Great oaks from little acorns

Space, budget and time constraints are realities we wrestle with in most real-world projects, but when you’re supporting the development of the next generation of designers, there is a solid case to be made for providing opportunities for students to explore their personal styles, experiment with new concepts and refine technical skills beyond typical client limitations. Including projects in the curriculum that allow freedom and encourage risk-taking is important to help students develop unique design voices and confidence in their abilities. In addition to more structured projects with instructor-led briefs that mimic the demands of real clients, interior design students at Sydney Design School are encouraged to nurture their passion and problem-solving skills with self-guided projects that foster creativity, critical thinking and innovation while broadening their portfolios and showcasing their versatility and originality to future employers.

In one such project, students are invited to select an area of interior design that would showcase their unique style and are tasked with choosing their own client and site before determining the project requirements and developing a succinct brief. Since she also holds an education degree, Katrina Jones was drawn to design a concept focused on early childhood learning and chose to situate it within a nearby setting that she had developed an intimate connection with during regular walks.

“Exploring Tree, a local early childhood education provider, stood out as an ideal client for me because of their strong focus on outdoor play spaces and their philosophy that children learn best through experiences and connections with people and the environment,” Katrina explains. “Their designs emphasise incorporating as many natural elements as possible, with each play space tailored to reflect the unique character of its location and surroundings. I chose my site at Whitebridge – specifically the Burwood Bowling Club – as its 360-degree views offer a stunning perspective of the Newcastle coastline and the nearby Glenrock State Recreation Area, including the Yuelarbah Track. Yuelarbah translates to ‘place of many footsteps’ and the track is surrounded by beautiful native flora and provides a strong connection to nature. These elements perfectly align with my design vision of a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an environment that encourages exploration, learning and play.”

Like Exploring Tree’s existing projects, Katrina aimed to capture the landscape through her design’s interior in a way that felt unique to its location. With expansive windows, indoor plantings and shapes and colours that echo the surroundings, her enchanting design offers a variety of spaces for children to learn through different creative activities.

Connections to nature are inherently intertwined throughout Katrina’s project but the ring-shaped rooms that provide zones dedicated to various enrichment activities are another notable feature. Each ring’s purpose has been differentiated with a carefully chosen Resene paint colour that contrasts yet complements the greenery: Resene Comfort Zone for the library, Resene Kingfisher Blue for the toddler playroom, Resene Spring Fever for the infant playroom, Resene Celestial Blue for the music room, Resene Tapestry for the atelier, Resene Quarter Coriander for the staff room, Resene Lisbon Brown for the workshop and Resene Forest Green for the quiet room. Together, these hues are unified with Resene Ciderhouse, which appears in the central area and on various surfaces throughout the early learning centre.

“The idea for the ring-shaped pods started with rough sketches inspired by nature, especially the gumnut flowers native to the area along the Yuelarbah Track. The colours drew from the stunning native flora and coastal hues, blending the natural beauty of the surroundings into the design. The concept evolved to reflect the organic shapes and interconnectedness found in nature, creating a space that feels fluid and alive. This design encourages curiosity and movement while fostering a sense of inclusion. The circular layout eliminates harsh edges, making the environment feel softer and more inviting – perfect for children. To keep the atmosphere calm, sound would be managed with soft, noise-dampening materials, ensuring a peaceful and welcoming space for everyone.”

In making her colour selections, Katrina used her trusty Resene fandecks and the free online Resene Colour Palette Generator tool to pull colours from the project’s nearby surroundings. “Spending time in Glenrock Reserve, walking the Yuelarbah Track and taking in Whitebridge’s stunning coastline, I was inspired by the vibrant mix of colours that appear in these locations – the rich reds of native blossoms, the golden hues of wild grasses, the lush greens of the forest canopy, the warm browns of tree bark and the deep, calming blues of the ocean and sky,” she explains.

“To capture the essence of these landscapes and bring their inspiration to life, I started by observing, sketching and documenting the colours that stood out for me the most. From there, I used swatches from my Resene fandecks to refine the palette into a cohesive interior scheme. The Resene Colour Palette Generator was also incredibly helpful for visualising how the colours worked together, ensuring they mirrored both the vibrancy and serenity of the environment.”

The places Katrina has lived have always proven to be an inspiring backdrop for nurturing her creative interests. Before relocating to Newcastle, it was working on her first home in Melbourne which ignited her passion for interior design. “28 years ago, my husband and I purchased a warehouse shell and together we transformed that empty industrial space into a warm and inviting home – one that would accommodate our growing family and become the setting for many cherished gatherings. That early experience spurred my love for designing spaces that foster connection, functionality and a sense of belonging. My brother, a talented builder based in Melbourne, has also influenced my appreciation for design and craftsmanship. And my previous studies in teaching instilled in me the importance of understanding and responding to people’s needs – skills I now apply in my design work,” she says.

