Q+A with Olivia Sullivan, Frame home & interiors specialist
Liv is one of our Christchurch Account Managers, specialising in Home & Interiors recruitment. In her other work life, she is an incredible interior designer who has recently bought and (perfectly) decorated her first home. She shares her tips for those pursuing a career in interior design, her inpso and of course, some snaps of her stunning home.
Q+A with Liv
1. what is your role with Frame?
I am an Account Manager at Frame and I specialise in the Home & Interior roles as well as Marketing. Alongside Frame I work part time as an Interior Designer.
2. what advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue a career in interior design?
My advice would be not to underestimate the value of retail or assistant roles within home, furniture, interior or architectural companies. Your experience in these roles is just so invaluable. I worked as a PA in London to partners of an Architectural company which exposed me to the operational side to an architectural business. I also worked in a temp role while in London as a Studio Assistant for an incredible Interior Designer Ilse Crawford (Studioilse) who is now one of my biggest inspirations in the interior world, I’m obsessed with her work. Being in these support roles or even in frontline retail for furniture and home stores exposes you to the industry, gives you good experience and is a ‘foot in the door’ which is such a great starting point.
3. how do you stay up to date with trends in the home and interiors space?
For me, the most important thing about design is that it is timeless, so I’m a little more selective about what trends I jump on. But staying up to date is made so much easier with the help of social media, blogs and websites. There are some incredibly talented and creative people out there and it’s amazing to see what people do with their homes.
4. who do you look to for interior inspo?
Oh there’s just SO many! But some of my absolute favourites and biggest inspirations are;
@hallweneed
@emilyberlach
@erenatepaa
@annika_rowson
@curated_spaces
@folk.studio__
5. go-to pieces of advice when styling a living space?
When designing a living space, you need a starting point. Whether it be an amazing sofa or piece of furniture or artwork, use its colours or style as the basis for your scheme. If your not a colour person, think about adding textures, throws, cushions and rugs.
A living room is a space that you ‘live’ as the name suggests, so it’s important that it has comfort, practicality and the things that you love. It a place where people see and where you will spend most of your time, so fill it with things that reflect your own style.
6. how to decide when to scrooge or splurge?
Hmm this can be a tough one! Let’s say it’s furniture items, splurging on a good quality sofa is always wise because it’s something that gets so much use and you don’t want to have to replace it often and possibly something like a coffee table you could scrooge on and scan marketplace or Trademe for. I found my coffee table on Trademe - it was such a steal!
7. your favourite piece in your home?
My velvet curved sofa! It totally anchors the space and creates a real statement. I will have it forever.
