From Nicole Kidman to Russell Crowe: Designing homes for the rich and famous

Blainey North has designed interiors and furniture for everyone from Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, to the Packer family, the Pratts and Kerry Stokes. She even did the mirror over Shane Warne’s bed. Here she riffs on the special relationships required to bring out the best in her and her clients.

What’s the most beautiful thing ever designed? 

What comes to mind is this amazing exhibition by (Icelandic-Danish artist) Olafur Eliasson. He created this room that I went to in London. It was all black with a very fine mist coming down, and as the light went on, it would create rainbows. And as people walked into this room, there was this beautiful feeling. Everyone was experiencing this very light rain and rainbows, and of course, the children would walk into it. Others started walking in, and there was a sense of wonderment on their faces and an unbelievable feeling of pure joy and happiness from this shared experience. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.