“Over the years, I’ve been the go-to person among friends for design advice. While I thoroughly enjoyed helping them create beautiful and practical spaces, I often felt unqualified to provide advice tailored to their unique needs. This realisation led me to pursue formal studies at Sydney Design School, allowing me to refine my skills and transition into a professional design career.”

Since graduating, Katrina has taken on the role of Lead Interior Designer at After Dark Design & Construction. She also runs her own design studio, House of Matelot Designs – a business she hopes to grow more in the future as she continues gaining experience.

“At After Dark, I’ve worked on some fantastic projects, including revamping hotel rooms for a client in Port Stephens, designing a café in Lake Macquarie and developing a concept for a new food offering at John Hunter Hospital. These projects have been invaluable in teaching me the importance of truly listening to clients’ needs and wants to create designs that resonate with them. They’ve also reinforced just how crucial it is to get the details right. From technical drawings to scheduling, everything needs to be accurate and thorough to ensure the design is both comprehensive and easy for clients and stakeholders to understand. All those lessons from my educators about precision and attention to detail have proven to be spot on!”

As Katrina continues to develop her skills, she hopes to work on a range of commercial typologies in the future. “I’m thrilled to be working with a business that offers such a diverse range of project types, from hospitality and retail to office spaces, hotels and medical practices. I’m especially excited about the variety of projects lined up for this year, as each brings unique challenges and opportunities to explore creative solutions,” she says. “Getting hands-on experience has also been incredibly rewarding, not only in developing my technical skills but also in growing my confidence as a designer and finding my voice when presenting concepts.”

Katrina is presently working on two projects that will feature Resene paints. “For these, I’ve selected Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Half Lemon Grass, Resene Horizon and Resene Half Sandspit Brown. These colours were chosen with great care to reflect the unique character and mood of each space they’ll be used in. Resene Half Lemon Grass offers a soft earthy green that will bring a sense of calm and connection to nature, making it perfect for creating a serene environment. Resene Horizon, a muted blue grey, will add a touch of sophistication and balance, evoking a sense of openness and tranquillity. Finally, Resene Half Sandspit Brown will introduce a warm, grounding element with its soft, natural tone, tying the palette together beautifully. Resene's quality and extensive range of colours made it easy to find shades that harmonise with the overall design vision, and I’m confident these choices will bring depth, warmth and character to the completed spaces. I can’t wait to see how they come to life as the projects progress!”

“What I love about Resene is how much they genuinely care about making colour and design easy and inspiring,” Katrina adds. “Their colour range is incredible – there’s always the perfect shade to bring my ideas to life. I also really appreciate their tools, like the Resene Colour Palette Generator and the fandecks, which make exploring and visualising colours so much fun. Their products are reliable and offer great finishes, which is so important for bringing a design together. Being family-owned also adds a nice personal touch, and their service and support have always been friendly and helpful, which makes working with them such a positive experience.”

As her career progresses, Katrina knows that colour will always play a fundamental role in her work and that its power can be leveraged to make the most of how users engage with her designs. “With each project, I plan to use colour not just as a decorative tool but as a way to enhance functionality, tell a story and create meaningful experiences tailored to the specific needs of the space and its users. In hospitality, colour can evoke warmth and ambiance to enhance the dining experience. In retail, it can guide movement and draw attention to key products. In office spaces, it can influence productivity and mood. For medical practices, calming tones can help reduce stress and create a soothing atmosphere for patients,” she says.

“I view interior design as an opportunity to enhance people’s lives by crafting spaces that are both meaningful and functional. My goal is not to replicate my own style but to tailor designs to reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the people who use them. I’m loving the variety and challenges of each project I’ve been able to work on and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.”

Katrina's favourite colours

“While greens are my absolute favourites, Resene Ciderhouse really stands out for me. I selected this green for the main areas of my early learning centre concept, including the pre-kindergarten playroom and the infants' room. Its soft tone harmonises beautifully with the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. This choice enhances the natural aesthetic of the centre while bringing a calming, grounded atmosphere that reflects the lush greenery of the native flora.

“For a touch of coastal inspiration, Resene Comfort Zone is a perfect shade of blue. It beautifully complements the Australian coastline without overpowering the environment, allowing the natural surroundings to shine. I chose this gentle blue hue for the children’s library because it reflects the tranquillity of the nearby coastal landscape. It fosters a sense of peace and relaxation, creating a calm, serene atmosphere that’s ideal for reading, learning and quiet reflection.

“And then there’s Resene Tapestry – which is such a pretty, soft and fun shade. I used this lovely pink in the children’s atelier to inspire creativity and bring a playful energy to the space. The warm, inviting tone encourages self-expression and imagination, making it the perfect backdrop for artistic exploration and creative activities. It brings joy and vibrancy to the room, aligning perfectly with the atelier’s purpose.”

› To see more of Katrina’s design work, check out her Instagram feed at www.instagram.com/houseofmatelot.

Colours and products mentioned in this article...

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