Timeless touch and detailed design

An obsessive love of details and natural curiosity for interiors drew Tanya Love-Hallihan to a career in interior architecture and design.

The respected Jan Juc creative and business owner also credits her grandmother Jean’s “love of glorious colour combinations” with helping to stir her passion for interiors.

Tanya established her studio, Jacobsen Love, in 2011 after working for a variety of leading Australian architectural firms both locally and internationally on all manner of projects from residential to retail and large-scale hospitality.

Sea Temple Port Douglas, The Langham Hotel and Crown Mahogany Room feature on the long list of impressive projects she lent her talents to during that chapter of her career journey.

Jacobsen Love has worked on standout projects such as the beautiful heritage 1850s homestead Spray Farm on the Bellarine Peninsula and The Kyn restaurant on The Esplanade in Torquay.

Tanya describes her own personal style as “lived, timeless and always eclectic”.

“Our home has warmth, treasured joinery and is layered with deep olive hues, wild terrazzo, classic marble and neutral textures,” she says.

“We have three young boys aged two, five and seven, so at this moment in time it mostly looks dishevelled.”

Timeless design is also at the heart of the Jacobsen Love approach.

“Our intent is to create timeless spaces that encompass both function and beauty and cohesively connect form, light, texture, tone and objects,” Tanya explains.

“Our spaces aim to complement the everyday routines and interactions of people, not just to decorate them.

“We approach each project with excitement, transparency, and gratitude.”

When working with clients Tanya says the beginning of a project involves a lot of listening while the client does all the talking.

“Their lifestyle and passions lead,” she says.

“From there we compile imagery, sketches and materials that create a feeling and strong concept design direction.”

Tanya, a graduate from the Queensland University of Technology, seeks inspiration from a multitude of sources, including our state’s capital.

“Melbourne is a powerhouse city when it comes to all things architecture and design, with endless exhibitions, inspiring showrooms and trade events to devour.

“For our residential projects we seek inspiration mostly from the client’s own routines, how they entertain, their travels and treasured possessions.

“And always, beautiful Australian and international design magazines.”

As with any designer, she has her favourite materials, textures and homewares she often incorporates into a project.

“Marble slabs and travertine tiles for their timeless quality, wire brushed European oak and George Nelson Bubble Lamps by Herman Miller,” she says, without hesitation.

And what is she particularly loving right now?

“The delicious recycled, handcrafted Lutyens Bricks from the Natural Brick Co.”

When it comes to interior design for coastal environments, Tanya says the approach is constant but the aspect changes.

“Here in coastal Victoria exploit any sun offered and design elements to protect from those harsh southerly blasts.

“You rarely need the option to entirely open up the living spaces here; an essential for QLD and NSW coastal properties.

“Take advantage of this and gain more useable internal space and welcome additional joinery under windows.”

And for anyone approaching a new built or renovation, regardless of its location, her mantra is to design for purpose and longevity.

Take time to consider how you live, where you like to entertain, your everyday routines and take advantage of those transition spaces between inside and out, she says.

“Recognise that decoration is just that and have patience in acquiring pieces you love.

“For a holistic resolution and restful nights, consider engaging an interior designer.

“The design process is long and exhaustive but we adore every phase of a build and realise the extent of your investment.”

Tanya says if you are going it alone on the design front, it is imperative to engage an established builder.

“Place importance on the interior architecture, the joinery and lighting selections, as these elements will see you through generations to come. Ask questions, always!

“Be realistic with your budget; there is no point playing poker with your builder.

“And remember trends are transient. Choose base build materials that will age gracefully beside you, so you won’t feel the need to renovate in 20 years’ time.”

Discover more on the Jacobsen Love website or @jacobsenlove on Instagram. Jacobsen Love welcomes any calls or emails to chat design, costs or services.