Behind the Design: Introducing NOMI's "Designed By" Series
“Designed By” is a collaborative series showcasing how leading Australian designers customise NOMI pieces to suit their unique projects. Each edition offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process; from concept to finished space. Through the lens of thoughtful, real-world design.
When Claudia Lambert was invited to reimagine the interiors of a bold concrete and timber home in Bondi, she wasn’t starting from scratch. The architecture - designed by James Garvan, was already striking, with robust forms and natural finishes. But the interiors needed to catch up.
“When the clients first moved in, they styled the home very quickly, just to get it done,” Claudia says. “The architecture was incredible, but the furnishings weren’t giving it the justice it deserved.”
The push to refresh the interiors came from the couple’s teenage daughter, who encouraged them to rework the styling to better reflect the home’s strong architectural bones. “The bones are gorgeous, with lots of concrete and wood, so my job was easy - like putting a beautiful outfit on a model,” Claudia says.acter.
Claudia’s process always starts with art. In this case, a colourful abstract by Sydney artist Belem Lett became the anchor for the home’s new palette. With its soft purple hues and bold gestures, it brought direction and a surprising sense of warmth - to the otherwise cool-toned architecture.
From there, the heart of the home came into focus: a custom dining table. “Once we landed on the artwork, it guided everything,” Claudia says. “We wanted the dining table to tie into that story to feel connected, but not obvious.”
Using NOMI’s online configurator, Claudia was able to tailor the piece to suit the space and palette. The tabletop, a soft natural Onyx stone with pastel undertones, picked up on the tones of the painting, while the chrome-legged chairs, upholstered in plush lavender, added softness and sheen.
“The materials really did the heavy lifting. Once we had the stone and fabric, the table felt like it belonged in the space.”
CUSTOMISE YOUR GATHERING TABLE
As part of the process, the piece was made to order, allowing the finishes and scale to be dialled in precisely. Claudia shared glimpses of the journey, from concept to installation , with her audience, offering insight into the customisation process and how a considered design choice can shape a room.
SEE THE FULL JOURNEY
The result is a dining setting that feels grounded but expressive. It speaks to the architecture, but also introduces colour and tactility. Around it, Claudia softened the home further with a blush-toned rug, a soft brown leather sofa, and cream linen sheers that replaced stark roller blinds. “It was an absolute game changer,” she says of the new window treatments.
