Page 33 - Port Douglas Magazine 30

Lot 6, Heritage Lane

DESIGNING FOR THE TROPICS He showed examples in his own home where window and wall widths
had been cleverly worked out to enhance the furniture pieces being
Living here in Port Douglas he understands first-hand the challenges of used.
designing interiors in and for the tropics. Leroy described how part of the design process is building up layers,
Tropical design isn’t about bringing Bali to Port Douglas. Port has its this successful effect is what truly makes a great interior designer.
Understanding composition, how to lead the eye, is a key attribute to
own special magic. After all, as Leroy says, “a New York loft apartment
isn’t a New York loft if it isn’t in New York”. When asked about whether what he and all artists understand. A process that ultimately creates a
there was any specific Port Douglas style, he replied that Port isn’t liveable space, which reflects the taste and lifestyle of the owner as well
as creating interest and delight for the eyes.
tied to a specific vernacular. Port should encompass a timeless, global
sophistication while mirroring our stunning tropical outside environment He views interiors not as paintings but as sets. He likes the rooms to
with lush and sumptuous finishes inside. Something his home clearly tell a story and he has a wonderful eye for detail. His living room ceiling
reflects. is painted with a subtle hue of pale pink (much to the puzzlement of his
He sees a Port Douglas style as encompassing casual, comfortable and builders and painters). This subtle design touch helps to highlight details
chic. It’s where we come to relax whether permanently or seasonally. in the room. While looking at it in the setting sun, I noticed the way
the artificial and natural light fell and bathed the room an incandescent
Leroy is aware that people here close their properties over the green glow. Oh so clever!
season and his designs ensure that when they return, everything will be
as fresh as the day they left. Leroy’s recent Port Douglas projects include several for prominent and
well-known locals as well as the recent completion of the prestigious
THE DESIGN PROCESS multi-million dollar property “Heritage Lane”, here in Port Douglas. With
these successes, he is keen to design more locally. Blending his work
in Sydney, Melbourne and overseas with Port Douglas.
Leroy’s initial work with a client starts with figuring out what they want Whether he is working on small, large or commercial projects he
and attributes a large part of interior design work to psychology. embraces many budgets and seems to welcome a good challenge.
He believes that any professional relationship involves trust between As Leroy sums up beautifully, “It’s not about how much it costs, it’s the
the client and himself. He needs to trust the client’s instincts for what feeling that good design creates. It’s that ‘Wow!’ factor when you walk
they want. They need to trust his abilities to deliver while challenging into a room”.
them to grow so they get more than they thought possible.
Leroy’s interior design process ideally starts by working with the 0409 302 184
architect, so he can arrange the space to enhance the final outcome. leroybelledesign.com