We chat to Tarryn Fisher from Breezewood Interiors
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into the interiors profession.
My background is sales: from telecoms to software I excelled in achieving my targets and building lasting relationships with people – but all the while I was always drawn to beautiful spaces. A friend of mine was building a house, knew I had an interest in interiors and asked me to treat his home as my own and do whatever I would like in decorating and furnishing it from head to toe, budget was not really an issue. So I really got to experiment and loved every single minute of it. After that I knew exactly what I wanted to do as my career.
2. How did your company start, and how long have you been in operation?
I studied part time while working, completed a few homes on the side, got married and then decided, once I became a mom, I was going to be my own boss and be available to my daughter. Because of my love of nature, the outdoors, open space, my adoration of natural woods and fibres and the fact that I take a very down-to-earth approach, I found Breezewood to be the perfect name to suit my personality and style. Breezewood Interiors was launched in 2008.
3. What does your company specialise in, and what services do you offer?
Breezewood Interiors offers a full turnkey interior design service, undertaking a variety of projects: corporate, residential, leisure and boutique guesthouses. Our interiors are luxurious, comfortable and timeless, fulfilling the delights of quality living expected by discerning clients. Every project is handled individually, matching individual ideas, needs and vision, resulting in a classic and personal niche solution.
Attention to detail, honesty and a down-to-earth approach, combined with strong and substantial supplier relationships sets Breezewood Interiors apart in the competitive and ever changing world of décor.
4. What is the most exciting project that you have ever completed?
I must be honest I am excited by each project I take on. I love meeting new people and helping them achieve their dream home, which in the beginning is just a vivid vision in their minds; but if I had to choose one project, it would have to be a recent full renovation of a beautiful home in Randjiesfontein Equestrian Estate. The family were living in Hong Kong when I was commissioned to do absolutely everything in the home, it was a challenge in that everything was done over e-mail and Skype, but I interpreted the brief and their personalities well and the project was a fantastic success. They are amazing people – we share the same values in life and have become great friends…for me, I love my job, but the relationships I build alongside what I do are invaluable.
5. What is your favourite item in your home and why?
My husband and I are huge fans of the bush, a couple of years ago we visited a camp called Java in the Timbavati. We were on a game drive when we witnessed the most beautiful sunset we had ever seen. My husband is a great photographer, but in this instance I decided to take my camera out and took four images across the horizon of this beautiful African sun setting through the acacia trees and beyond the Drakensberg mountains. The first thing I did when we got home was get my husband to join all four images into one on Photoshop, and turned that into a massive image on canvas above our bed. It is very personal and every time I walk into my bedroom I see it and remember that amazing trip. When people see it they naturally assume he took it, but I just LOVE being able to take the credit for that image!
6. If you could give home owners 2 pieces of advice about decorating their interiors, what would they be?
Lighting is so important and is often not given the time and attention it needs; lighting creates ambience and influences a mood in a room, so plan ahead, use dimmers, chandeliers, standing lamps, etc in a creative and thoughtful way to design the feel or mood you would ultimately like to create in each area of your home. As well as this, make sure you plan the most practical place to position your light switches and communicate this well to your electrician.
If you are considering installing shutters or blinds in any window or door areas, be sure that you double check that your window and door recess is wide enough, otherwise you end up having to face fit these items and the end result is not as pleasing to the eye.
7. Any parting thoughts?
Your home is your sanctuary and your personal space; look at trends and incorporate those that appeal to you, but make it your own to reflect your personality. After all, there is nothing like your dream to create your future!
Read more about Tarryn’s design style in the May 2013 issue of SA Home Owner magazine.
For more information visit www.breezewood.co.za or contact Tarryn on tarryn@breezewood.co.za.
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