With a refined aesthetic and a love of quality furniture, Ljiljana Gazevic, Director of Interior Design at SJB in Melbourne, discusses the team’s focus on timeless design and the importance of longevity, balanced with a very personal approach to interiors.
More Space: Furniture is such a strong form of personal expression, what is the selection process for a new interior?
Ljiljana Gazevic: Our first step is to establish the client’s brief, consider their style preferences and aspiration for the project. It’s important to understand how they live and what they like and value. In our projects, loose furniture completes ‘the vision’ for the interiors and should enhance the experience and functionality of spaces. So for residential projects, it’s very important to consider furniture pieces that have comfort and relaxation in mind. Over the past two years I think we have all experienced that our homes have become the centre of our lives.
What is a favourite piece of design and why did it catch your eye?
I have always admired the B&B Italia Mart armchair designed by Antonio Citterio who is such a renowned Italian architect and furniture designer. It’s comfortable and elegant with a beautiful shape and form that showcases a high level of craftsmanship and detailing. It’s an individual piece that can be confidently placed in various areas of the home. The balance and combination of its straight base and the curved lines of the shell makes it a very special piece.
The White House by SJB. Photos c/o SJB.
‘I have always admired the B&B Italia Mart armchair designed by Antonio Citterio who is such a renowned Italian architect and furniture designer. It’s comfortable and elegant with a beautiful shape and form that showcases a high level of craftsmanship and detailing.’
Ljiljana Gazevic, Director, Interior Design, SJB
The Mart armchair designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
The White House, and following, by SJB. Photo c/o SJB.
First designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1969, in 2000 B&B Italia re-released the iconic design in new colours as the UP2000 collection. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
The Doyl chairs designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
The Bull table designed by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
'I believe and advise our clients to invest well in long-lasting furniture pieces. Quality, timeless design and longevity are the main considerations in my furniture selection process.'
Ljiljana Gazevic, Director, Interior Design, SJB
The Noonu sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
What pieces are on your go-to list, and why?
Always quality design brands. I believe and advise our clients to invest well in long-lasting furniture pieces. Quality, timeless design and longevity are the main considerations in my furniture selection process.
Beyond trends, furniture has a way of defining the moment, making us happy and influencing the way we live. Can you describe a recent project that has had a transformative affect, and how?
I’ve recently completed the selection of furniture for a large penthouse apartment in Port Melbourne overlooking beautiful Port Philip Bay. The process was very enjoyable as there was a synergy of vision that was matched with our client's expectations. This particular client is a big art collector who has an appreciation for iconic furniture and art. My vision for the project was to create an interesting and inviting space that reflects their personality and appreciation for bright colour which we have introduced through artwork and furniture.
Pieces include the new B&B Italia Noonu sofa with its large scale, curved and soft form that is luxuriously comfortable. It is both inviting and relaxing and upholstered in bold, red fabric with a layering of larger, textured scatter cushions. Its sculptural form combined with the clients pre-loved B&B Italia UP Series 2000 (UP5 and UP6 armchair by Gaetano Pesce) creates a very harmonious and personalised composition. A touch of green to accent the interior was added with the Baxter Liquid side table. In the dining room we selected the beautiful B&B Italia Bull table in black marble coupled with Doyl chairs in thick textured forest green to create a complimentary connection to the living room.
Lovely to chat with you Ljiljana.
