Photography: Anson Smart
There are few designers who have managed to adopt a style synonymous with their name, and among the cadre, Antipodean designer Tamsin Johnson stands apart. Her eponymous studio is notorious for its palimpsest way of layering antiquities and tactile materials to alchemise a space. Somewhere between eclecticism and modern classic, Tamsin’s signature style has found its place in a new studio located in Sydney’s Paddington. Sprawled across two levels, there’s a furniture showroom open to the public on street level, while the upper floor contains an open-plan loft space reserved for the lauded designer and her team.
Tell us about your style
I find it difficult to be concise when it comes to my approach, partly because I react differently to different spaces – sometimes shifting my emphasis in doing so. Perhaps an overarching characteristic of my work is ‘freshness’, whether that’s in the sense of play, colour or lightness. In many instances, my use of antiques and vintage pieces plays a large role in the depth of personality I give a space. I am concerned with a place being alive and full of interplay.
What appealed to you about this site?
Originally, this building housed my husband’s office [Patrick Johnson owns and operates tailored fashion label P Johnson] and my antiques showroom below. He outgrew the site and moving here was an obvious choice for me as I love a well-lit loft! What was the original concept for the studio? I wanted to capitalise on the airy and open feeling here, so I turned to shiplap walls and ceilings and sisal carpet, which I feel are apt not only as a representation of my style but for the studio’s setting – they form a blank canvas I can sit beautiful desks, chairs and tables on with poise. I wanted to emit the Australian spirit of optimism, but with some formality and polish.
What are your favourite pieces?
The striped 1980s cabinet we call ‘the chicken coop’ looks great here. I love the octagonal travertine table for meetings, and use a Modernist glass table as my desk – it works well and adds a great sharpness to the space. I also adore the metal wall sculptures near the kitchenette because they add a cool edge to the timbers in the space, and the intrigue of the family grouping of ebony-framed mirrors above the stairwell. They make a strange little story and bounce a lot of light around.
Can you walk us through your art choices?
I have an Art Deco diptych that has been everywhere with me and seems to have found the perfect home here. There’s a self-portrait of Barry Humphries, which is naturally close to my heart as he was my godfather. Strangely, the slag-glass shard on my desk has followed me around like a friendly old dog – it’s a bit lumpy but we love it.
How does the studio mirror the philosophy of your practice?
I believe the studio is a great distillation of my work. I love the contrasts of formality, natural light and cool restraint. There is my trademark freshness along with my love of powerful, artful objects and furniture, and the strange tension between them.
How does the studio itself shape the way you work?
I cannot work if I am not comfortable and surrounded by beauty – it’s my energy source. This space is as calm or energetic as I need it to be; it has tranquillity and dynamism at the same time. I love having my team with me, comfortable and nested in an environment that’s inspiring.
The Design Team
Tamsin Johnson: tamsinjohnson.com
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