Gabriel Ross X Pamela Billinghurst Interior Design: A Lifetime Q&A
We recently partnered with Pamela Billinghurst Interior Design to create A Lifetime, an immersive vignette that celebrates the everyday moments that hold meaning and create lasting memories. We sat down with Pamela for a Q&A about the project.
What was the inspiration for A Lifetime?
When Camila and I sat down at my dining table to brainstorm ideas for the vignette, we continually returned to themes relating to contentment, approachability, and humility. We wanted to tell the story of the ordinary, the mundane, the everydayness of life. Sitting at the dining table, we realized that the dining room was the stage for those core principles in my home. It is where our family starts and finishes our day together. It is where we eat breakfast, have morning coffee, do homework, play board games, host meetings, create artwork, and gather for celebrations. It is a multi-purpose and hardworking space, seeing more use than any other part of my home.
What was your vision for how the project was to take shape?
We aimed to create a vignette that would both draw visitors in and make them feel at home. Our intent was to provide a meaningful interruption, and to invite introspection.
Since life is full of change and movement, we wanted to incorporate these elements into the space. Our goal was to activate the objects, bringing them to life in a dynamic display that transcends a static exhibit. We sought to connect viewers to the life of each object, showcasing how these pieces of art are also tools that support everyday experiences.
To achieve this, we developed a concept of articulating life's transitions through illustration, a down-to-earth medium that is widely relatable. We collaborated with Renske Werner, who created illustrations depicting some of life’s ordinary and extraordinary moments. Her illustrations are brought to life in a story told through a looping animated projection applied to the dining table’s surface. The objects featured in the story are the same ones displayed on the adjacent furniture and shelving, highlighting how these humble, everyday items are prized and only a small reach away from being used again.
During our frequent showroom visits, we observed the number of locals and tourists that walked by each day, presenting an opportunity for the vignette to interact with the streetscape. The projection is set to run day and night, inviting passersby to follow the story of A Lifetime and discover the illustrated objects proudly displayed in the model-family’s dining room.
Why are the themes of A Lifetime so important in design today?
In a world that often rushes us towards the future, A Lifetime offers a different perspective. It's an invitation to savour the present moment and welcome each new chapter with open arms. It encourages us to be mindful of what we bring into our homes and how we spend our time. As interior designers, we have the privilege of helping our clients create spaces that support and enhance their daily lives. We can also reveal the beauty that's already present in their surroundings, fostering a sense of peace and contentment.
Can you speak to the idea of “embracing the beauty of the ordinary”?
We spend most of our lives living in the ordinary, why not take delight in it? Even the most mundane tasks can hold meaning and create lasting memories. The objects that support these activities become imbued with value, enriching our experiences. The vignette serves as a reminder of the joy we can discover in the ordinary moments that shape our lives.
What were your favourite pieces featured in A Lifetime?
Jean Prouvé's Rayonnage Mural by Vitra is a perfect example of a timeless modern piece. It was designed in 1936 and is still relevant and fresh today. Its clean lines, featuring tapered steel brackets and oak shelves, make it a simple yet versatile shelf that complements nearly any room in a home. It truly is a functional piece of art.
We appreciate the Kurage Table Lamp for the simplicity of its construction, and how two humble materials, washi paper and ash wood, can be used to make a beautiful fixture that creates a delightfully serene ambiance. We are particularly drawn to the warm and peaceful atmosphere it brings to the vignette, and the playful way the paper shade dances upon its wooden perch when a breeze comes through.
The playful form of the Alessi Anna Spoon touches a nostalgic chord for both of us. I use the Anna spoon every morning to stir my coffee, and my children use it to stir honey into their tea to soothe a sore throat. It reminds Camila of the cutlery set she and her brother used as children, with each handle embossed with an animal playing an instrument: a bear, a cat, and a rabbit. These utensils, which still reside in her parent’s cutlery drawer, evoke memories of after-school snacks at their cherished oak table. They will likely be used by future grandchildren, becoming a symbol of their childhood, as well. Unique objects with distinctive details, like the Anna Spoon, punch through the hazy recollections of time gone by and strengthen the sharpness of memories.
What do you hope viewers will take away from this vignette?
It is our hope that the vignette offers visitors a moment of pause and contemplation, inviting them to reflect and consider the beauty present in their own lives.
Do you have any tips for our readers who want to bring the themes of A Lifetime into their homes?
When selecting furniture and accessories for the vignette, we adhered to strict criteria, prioritizing pieces that are sustainably-made, durable, timeless, humble, and authentic. We also sought versatile designs that would accommodate a wide range of users. This approach can be applied to any space.
By choosing products that are responsibly made, make you smile, and that you'll look forward to using every day, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
A special thanks to Pamela Billinghurst Interior Design and Renske Werner.
