Page 32 - Port Douglas Magazine 30

MEET LEROY BELLE

Interior Designer

WORDS by Rosie Wang

t was with mounting anticipation that I arrived at esteemed Interior My host, Leroy Belle was as welcoming as his house. Which he shares
Designer Leroy Belle’s home. Having spoken with him earlier, I was with his husband Brent.
more than curious to see how his work translated in Port Douglas. After a brief tour, we arrived at the living area and I turned to find a
As I walked up the lush, private driveway I was met by a modern breathtaking view of the pool with the lake beyond. The sun’s rays
Iwall extending out past the garage. A modern twist of architecture, played with the colour timbres of the decor and the trees around the
which offered tantalising glimpses via strategically placed niches of a lake. Delightful. As we settled on the veranda I was interested to learn
lake, the pale green hue of pool water and segments of a luxurious more about Leroy’s illustrious career.
outdoor lounge. These first views hinted at the slow reveal that good
design delivers. Leroy originally wanted to be an architect, but first completed a course
in interior design, which saw him scooped up by David Jones. For 9
Walking further along the side of the house via more lush gardens years he worked his way up to their Head of Store Design. A position
I came upon the front portico, which grandly soared above. Glass he held for 4 years till he set out on his own in 2000. To say he never
niches in the front door once again offered glimpses, this time of looked back is an understatement. Since going solo he has received
effusive floral decorations just inside. My anticipation peaked to full many accolades and his work has been featured in coffee table books
interest. The door opened to a large, generous entrance with a round and magazines, including House & Garden, Trends, Belle, and Vogue
glass table complete with previously glimpsed floral decorations and Interiors.
decorative dragonflies. Seven years ago he settled in Port Douglas, a place he first fell in love
It was as if I’d walked through a portal and had been transported into with 30 years prior when he attended the opening of the Sheraton
a sumptuous, lush world of tropical sophistication. My gaze was then Mirage.
held fast by a vibrant yellow on white Tamara Mendel’s painting holding
centre position in the art filled dining room over the many levels of Although he is still designing interiors globally, he is keen to use his
sophisticated layering. expertise to unleash the ‘unlimited potential’ that Port Douglas and the
tropics have to offer.
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