STYLE TALKS: With Nina Hendler, The Creative Force Behind NY Design
October 1, 2024
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Nina Hendler, the founder and head designer of NY Design, a Melbourne-based residential Interior Design Studio known for its contemporary, functional and refined style.
Nina shared her inspiring journey, from starting NY Design 12 years ago to her recent accomplishments, with some eye candy along the way. Nina offers invaluable insights and practical tips for creating thoughtful and functional homes.
Photos by Dylan James
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN 3 WORDS?
Contemporary, functional, refined.
WHEN & WHAT MADE YOU START NY DESIGN & WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME?
I started NY Design about 12 years ago as an interior decorating business after we built our own home. Friends and acquaintances began asking for my help with their homes, and my business grew organically from there. About six years ago, I went back to university and studied Interior Design at RMIT. After graduating, I relaunched NY Design as an interior design business. "NY" is a play on my initials (Nina Yvonne) and New York, which to me represents architectural ingenuity, iconic fashion, and endless inspiration.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP STYLE TIPS TO MAKE HOMES THAT ARE THOUGHTFUL AND FUNCTIONAL?
- Design your joinery to suit your specific needs and lifestyle: If everything has its own place, you can easily keep your home organized and tidy. For example, create a small standing desk in a kitchen cupboard for your handbag, keys, and phone charger. This way, you're never hunting for your keys or leaving with a phone on 1%.
- Conceal your TV in your family room: There are clever ways to hide your TV so it's not the focal point of your open-plan living spaces. Artwork, a fireplace, or open display shelves are much nicer to focus on and spark conversation instead of a big black screen. If you can't conceal your TV, frame TVs are a lovely alternative—they resemble artwork in a floating box frame.
- Every home needs a mudroom or “drop zone”: This is a place to put away coats, shoes, school bags, the dog leash, and anything else that might otherwise be dumped near the front door.
- Maximize natural light throughout your home: Consider the size, location, and direction of your windows. If there's not much light, think about installing skylights. If a skylight isn't possible, there are effective skylight alternatives.
Interior Design by NY Design | Project Soho House | Rug Soho Handknot
Cabinet Maier Joinery
Photography Dylan James
WHAT’S THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Strive for excellence and let go of the need for perfection.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO A SPACE?
I love adding elements that mean something to my clients — whether it’s artwork from a family holiday, a piece of furniture passed down by grandparents, painting the master bedroom walls in a favourite colour, or designing a custom bookcase for an extensive book collection.
Interior Design by NY Design | Project Lyrebird House | Rug Rubick Rug in Rust / Ivory
Photography Tom Blachford
IF YOU COULD DESIGN ANYONE’S HOME, WHO’S WOULD IT BE?
I would love to design a home for Nova Peris. She’s an incredibly inspiring woman who has contributed so much to Australian sport, Indigenous health, education and human rights. I’d love to create a special study space for her, with custom joinery to display her vast array of medals and awards.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO RUG?
My go-to rug is Diva. It comes in beautiful colours, has an incredibly luxurious wool pile, and I can’t resist the fringe detail on the ends. A close second is Magic Spice with its amazing textured loop pile and gorgeous pastel tones.
ANY KEY PIECES, TRENDS OR COLOUR PALETTES YOU ARE LOVING AT THE MOMENT?
I’m loving the neutral tone-on-tone trend right now — it gives such warm and calm vibes.
WHAT’S A DESIGN SECRET YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?
Include a pull-out bin in your bathroom vanity joinery. It’s such a shame to have a freestanding visible bin in your beautiful new bathroom!
Interior Design by NY Design | Project Park House
Photography Dylan James
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR SCHEME TO WORK WITH AND WHY?
I enjoy working with all colours, but my least favourite is bright red — it makes me feel uncomfortable.
Interior Design by NY Design | Project Lyrebird House | Rug Rubick Rug in Rust / Ivory
Photography Tom Blachford
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF ANY PROJECT?
My favourite parts of any project are the beginning and the end. At the start, the concept stage is incredibly exciting. It’s when anything is possible, nothing is out of the question, and the opportunities are endless. At the end of the project, it’s immensely rewarding to see all the hard work come together. Capturing the final results with a photoshoot and seeing how clients are living in their newly transformed home is a privilege and reinforces why I love what I do.
Interior Design by NY Design | Project Lyrebird House | Rug Marco Rug in Linen
Photography Tom Blachford
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would love to be able to click my heels and transport myself, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. At the end of a holiday, I always wish I could close my eyes, click my heels three times and be back home.
WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR RECENT LYREBIRD HOUSE PROJECT?
The highlight was working with so many finishes and materials. Usually, I have one large sample box for all the finishes in a project. For Lyrebird House, I had two huge sample boxes filled to the brim. It was so exciting to bring together such a wide array of colours, patterns, and textures to create a uniquely beautiful and personal home.
WHAT’S ON YOUR DESIGN WISH LIST AT THE MOMENT?
The top item on my design wish list is the Maralunga sofa. I recently specified it for two projects, and it is the most comfortable, elegant, and cosy sofa.
HOW CAN WE STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST FROM NY DESIGN?
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