A timeless approach to design led to a dark, dreamy bedroom for a New Plymouth couple. It’s a true exercise in smoke and mirrors, with wallpaper to match
Meet & greet
Gina (photographer, designer and vintage shop owner) and Rick Fabish (builder) and their four daughters.
Transforming a white bedroom into a dusky, opulent boudoir could be considered a gamble to some, but to Gina Fabish it was a risk that has paid off. The New Plymouth artist is a lover of all things timeless and it can be seen in her decor, which looks like a page ripped out of the most bone-achingly, glamorous history book. “I’m super passionate about all things vintage and maximising the spaces we have while being resourceful,” she says. The resulting space is dark in all the right ways, allowing for a sense of calm to ripple through the rich linens.
Your bedroom before was very much a white blank canvas. What inspired the change to moody, luxurious dark tones?
We’d originally painted the bedroom all white around eight years ago. As it’s a small space, which gets very little natural light, it seemed the logical thing to do. It was perfectly fine and nice, however it always felt a little flat and lacked dimension. I’m inspired by how spaces make you feel so I decided to embrace how the room is naturally and go darker. The darker tone enhances the quality of the light from the window and it now feels so calming.
What was your intention for the space?
To make the room feel like we were somewhere else, somewhere a little luxurious and full of history like a Parisian apartment or something. We are a busy family of six, so I think where you start and finish each day is important.
Talk us through the makeover process, what did you change? How long did it take?
I’d had this space drawn up for a good few months so I had all of the light fittings, wallpaper, bedsides and furniture. Rick completed the painting and the panelling over a couple of weekends, so all up, the process took a month to pull together. Sam Adams from Project Maintenance Solutions hung the wallpaper, which instantly transformed the space.
How would you describe your design style?
Bold graphic, but timeless. I love using iconic design pieces mixed with antique and classic motifs, I like the contrast of mixing different styles and eras. I love the time-worn appeal and texture of vintage furnishings and finishes.
The wallpaper is a show-stopping choice, how did that materialise?
I’ve always loved wallpaper, how it can add a graphic element and texture. I’ve always admired traditional wall coverings and murals as well, so when I came across this option it was the perfect blend between classic mural and a graphic design. It was also at a good price point compared with other options.
How did you go about picking out pieces for the space?
I love classic shapes and iconic design; I think they work to create a space with timeless appeal. I hunted high and low for just the right shaped mirror, other pieces were things I’d picked for my vintage shop and were just too perfect to part with.
Which finished result are you most pleased with?
I think the wallpaper, especially against the glossy black detail.
What’s your best advice to anyone interested in transforming their boudoir?
Be brave and make choices based on how you want to feel in the space, don’t take notice of dos and don’ts of design.
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