Sitting Down with Stylish Young Designer Amy Spargo

1. When did you first decide to become an interior designer and stylist and how did you get started with your design business?

Interior Design has always been in my blood, with my mother, a talented decorator and my Father founding 'National Tiles' over 35 years ago. When I was a child, our house was filled with stacks of design magazines. Seeing my Mother's work featured on the cover of House and Garden, I was always in awe of how she could effortlessly pull a room together which exuded a lived-in feel.

 

My professional career started at RotheLowman Architects, where working on projects like the well- known Art Series Hotels cemented my knowledge of large-scale engagements. I soon realised I wanted to be focussed on residential design and more directly connected with clients in my role; so I moved to Nexus Designs. A small Interior Design and Graphics firm, Nexus Designs is run by the talented Janne Faulkner, who is still an inspiration today. Being part of a small firm, I was able to run projects and be involved in all sides of the business; an incredible opportunity which then extended to me opening their Sydney office only 2 years after joining the team.

 

After being with Nexus for almost 4 years, I decided it was time to take the leap of faith and launch Maine House Interiors. My business is namedafter our family beach house, Maine House, and a nod to American architecture and design, which is a constant source of inspiration to me.   

 

 

2. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Maine House Interiors is a full service firm, most of my projects call for space planning, joinery design, custom furniture, furnishings and lighting. Working independently and being across all aspects of the design and often being the lead consultant on the project requires a high level of co-ordination so I would have to say the most challenging part of my job would be timing.

 

So much of a design process is based around timing. Co-ordinating trades, ordering furniture, arranging deliveries for installations, they are all timesensitive

actions with so many working parts, which if not coordinated properly, can cause a domino effect. To ensure seamless project management, I only work withtrades

and suppliers that I trust, can rely on and have a mutual respect for. The design industry is based on relationships, so I try to support local where I can. 

 

 

3. Is there an interior design style you favour and do you have your own design aesthetic?

I am drawn to American style, I love their use of colour and pattern and the incredible attention to detail in joinery. I aim to create a ‘ lived-in' interior - an approach I inherited from my Mother - that tells a story of my client’s life. I will always look to find a unique piece, a ‘one off’ treasure that sets each interior apart from the next in the spaces that I create.

 

 

4. Who are other interior designers you admire?

I love the work of Charlotte Moss, Bunny Williams, Phoebe Howard and her son Andrew, I admire his bold use of colour and pattern. I have also long admired Kit Kemp, particularly for her work on the Firmdale Hotels. Since launching Maine House Interiors I have been inspired by young women in business, particularly mothers. It’s such a challenge balancing motherhood and a career, so I am often in awe of established designers who have managed to do both.

 

I am inspired by nature. Living by the beach and spending winter in the mountains, I love experiencing the contrast of our seasons and landscape. We are so fortunate to live in such a diverse country. I also travel as much as I can. A few years ago my husband and I travelled around the world for 3 months and I often look back on our photo album and draw inspiration from the countries and towns that we visited.

 

6. What do you think is the essential piece of furniture we should all have in our bedroom?

All bedrooms should have a great bedside table. Mine is filled with things that mean something to me; photographs of my loved ones, fresh blooms and a small antique tea caddy that houses my smallest treasures. A bedside is the first thing that you see every morning and the last thing you see at night.

 

   

 

7. What key element do we all need for a chic living room?

I do love an upholstered ottoman. Coming from a large family of 7 siblings, we are always looking for an extra seat when we get together for special occasions. Our ottoman in often pulled to one side, creating extra seating for a few of the 12 grandchildren. My ottoman (when not in use by little children) is topped with a rattan tray; holding my favourite design books of the moment, a ginger jar filled with flowers and a few trinkets that are robust enough to withstand 'pretend play’ with my two young girls.

 

I think it is important to design spaces that are versatile, so often I will design living spaces with pairs of ottomans that can be used as a central coffee table for large gatherings or foot stools for a more intimate grouping.

  

 

8. Do you have a favourite project or story behind a project?

My favourite project would have to be the ski lodge that I designed for our family, alongside Architect Peter McIntyre. Peter is a pioneer of Australian Alpine design and it was an honour to work alongside such a talent. My parents purchased the Lodge and immediately entrusted Peter and I to transform the property; not seeing  the space again until 6 months later, when they arrived to a new Kitchen, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Ski Room.

 

The engagement involved specifying all finishes, custom designing all joinery, lighting, furniture, soft furnishings - every detail down to the crockery and antler-handled cutlery. I presented the Lodge to them fully completed, with fire burning, beds made, candles on the mantle lit and table ready for the lunch that was cooking in the Aga. I was fortunate to have their full trust in carrying out such a large scale project and I feel blessed to spend my winters alongside my family, who enjoy being in the space and much as I did creating it.

 

   

 

Amy is likely to continue loving nature and finding inspiration in the diversity of the local landscape, as well as from her travels around the world. She also remains committed to creating spaces that echo the lives of the people who will be enjoying them and providing support for artisans, whether it be local or around the world in South Africa. 

 

Let's Get Personal ......

1. What else are you passionate about besides your work?

My husband and 2 girls, Hillary, 4 years of age and Primrose, 2 years of age.

2. What is your most treasured belonging?

It would have to be my bamboo and rattan sideboard that was handmade in South Africa. I purchased it whilst we were living in Sydney from a lovely family who had treasured it for over 30 years. I hope to do the same.

3. What's one thing people may not know about you?

I studied Behavioural Science before changing to study Interior Design, it often comes in handy!

4. In 10 years I'd like to be ....

Doing exactly what I am doing now. I can’t imagine doing anything else, I feel very blessed to be able to call my passion, my work.

5. What can't you live without?

My family - I speak to my sisters most days and my mother at least a few times a day. We are all very close and I cherish that bond. Family...and maybe 2 squares of dark chocolate after dinner. 

Website: https://www.mainehouseinteriors.com