Based in Brisbane, former property developer turned interior designer Keeley Green has officially launched her new studio in Newstead, a passion project she has been working on since her return to Queensland in 2016.
“I am so excited that the finishing touches have been put on the studio. I can’t wait to launch the space to my contemporaries,” she said. Commercial Road may be a far cry from the romantic streets of Florence, Italy where she studied her craft, but Green is determined to bring her signature style “elegance with an edge” to the sunshine state. “My showstopping piece is a Ralph Lauren crystal chandelier. You can’t miss it when you are walking down the street. It lights up the window at night. I think it adds that special something to what is essentially my office.”
A big part of her aesthetic is influenced by her expatriate childhood in Africa and Papua New Guinea as well as time spent at an English boarding school. Five years ago she founded Ailanto Wallpaper and Fabrics alongside Amanda Ferragamo, with bespoke designs are inspired by nature and travel while the children’s collection is meant to evoke a sense of adventure and playfulness. Green’s keen eye for interiors has translated across her client base, which includes commercial developments, boutique hotels, high end residential and retirement projects and even yachts.
“I love a challenge and one of my current projects is the complete refit of a superyacht. Being able to work closely with the clients to create a yacht that exceeds expectations is inspiring. Obviously, what works on land doesn’t necessarily work at sea, so we have to be mindful of every piece that we use – right down to the taps.”
Juggling two teenage children and a burgeoning business makes for a busy life but Green says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s all about finding that work, life balance, some weeks it all goes to plan and like any other parent there are constant balls in the air. Life is one big juggling act!”
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