Behind the Design with Zhana Garkinis from Fourteen Oh Five.
We caught up with Zhana Garkinis, Interior Designer and Owner of Melbourne studio Fourteen Oh Five, to discuss her Aberfeldie House project, featuring our custom made window coverings.
| Topic | Behind the Build |
| Photography | Fourteen Oh Five |
| Photography | Elise Scott Studio |
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“Having the option to order the fabric and colour swatches through dc+b was really helpful, as we were able to use them in our material boards, as well as view them in the home alongside the other materials we had chosen. ”
— Zhana, Fourteen Oh Five
We had the pleasure of catching up with Zhana Garkinis, the talented owner and Interior Designer behind Fourteen Oh Five, a Melbourne-based interior design and styling business.
Zhana shares insights into one of her latest home projects, Aberfeldie House, where our Sheer Curtains, Roller Blinds, and Plantation Shutters played a key role in transforming her clients’ family home.
Tell us a little bit about yourself as an Interior Designer and Decorator.
As an Interior Designer and Decorator, my passion lies in creating homes that are not only visually stunning, but also effortlessly functional. With every design project, my goal is to craft spaces that feel cohesive, stylish, and genuinely liveable.
What type of home did you renovate – describe the style/design?
The Aberfeldie House was a home that felt a little outdated and lacked energy. It needed a bit of a refresh in terms of the style and layout.
What made your clients want to renovate their home?
The home felt a bit dated. Whilst the layout and size of the home was perfect for their family, they wanted to elevate and re-design the spaces to be more aligned with their personal style and day-to-day living.
When it comes to designing a home, what does your design process look like?
We start with getting to know our clients first. Gaining a strong understanding of their lifestyle, preferences, and what makes them feel at home is pivotal in creating a perfectly resolved home. The design process begins by sourcing inspiration and creating mood boards to establish the overall style and feel of the home, then focusing on the layout and functionality to ensure it works for our clients every day living.
Once we have a clear design direction, we then select the materials, furnishings, and finishes. Throughout the process, we collaborate and work closely with our clients and trades to keep track of budgets and timelines.
What were the ‘must-haves’ for the renovation?
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Mood moments, earthy elements, more storage space, pops of colour, and WOW factor! The brief was to design a more contemporary home, provide a better layout, and add additional storage solutions.
What was your favourite part of the renovation and why?
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There’s so much I loved about the renovation, but I think the moody lounge area is my favourite space in the home. When this project started, the lounge was a bright blue yoga space, so we redesigned the room, adding wainscoting, a custom arch, fluted steel doors, and flipped the layout. The introduction of custom joinery, new furniture, and the soft Sheer Curtains completed the space perfectly.
- When did you contact us during the process and what benefits did dc+b provide?
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When my clients reached out to me to begin the design process, they had already engaged the services of dc+b, but were unsure of the selections they had made for the spaces within the home. Once the project commenced, I consulted with the dc+b Epping store to make the necessary selection changes, to ensure everything tied in with the design vision. Having the option to order the fabric and colour swatches was really helpful, as we were able to use them in our material boards, and view them in the home alongside the other materials we had chosen.
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What products did you (or your client) choose from dc+b?
In the main areas of the home, we opted for Sheer Curtains with the addition of Blockout Roller Blinds for privacy and light control. We selected Plantation Shutters in the other spaces where a Sheer Curtain wasn’t a suitable option due to various window sizes or access points.
How did our products transform the home?
The Sheer Curtains and Plantation Shutters transformed the Aberfeldie home, seamlessly combining style and functionality. The Sheer Curtains added an airy, inviting feel to the living, dining, and hallway spaces while offering daytime privacy. In the moody lounge, they paired effortlessly with darker tones to create a cozy, dramatic vibe.
The Plantation Shutters in the hallway and dining room enhanced light and privacy control, adding sophistication. Together, these versatile window furnishings perfectly balanced aesthetics, comfort, and practicality, showcasing their transformative impact.
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Some people find it difficult to decide what to do with their windows. Any tips?
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Are you a Curtains, Blinds, or Shutters person?
- I enjoy specifying both Sheer Curtains and Shutters since I love a transitional home. This approach ensures to blend a classic design style with modern elements to create a balanced and timeless look.
How do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere – whether it’s from nature, art, travel, or just everyday life. Pinterest, design magazines, and social media are great resources, but sometimes it’s the simplest things, like the colours in a garden or floral arrangements, or the texture and design of a fabric or art work that can spark a whole new idea.
