Snelling Studio\u2019s Bec Snelling on how to choose objects that you\u2019ll love forever.<\/p>\n
\n Bec Snelling is an Auckland-based fine artist and designer, and the head of Snelling Studio, a lighting, furniture and objects company she established in 2007 with her father, Douglas. Their pieces are produced in collaboration with local
\n craftspeople, using both traditional and contemporary manufacturing techniques.\n <\/p>\n
She has recently completed a Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) at Auckland\u2019s Ilam School of Fine Arts, is a keynote speaker at the upcoming NZ Design Week (March 2-10), and will be exhibiting at Melbourne Design Week.<\/p>\n
Snelling shares with Viva her best advice on how to choose objects for your home that will last the test of time.<\/p>\n
Bec Snelling in her studio at home in Mt Eden. Photo \/ Jason Dorday<\/p>\n
Find purpose<\/p>\n
Start by asking yourself what is this room\u2019s purpose? Then cull. Strip it right back to what you actually need and love, and how that fits with that purpose. <\/p>\n
The living room, for example. I intend for it to be for wakeful relaxation, reading, research or even my \u2018best of room\u2019. There is quite a lot of stimulus. It houses my collection of books, special artifacts, ceramics, and critical art \u2013 so if something makes it to the living room in my house, it\u2019s really something special in my eyes. <\/p>\n
This space is more communal so it\u2019s not an extra dumping ground for the off spill. Side tables are great. I like a soft chair and ottoman. As much as a couch is essential, they are very big. <\/p>\n
My new trick, because I loathe the TV being pride of place, is that it is now on a mobile pedestal and is peddled out on demand. <\/p>\n
My bedroom\u2019s purpose is more restful, solitary and meditative. Therefore, it\u2019s minimal, subdued in colour with dim light and soothing bed linen. I think having these clear purposes sets the stage for each space and keeps it intentional and discerning.<\/p>\n
Invest in a great dining table <\/p>\n
Mine is the heart of my home. It is where all the activity takes place. We sit and share kai, have hui, draw, make art and lots of cups of tea \u2013 laughs, debates, contemplation and tears. The dogs are full and important participants, circling for an opportunity not just for food but for attention.<\/p>\n
Bec Snelling’s kauri dining table. Photo \/ Jason Dorday<\/p>\n
I love all that happens around my table. The old saying of \u201cif these walls could talk …\u201d – well, more applicable for me would be “if this table could talk …” I just now had a flashback of a staff party where we raucously danced on it. In fact, Dad used to say when we first started making furniture, \u201cI make tables that you can dance on\u201d. <\/p>\n
Mine is solid kauri and is not too wide. It can sit up to 10-12 by slotting in a few stools, but it\u2019s not so big and formal that it lacks intimacy.<\/p>\n
Round or oval is lovely, and fold-up or removable leaves is super if space is at a premium. When the table is empty, I love using it to curate still life \u2013 gathered foliage from my walks, flowers, candlesticks and interesting fruit on plates. I quite love using a tablecloth and that gives \u2018the still life\u2018 extra beauty \u2013 like a living painting. <\/p>\n
The chairs and stools do not need to match. A bench seat is great too \u2013 but make sure it is comfortable. There needs to be the right chair-to-table ratio, otherwise you will not sit at it. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s an abundance of local furniture makers who will make you a custom-sized table, including Daniel Streicker, Grant Bailey, Josephine Jelich, Emile Dresher, Ted Synott. You may even find a glorious, talented maker at your local community hall market. Have conversations \u2013 usually makers are really keen to help, and it is something that you will not regret. <\/p>\n
A collection of ceramic animals designer Bec Snelling inherited from her mother. Photo \/ Jason Dorday<\/p>\n
Display your collections – object and art<\/p>\n
I have many, from rocks, through to art, baskets and candlesticks. I inherited my mother\u2019s ceramic animals \u2013 she started collecting them in South America and I adore them; they\u2019re one of my most prized possessions. <\/p>\n
Start your own collection from markets or, my favourite is to go to any graduate shows \u2013 this applies to wall art also. <\/p>\n
Bec Snelling’s dressing table. Photo \/ Jason Dorday<\/p>\n
There are so many galleries I\u2019d recommend \u2013 Anna Miles, Season, Grace. Start following them on social media, get to the art fairs \u2013 Auckland now has two and many \u2018offsites\u2019. The best thing is that you learn so much. <\/p>\n
Yes, you may like a work visually, which is key if it\u2019s coming into your home, but there is so much more fascination about art and alternative perceptions. I love to learn about artists. Ask questions \u2013 gallerists and artists love talking about the work. <\/p>\n
Bec Snelling’s Briar floor mirror. Photo \/ Jason Dorday<\/p>\n
Mirrors make a space larger<\/p>\n
I love mirrors as a playful lens, as they reflect and frame, and they optically allude. A beautiful mirror in an entrance is classic. I have designed many in my oeuvre, the latest Hour Briar Mirror<\/a> (named after my mother) is oval and adorned with turned wooden beads.<\/p>\n