FROM BOTTOM Silvana’s
‘Wattle Delight’ wallpaper,
designed for and featured
in The Emirates Melbourne
Cup marquee, with ‘Wattle
Delight’ cushions in Silver.
‘Bush Bouquet’ rug designed
for the Sydney Children’s
Hospital Gold Dinner. Silvana
at home in her sunroom.
Linen tablecloth and napkin
in ‘Bush Bouquet’ in Navy.
‘Gumnut Paradise’ velvet
cushion in Cream and
‘Sugarbush’ rug, created
with Designer Rugs.This Sydney-based designer
draws on Australian flora and
fauna for her decorative prints
EDITED BY LUCY FRANCIS
Tell us about your creative journey so far. My mother was a
seamstress and as a child, I’d sit and learn. Later I’d design my own
dresses. That was the coming together of my creativity and another
passion of mine – clothes. I’ve always loved being creative and knew
I’d dedicate my life to it. I can pinpoint a very specific moment when
my love of the creative process shifted from hobby to professional
career. I was studying a Bachelor of Design and got a call from
Catherine Martin, who needed a design assistant during post production
of Romeo + Juliet. This led to my role at Baz Luhrmann’s production
company, Bazmark Inq, where, over 17 years, I moved from assistant
to Head of Design. I also worked closely with Catherine and a small
team designing wallpaper, fabrics and rugs for her business CM Home.
How would you describe your aesthetic? I try to create graphic,
decorative prints that are timeless and can be applied to a variety
of surfaces and forms. I am obsessed with colour and texture,
taking inspiration from the past but still remaining current. That’s all
contextualised by the fact that I’m Australian with strong cultural ties
to countries with long histories of incredible decorative arts.
How did your time at Bazmark influence your thinking? During
my time there, I travelled to the most amazing places, which have
contributed greatly to my style and sense of colour and design. But
learning about the process was just as important. It allowed me to
ensure my outputs are true to my vision, understand the hard work that
goes into creating something that is exceptional and build the belief
that it’s possible for world-class design to be developed out of Sydney.
What inspired you to start your own business? Even during my time
at Bazmark, I was always playing around with my own designs. But
a few things were the catalysts I needed to start my business. In 2015,
Bazmark moved its global HQ to NYC. I moved over with my family
and then became pregnant with my second child. We decided to
return to Australia, which made staying at Bazmark very difficult.
You recently collaborated with Designer Rugs. What kind of home
do you see your rugs fitting into? Designer Rugs has a focus on ‘slow
design’, investing in pieces that will last for generations. The rugs in my
current collection are simultaneously retro and edgy and work well in
Victorian city terraces, modern beach houses or country cottages.
What inspires you? Travelling the world and seeing new places.
Watching documentaries and reading about other people’s lives and
journeys. Paintings and photography are another love of mine – seeing
through someone else’s eye and translating it in your own way.For more information, check out houseofheras.comDESIGN PROFILE
Silvana Azzi Heras
28 / Inside OutPHOTOGRAPHY: (‘BUSH BOUQUET’ RUG) MADELINE BRIGGS., (PORTRAIT) CRAIG WALL, (SUGARBUSH’ RUG) DESIGNER RUGS. VINTAGE PAINTING (PORTRAIT), ARTIST UNKNOWN. VINTAGE CUTLERY, LUNATIQUES, LUNATIQUES.COMTHINGS WE LOVE