As a designer and decorator of boutique hotels across Europe, and as owner of Baker & Shuhandler Interiors, Sam Shuhandler has followed his passion for interior design.
Take a walk through Baker & Shuhandler Interiors in Highgate, and it's easy to feel like you've been transported onto a set from a Hollywood film. Such is the store's mix of vintage, global and Regency-style furniture, luxurious fabrics,
and decadent trims.
It is a theme that has evolved since the store's inception in 2007. A display-home decorator at the time, Sam Shuhandler identified a gap in the Perth market for opulent European furniture and homewares.
"Back when we opened the store, I was influenced by traditional French baroque, and moved to more contemporary baroque pieces," he says. "Over the past few years, we have embraced the Hollywood Regency style as it's emerged to be one of the key influencers in interior design.
"It has risen in popularity because it doesn't matter what size your home and budget, there are elements that anyone can incorporate in the home to achieve a luxurious look."
Sam says the one-off pieces in his store were sourced from the major trade fairs he attends three to four times a year in France, Italy and North America.
"We are continuously seeking new trends – from placid blues to earthy sand and neutral linens. This spring, we will see cool colours return with the style of the Hamptons being more popular than ever before in the building industry.
"The other trend this spring is old Hollywood glam, with a mixture of vintage, global and Regency style, with bold lines, new metallics, and fabrics like velvet and soft linen."
Sam also says lounge trends are shifting from formal to more relaxed zones.
"As living rooms have become more relaxed places for lounging, we have less need for formal sofas and more love for a versatile padded zone that lets us sprawl out however we like. This type of furniture, dressed in elegant, light-blue grey upholstery, invites one to lie down with a plush throw and a good book or game."
Baker & Shuhandler (08) 9227 9027, bakershuhandler.com.au.