Claire Delmar
Claire Delmar from Studio CD transforms interiors into timeless and layered spaces. We chat to Claire about her design journey, what keeps her inspired and valuable lessons she’s learnt along the way.
Photography: Anson Smart & Pablo Veiga
‘My style is timeless, layered and liveable. I love to work within a tonal palette and introduce touches of the unexpected to keep things interesting,’ says Claire Delmar. Photography: Anson Smart
Dover Heights project. Architecture and Interior Design: Alexander & Co. Styling: Claire Delmar. Photography: Anson Smart. Main image: Wyer & Co. Architecture: Daniel Boddam. Styling: Claire Delmar. Photo: Pablo Veiga
H&F: Hi Claire, when did design first grab your attention?
Claire: My mother was an avid renovator all throughout my childhood, so I was always surrounded by design from an early age. I then went on to study fashion in school and from there I was hooked.
Were you creative growing up?
Yes, I was inquisitive and creative from a very young age. I often spent the school holidays with my artist grandmother, who fueled my creative interest with lessons in pottery, painting, decoupage and collage.
Do you have a set routine when it comes to work days?
I try to start the day with pilates or an early morning walk before taking the kids to school. This clears my head and allows me time to start my lists for the day ahead. I’m lucky that no two days are really the same, some days I’m shooting, others I’m deep in design drawings and others I’m sourcing product, so there isn’t a set routine necessarily.
Do you think you have a signature style?
My style is timeless, layered and liveable. I love to work within a tonal palette and introduce touches of the unexpected to keep things interesting.
What has working as an interior designer taught you most?
A a designer you really need to be adaptable. Projects can often pivot from your original brief and things can go off-track, so you need to have your wits about you and be flexible, so you can find a solution to each obstacle as they arise.
As an interior designer, what’s the most valuable piece of advice you can offer to someone embarking a design career?
Find your own design style and run with it. There are lots of designers out there, so you need to find your niche, something that becomes your trademark that clients will seek you out for.
Art House in Sydney. Interior design: Claire Delmar. Photo: Anson Smart
Art House in Sydney. Interior design: Claire Delmar. Photo: Anson Smart
Spotted Gum project. Architecture and Interior Design: Alexander & Co. Styling: Claire Delmar. Photo: Anson Smart
How do you keep motivated and inspired?
I have an overseas trip coming up very soon which is always a great source of inspiration. I’m also working on some collaborative projects and looking to engage in new collaborations with like-minded, passionate creatives.
How do you think Australian interiors measure up against what’s happening internationally?
I feel as though Australia is very progressive in design and we have an incredible community of creative artisans. If we could reduce shipping costs, I believe we would have a greater reach in the international market.
What’s been your proudest work moment to date?
I’m extremely proud of the fact that after 15 years of freelancing, my practice Studio CD, is absolutely thriving and I now have the privilege of being able to be selective about the projects that I choose to work on.
What do you wish you knew when you first started out designing that you know now?
Being a designer means that you’re always wearing a different hat. From counsellor, accountant, psychologist, builder, architect and trusted confidant (sometimes all in one day!) it’s a constant juggle when you’re working on bringing someone’s dream to fruition.
What’s in store for you for the remainder of this year?
We have several incredibly varied projects on the go until the end of year, including several residential interior projects, furniture packages, advertising and editorial shoots, collaborations and personal creative endeavours. So, very busy!
Bursts of colour against muted tones at Art House. Interior design: Claire Delmar. Photo: Anson Smart
The dramatic entry leading onto the living space at Art House. Interior design: Claire Delmar. Photo: Anson Smart
Art House plays on contrasts between old and new, masculine and feminine. Interior design: Claire Delmar. Photo: Anson Smart