Belle Hemming
Melbourne-based Belle Hemming is an interior stylist and decorator with over 20 years experience in the interior design industry—here she shares her creative journey.
Photography: Marnie Hawson & Leon Schoots
‘I remember thinking as a child that I would love my family home to be in a glossy home magazine one day,’ shares Belle Hemming. Photo: Leon Schoots
Belle Hemming started her career as a visual merchandiser for leading homeware brands and small independent stores before moving into residential and commercial interior design. Photo: Leon Schoots
Photo: Marnie Hawson
Belle Hemming’s interior styling has graced the pages of many local and international; interiors publications. Photo: Marnie Hawson
Belle Hemming works across residential spaces, boutique hotels and hospitality projects. Photo: Marnie Hawson
Hello Belle—when did design first have an impact on you?
Belle: Growing up, I was surrounded by a creative thinking and an artistic mum who was a potter and an artist and loved colour—as a child I remember re-styling our family home often, refreshing the flowers and foliage weekly. This is probably where my interest in homes and creating beautiful spaces started. I remember thinking as a child I would love my family home to be in a glossy home magazine one day.
When I first left school I actually thought I wanted to be a fashion designer and started in a fashion diploma at east Sydney Technical college. I soon realised it wasn’t quite for me, instead turning my interest to interiors.
How did you first break into the industry?
I started my interior career as a homewares visual merchandiser in my early 20s and from there I made wonderful connections that lead me into interior design and styling. I’ve worked extensively since in the areas of interior design and styling, staging, editorial styling and as a colour consultant… from Sydney to Melbourne. I now travel extensively across Australia for work.
Do you have any creative rituals or routines that you follow when starting a new project?
It’s important to feel the space, get to know the client and their interests and what’s important to them in their home. I also believe it’s important to make sure that you connect with a new client and be able to communicate well, as over the duration of a project you will be working closely with one another. At the completion of the project I also like to incorporate some space clearing techniques into my final styling and handover.
What’s the first design element you always notice when you walk into a room?
The existing ambience and atmosphere of the room. I notice layers of lighting (or lack of), the walls—are they painted or raw, and also the artwork.
Three words that sum up your styling approach?
Eclectic, transitional and emotive.
Belle Hemming’s work takes her Australia wide—drifting between projects in Sydney, Byron Bay, Melbourne and rural Victoria. Photo: Marnie Hawson
Photo: Marnie Hawson
“It’s important to know it’s not all pretty colours and styling—working in this industry requires a lot of hard work and persistence, it can involve a lot of long hours and physical work.”
Belle Hemming describes her work as eclectic, transitional and emotive. Photo: Leon Schoots
‘[I gather inspiration from] nature, international sources, fashion and colour trends, and also social media and magazines—inspiration is everywhere,’ says Belle Hemming. Photo: Marnie Hawson
‘Stay true to your own individual style… don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the industry.’ Photo: Leon Schoots
Photo: Marnie Hawson
Where do you mainly go for inspiration?
Nature, international sources, fashion and colour trends, and also social media and magazines—inspiration is everywhere.
What’s the most important piece of advice you would share with an emerging stylist looking to break into the industry?
Stay true to your own individual style… don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the industry. Offer your services to the area you want to get into and gain work experience. It’s also important to know it’s not all pretty colours and styling, working in this industry requires a lot of hard work and persistence—it can involve a lot of long hours and physical work.
The most rewarding part of your job is…
To have the ability to transform spaces and having clients that trust your vision, and also when I meet a new client who has been referred from another client.
And the most challenging aspect of your job is…
Managing time frames, especially when several parties are involved, and balancing creativity and budget restraints.
Your proudest career achievement to date?
My work being featured in some of my favourite international and Australian magazines and the fact that I’m now in a fortunate position to be able to choose the projects I take on.
Are there any dream projects or collaborations you aspire to undertake?
I would love to travel overseas and be involved in an international project, such as a boutique hotel.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up for you work-wise this year?
I have some stunning projects I’m working on, from client’s homes to luxury off-grid cabins and accommodation. My work is very diverse this year—lots of styling as well as interior design projects. Already my year is becoming very full, which I’m incredibly grateful for.