July 14, 2009
INTERIOR DESIGNER DIANE BERGERON
Interior designer Diane Bergeron is a New York native transplanted into Melbourne who has gained a strong following in Australia in part thanks to the renovation of her home in newfound city. The transformation of a two-storey Collingwood warehouse into a cool yet refined home has seen her work featured in an array of magazines across the world. However, Diane has been creating interiors for the best part of 20 years, a passion she developed after growing up in Massachusetts. Diane also has a successful business importing her favourite American fabrics.
Which five words best describe you? Passionate, creative, outrageously optimistic, enthusiastic.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? A lemonade stand at age seven. In my early 20s I had a vintage clothing store on Martha’s Vineyard and waited tables in NYC. Since then, I’ve moved around a lot… always doing interiors in Montreal, Miami, New York and now here to stay in Melbourne where I set up a showroom importing all of my favourite American fabrics.
What’s your proudest achievement? I have two. My daughters Annis & Coco.
What’s been your best decision? Moving To Australia.
Who inspires you? Charlotte Gainsbourg & Annie Hall.
What are you passionate about? Food. Music. Shoes.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Trust your instincts and follow your heart.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I have a dream dinner party guest list… Lillian Hellman, Elizabeth David, Barak Obama, Diana Vreeland, Nancy Mitford, Woody Allen, Dorothy Draper, Slim Aarons, Spalding Grey and Robert Rauschenberg.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Do the interior design for a boutique hotel.
What are you reading? Villages by John Updike. The latest New Yorker Magazine.
images courtesy of diane bergeron