Award of Merit:

Simone Haag for The Whiskey Room

Simone Haag is an Interior Decorator based in Melbourne. Simone likes to think of her work as a blank page, an empty book - boundless, full of possibilities - a story wanting to be written, a tale waiting to be told. Her job is like that of a journalist - to investigate personal stories. It's only with this information that she can design an immersive narrative, one in which her clients will want to live, celebrate and relax - one that reflects them and their unique story. Simone's global experience allows her to act as a sort of wayfarer, a design guide if you will. An aesthete who is completely immersed in the world of design and who loves to share. She finds great joy in introducing, advising and educating clients. 

Simone draws upon 12 years of decorating project experience that has resulted in exceptionally beautiful outcomes. She creates spaces that are textured, timeless, conversational, reimagined, aspirational, collected, layered and refined. She has a network of local and international suppliers and craftspeople. 

Simone is regularly invited for commentary within the design industry. She has served on numerous design juries including the IDEA and GOYTA awards, was shortlisted as Belle Emerging Designer of the Year (2020) and is an ambassador for distinguished brands including Lavazza, Samsung, Tint, Mecca Cosmetica and Tacchini. 

Inspired by the lessons gleaned in her early career, Simone has also committed to mentoring emerging designers and her solid reputation in the industry landed her a presenter role on the TV show, Dream Homes Revealed on 9 Life. Her projects are regularly featured in Australian design award shortlists and in premium publications including Elle Decoration UK, Domino, Belle, Vogue Living and Real Living. Her aim is to be recognised as a warm and welcoming curator of fine furniture, art, objects and lighting.

About the Project

Before becoming empty nesters our client’s wanted a comfortable gathering space for their grownup children and extended circle of friends. We re-imagined the informal living room, entrance area and the master bedroom, employing a bold palette as the basis for the design concept. 

Our clients wanted their new home to be both comfortable and inviting as well as a permanent receptacle for the unique pieces that they had collected on their travels. The whiskey room (living room), became a showcase for a diverse collection of pieces, that create unexpected moments, like the oversized Sammode Studio lamp and Dedar wallpapered ceiling. Two client-owned bucket chairs - reupholstered in a combination of olive-toned mohair and bouclé - a treasured sheepskin chair, a restored Italian bookcase and a Florence Knoll credenza collectively create a dynamic dialogue about style, form and pattern, enhancing the green-hued colour palette. We also felt strongly about creating an atmospheric entrance space that would be welcoming as well as avant-garde. The intentional clash of graphics, scale and form features a Tacchini 5-9 daybed, 7 Gronda Mirror and Coat racks and a stunning triptych by the Australian artist Kirsty Budge. Despite working with an earthy palette we succeeded in creating a richly textured series of spaces that are sophisticated yet accessible. 

The client sought comfort and originality in equal measure. The sought of room that doesn’t feel precious yet was elevated enough to feel unique. Rooms that suited entertaining as well as sanctuary. We achieved these goals by leveraging a bold colour palette, reinforcing the client’s love for earthy tones and incorporating a highly crated selection of found, existing and re-imagined pieces that collectively create just the right amount of drama.

Category: Place

Designers and Project Team:
Interior Decoration (Furniture, Art, Object & Styling): Simone Haag
Photographer: Timothy Kaye