, with layers of meaning, revealing my client’s story. I interweave a foundation of timeless, classic design, with an influence of contemporary organic style, in calming colour palettes. The addition of natural textures and harmonious ambience, while balancing minimalist and nostalgic styles, achieves warm and comfortable spaces with enduring charm. Perfect for cosy, everyday living and future memories through functional and pleasing experiences.
I draw inspiration from a combination of nature and history. Where I live, on the beautiful mid-north coast of NSW, Australia, I am surrounded by stunning bushland, coastal beaches and waterways, so I am drawn to the natural colours and textures that align with these environments. I also have a keen interest in vintage furniture, and I like to integrate these pieces into interiors to create a harmonious blend of past stories with contemporary living.
The top four skills or qualities, I would say, are creative curiosity, technical skills, space planning knowledge and time management. Creative curiosity, not only to continually learn and extend your knowledge but also to dive deeply into understanding all things creative from colour theory to research of available materials. Technical skills in regard to knowing how to document your designs, not only to communicate them to clients but also to document them for relevant trades/contractors accurately. Space planning knowledge, as functionality, is first and foremost key to any successful interior design project outcome. Time management, as there are many facets to balance through an entire interior design process, from initial consultation through to handover of a completed project.
If you plan on running your own interior design business, I would say that a combination of having a unique style, a deep understanding of space planning, attention to detail, great client communication skills and high-quality systems and processes in place are all key to building an exceptional business. If you plan on working for an interior design firm, I would say that great client communication skills, a passion for continual learning and researching, space planning knowledge, attention to detail and a high technical skill level are all key to building an exceptional career.
Supporting each student’s educational journey. I understand the complexities and unique qualities of each individual project, and I am keen to pass on my insights and expertise with a commitment to elevating each student’s learning experience.
There are two pieces of advice I would give to new students. Firstly, deep dive into each topic and extend your learning. Having an ongoing curiosity will not only improve your skill set as an interior designer, but it will also elevate the quality of your projects. Secondly, believe in your skills. This may take some time, but if you combine the first piece of advice about continual learning with trusting in your abilities and not comparing your work with others, you will eventually reach a high level of confidence.
I love working with natural, muted colour palettes of the Australian bushland, including creamy whites, natural woods and gorgeous soft, muted greens.
Spending time with loved ones in comfortable, homely, gorgeous spaces.
A holiday to New Zealand, exploring gorgeous spaces and stunning scenery.
Not really. I believe in timelessness and enduring style.
For interior design software programs: a combination of Sketchup and AutoCAD. For business software programs: Programa and Dubsado.
Timeless, functional, harmonious.
Currently working on two projects. One is a new build project – a contemporary, coastal apartment complex, working in conjunction with an architect, consisting of 11 apartments, all foyers and a rooftop community space. The other is an historic home renovation in regional NSW where the project will combine contemporary living with an Art Nouveau style.
Image source: Sharene Tailford from @elomouinteriors
I finally decided to take the step and join a design course to learn more about it, but with a very demanding full-time job, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find something to accommodate my schedule.
Surrey
©2024 The Interior Design Institute. All rights reserved.