Georgia Kollaras Interiors X Florabelle Living
Date: 26-11-2024
1.Why do you choose Florabelle Living as your go-to supplier for your interior design projects?
I absolutely love working with Florabelle Living! Their team is incredibly helpful, so their personalised service really helps to ensure my sourcing and procurement process runs smoothly.
What continuously draws me back to Florabelle is their range of products; there is truly something for every style, which is perfect for my diverse range of clients, who each have a specific aesthetic.
I particularly love Florabelle’s lighting range; I believe lighting can completely transform a space and set the mood; It’s one of those elements that really brings a design to life and makes each space feel customised and purposeful.
The furniture range is also really well-priced, which is great for clients who want exceptional value without compromising on style. Overall, Florabelle Living simply ticks all the boxes, which is great when you have to work as efficiently as possible.
How does Florabelle Living's range of products support your design versatility?
I have the pleasure of working with a diverse group of clients — So whether that be a young bachelor, a large family, or a retired couple looking for a sea change - no two days are the same… And that’s what I thrive on! I’m always pivoting between different styles and looks, which keeps my creative little brain excited to wake up and get to work each day.
For me, the key to success is ensuring that when people walk into a home, they can’t immediately tell that I was the one behind the design. I don’t want a ‘signature style’ so to speak - My job is to adapt to my clients’ lifestyles and create a space that feels uniquely theirs.
Whether I’m designing an industrial penthouse, a Tuscan villa, a cozy farmhouse, or a sleek modern mansion, Florabelle’s range allows me to tap into all these styles with ease. They’ve got something to match my clients’ vision, and having that flexibility makes my job a lot more seamless.
Can you describe a recent project where Florabelle Living products played a pivotal role?
Florabelle Living really does play a pivotal role in almost every project I work on—it’s hard to single one out!
To give you an example, we’re currently using their outdoor lighting range for a project where I’m selecting the finishes for 9 luxury apartments in Wollongong, NSW. We selected the Bayport Outdoor Wall Light for the balconies, and it was the perfect fit to set the tone and add an extra layer of elegance and functionality to these spaces.
Another recent project that stands out is a stunning 4-level home on the Coomera River on the Gold Coast. For this one, I sourced a variety of pieces from Florabelle, including wall sconces, decor, barware, faux greenery, trees, and outdoor mirrors. It was a complete transformation, and Florabelle’s products really helped tie everything together and elevate the overall look.
Which sub-brands under Florabelle Living resonate the most with your clients, and why?
For me, there are three key sub-brands which make an appearance in every project we undertake.
Firstly, Emac & Lawton is a go-to for their incredible lighting range. I’ve said once and I’ll say it again… I’m all about the way lighting transforms a space — whether it’s creating a soft, ambient glow with a lovely sconce, or making a bold statement with an eye-catching pendant light - these pieces just don’t disappoint.
Florabelle Living itself is where I turn for great value furniture. They’ve got such a great selection that suits a range of styles, and their pieces add that perfect touch of elegance and softness to any space.
Finally, Tree Creation is a standout for faux trees and greenery - Not only does this ensure a low maintenance solution for my clients, but it’s incredible how a few strategically placed plants can completely soften a space, making it feel more inviting and relaxed. I love mixing in a gorgeous piece of furniture, adding some greenery, and finishing it off with lighting. It’s the perfect formula for transforming any space into a luxurious haven.
What are your favorite product categories from Florabelle Living, and how do you incorporate them into your projects?
When sourcing for a project, there are a few Florabelle tabs open in my browser at any time… This includes:
- Trees and plants… Perfect for softening spaces and adding that burst of life and colour
- Ceiling lamps… They’re relatively easy to install, but they pack a punch in terms of impact and mood
- Decor - The best spaces tell a story. Florabelle’s decor range is perfect for adding personality; those special touches that make a space feel unique and easy on the eye
- And finally, Chairs. An occasional chair can truly be the hero piece in any room. It really helps set the tone and can become the focal point of the space.
How does Florabelle Living make the sourcing process easier for you as a designer?
Often, suppliers forget how important website functionality is. The Florabelle Living site is super easy to navigate, so I can quickly find what I’m looking for. What I also love is that the site quotes you instantly. This takes out the need for a middle man, and saves so much time, also ensuring I’m on budget. All in all, it just streamlines the whole process, which is such a big help when you’re a one man team with multiple projects on the go!
What feedback do your clients give about the spaces you create using Florabelle Living products?
Honestly, a designer is only as good as their supply partners, and I truly have Florabelle to thank for helping me look so good! The quality, variety, and style of their products really make a huge difference in the final outcome of each project.
Before starting my own business, I worked in marketing in the corporate world, so marketing has always been my thing. That said, I’m incredibly fortunate that all of my business so far has come through word of mouth, with no real need to market myself. I’ve been lucky to have so many repeat clients, which I think is a testament to the fantastic results I’ve been able to achieve—many of which have been made possible with Florabelle products.
As an interior designer, how important is having access to sustainable and high-quality products?
Having access to sustainable and high-quality products is incredibly important. Our industry has a lot to answer for when it comes to unsustainable packaging and waste, and it’s something I’m conscious of. We create beautiful spaces, but we also need to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment.
That’s why I’m a strong advocate for using sustainable products that are high quality. When I choose items for a project, I want to make sure they not only look good but also contribute to reducing our environmental footprint. By opting for sustainably sourced materials and products that are built to last, we’re making a positive impact, even if it’s in small ways.
This is exactly why producers like Florabelle are so important. They prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to access high-quality products - beautiful items that elevate a space without compromising on sustainability. Their commitment to offering products that are both stylish and eco-friendly is something I truly value, and it’s one of the reasons I love working with them.
How does Florabelle Living's one-stop-shop capability help you tackle diverse projects efficiently?
As a one-man band, timing is everything, and I need to work quickly and efficiently to keep everything running smoothly.
Last week, I had 9 projects on the go, so having a one-stop-shop like Florabelle was a game changer, knowing I can browse their diverse range of products for multiple projects at once. Instead of hunting down different suppliers for various items, I can rely on Florabelle to provide quality furniture, lighting, decor, and more, all under one roof. That kind of efficiency is crucial to my sanity when juggling so many different projects at once!
What trends do you see Florabelle Living leading in the design industry, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
Whilst Florabelle remains at the forefront of many trends, which I love - I tend to pour a lot of passion and energy into creating environments that feel timeless, and I feel that Florabelle’s range aligns with that philosophy.
I want my clients to love their space in 2, 5, 10 years - Rather than the items in their home feeling out of place in the next season or two. Florabelle’s pieces are designed with longevity in mind, which means the spaces I create using Florabelle products never feel dated.
Their pieces can make a space feel curated and polished without being overly trend-driven, ensuring that what I design today will stand the test of time.
As Coco Chanel once said ‘Fashion comes and goes, but style lasts forever’.