Designer in Profile | Briana Forster Design
Sunshine Coast-based Briana Forster Design creates thoughtful, beautifully layered interiors that feel both refined and effortlessly liveable. With extensive industry experience and a personalised approach, the studio transforms homes into functional, elevated spaces designed to be enjoyed every day.
How would you describe your design style and overall aesthetic?
I often refer to my style of design as having a modern Australian aesthetic. My work doesn’t follow one particular style but instead draws on an eclectic blend of travel and lifestyle experiences I’ve encountered across my career as a Designer. Lines are clean and streamlined, colour is indicative of the environment where each property lies, layers of texture, prints, lighting and art are included to draw your attention and create personality.
The Australian lifestyle is unique and tends to inspire certain practicalities to the way we live and work within a space. I like to balanced aesthetic, durability and practicality in equal measures to make truly ‘liveable’ environments. I’d say my style is contemporary and sophisticated without being stuffy. I aim to create spaces that are refreshingly light and soothing on entry. They invite you to stay. Nothing is cluttered, every piece selected with deliberate focus and reasoning.
Is there a project that stands out as a favourite? What made it particularly special to you?
Oh gosh! I couldn’t - that’s like saying do you have a favourite child!
Look, each project comes with its challenges and rewards – it’s the nature of the beast. I get the absolute privilege to design and transform projects in some incredible locations.
What I would say is that the projects I get the most satisfaction from are those where a client truly understands and trusts my design instincts. It allows the project to have a cohesive creative vision, streamlines collaboration between designer and trades, and ultimately delivers a stronger outcome at handover.
If the briefing process and groundwork are executed correctly, every project should be a dream right?
When beginning a new project, what are your key priorities during the planning phase?
Listen Listen Listen!
I feel it is so important to truly understand my client’s desires and expectations - ultimately, my goal, is to create life changing spaces for them.
The briefing stage is key. Drawing as much information as possible around who will be using the property, what is the purpose, client routines, likes and dislikes, time frames and site restrictions is essential.
Removing the ego as a designer is a must. If the initial discovery sessions have been undertaken with precision, then you can rest assured the clients are already drawn to your aesthetic and style. These beginning phases are a designer’s chance to find a way to merge creative vision with client desire to create something truly magical to enjoy.
Where do you typically find inspiration when developing a concept for a project?
First and foremost from the environment in which the property sits. Inspired by colours and textures that sit softly within a space. Nature knows best!
I work on mid to high end premium projects across the Sunshine Coast and hinterland. Our lifestyle is all about seamless indoor/outdoor living. Mind boggling views seem to be an underlying theme to my project areas – it’s hard not to find inspiration in these locations!
Second of all - travel!
I’m constantly sourcing, observing, researching and updating my industry knowledge around new product ranges and global trends. Experiencing and investigating how different countries build, cultures live, artisans create, inspires so much of my colour, print and finish selections.
Although I would not describe my work as trend driven by any means, I do merge and morph elements of trends into my work with the focus always being on ensuring longevity with the aesthetic desires of my clients.
How do you balance functionality with aesthetics in your designs?
I have always had a strong focus on balancing aesthetics, functionality and durability in equal measures across my work.
It used to grind my bones when I had my son and I’d have friends and family saying ‘only 18 years until you can have your home back…..’ That’s simply not true! Live in the moment, enjoy your home NOW! Well selected pieces should stand the test of time no matter how a space is being used.
Layout and flow, family dynamics, property usage are all key areas that require addressing in the initial briefing stage. Drawing as much of this information out of your clients at the beginning stages ensures materials, fixtures and finishes are all selected appropriately and you get the balancing act right between aesthetics and functionality.
I tend to draw on a lot of commercial grade finishes throughout my work. It means they can withstand the hard wear and tear of busy family homes and high turnover of holiday letting properties and gives my clients a sense of confidence that allows them to relax within a space.
We are so lucky as designers at how advanced materials have become, allowing us to balance the benefits of commercial grade finishes with the warmth and softness of a residential setting.
Machine washable textiles, low maintenance finishes, furniture heights, ample storage, diversity of lighting and spatial planning are just some of the considerations that I implement in my designs.
Do you have a favourite GlobeWest collection or piece? What draws you to it?
Mmm... just one? I absolutely adore the finish to the new Andes Range. That colour and artisan detailing simply make me sing!
I also can’t get enough of the Cabana Curve Dining Chairs – not only are they so comfortable, but they are gorgeous and the colours very much appeal to my sense of style.
The extension of the Forme homewares range is super exciting too. These pieces are a great way of adding some trend focussed elements to my own style without creating a kitsch labelled aesthetic to my work. They are so interesting and detailed in their shape and colour – I love them!
Are there any emerging colour trends you’re currently seeing or incorporating?
As a diehard colour lover, I can’t get enough of the depth of colour, in every tone, coming back into the design space – layered, broad use of deep colour is so inviting and creates so much personality within a space.
I’m seeing delicious colour drenching of rooms in rust, caramel, olive and murky blues – I love it all!
Personally, I’m a huge green lover. It is so versatile and can be uplifting and soothing all at once. I love to weave green through cabinetry and upholstery in my work and in my opinion well selected shades of green can work effectively as a base colour just as well as any neutral.
Where can people learn more about you?
Website: www.brianaforsterdesign.com.au
Instagram: brianaforsterdesign
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