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Designer Selects: Kate McCluskey Kyle on the magic ‘in-between’

Designer Selects: Kate McCluskey Kyle on the magic ‘in-between’

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McCluskey Studio founder and director Kate McCluskey Kyle is known for an eclectic yet refined style that seamlessly blends past, present and future. She is unafraid of incorporating vibrant colour and bold, graphic moments into heritage homes to create layered interiors that capture the multifaceted essence of her clients, one of McCluskey Kyle’s talents is her ability to seamlessly bring the unexpected together in perfect harmony. 

Here, McCluskey Kyle shares a selection of her most coveted pieces, from original art through to iconic chairs. 

Tumbling Together Apart by Jeremy Blincoe 
Jeremy Blinco’s Tumbling Together Apart, placed in a bedroom alcove designed by McCluskey Studio. Photography by Timothy Kaye.

This piece was introduced to me via my dear friend and creative collaborator, Marsha Golemac. The sculptural forms of Jeremy Blincoe’s Tumbling Together Apart perfectly complement our interior spaces by providing a brutalist counter to the more refined classical elements at play. This piece is authentic, raw, beautiful and lyrical while being grounded by its natural materiality: all elements we strive to implement in our designs.

The Spaces Between Buildings by Larry R Ford
Larry R. Ford’s book is available from Amazon. Image via Amazon.

Passed down by my then and now mentor, Damon Hills, while at university, this book underpinned my thesis research and began my deep dive into the understanding of making use of all interior spaces in-between. It has provided a broader and deeper understanding of interiors of all scales and their impact on inhabitants.

Four Figures by Martin Claydon
Four Figures by Martin Claydon hangs pride of place in the McCluskey Studio designed living space. Photography by Timothy Kaye.

As soon as I saw this piece I was taken by its scale, composition and expressive painting style. When curating art for clients’ homes, it’s important for us to find pieces that evoke a feeling or memory, that are expressive, impactful and playful. This piece ticks all those boxes!

Moooi Chess Table designed by Front
Available from Space, Moooi’s Chess Table adds a graphic pop to this monochromatic textural living space by McCluskey Studio. Photography by Timothy Kaye.

I loved the Moooi Chess Table from the first time I saw it – an homage to my younger days when black and white was king. This piece will always be welcome in a McCluskey Studio project. Its versatility as functional furniture and art piece speaks to our design ethos. 

Checkered Knock Basket
The Checkered Knock Basket is available from Pan After. Seen here in a light filled McCluskey Studio designed interior. Photography by Timothy Kaye.

Checkered Knock Basket is one of our favourite styling pieces. Its unique, almost imperfect form created by its handwoven construction, coupled with the monochromatic colouring catches your eye. It’s available in multiple sizes (the bigger the better, in our opinion). 

Limited edition Louis Vuitton/Cassina LC4 CP chaise longue, originally designed in collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928
The limited edition LC4 is available from Form Atelier. Image via Form Atelier

My modernist idol. The source of great inspiration within all facets of architecture, interior design, furniture and objects from the beginning of my studies right through to today.

NVL Table Oval designed by Jean Nouvel for MDF Italia 
The NVL table, seen here in gloss red, is available from Bachli. Image via Bachli.

When selecting furniture, I’m drawn to the playful combination of classic forms with contemporary treatments. The NVL table in a glossy lacquer is striking, and the bright red colouring in this piece is something we are loving at the moment. For me, anything coloured with gloss is magic! 

Check out McCluskey Studio’s brilliant design for new Collingwood restaurant Orlo.


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