Sonia Simpfendorfer talks to More Space about the importance of sunshine, books, art, music and cooking, from 10 hour slow-cooked Korean BBQ to Vegemite pancakes, and staying connected through projects that include a new loft in New York.
Where are you currently working from?
I’m working from my big timber table in my 1970s, open-plan living/dining space. I love that, because its 2400mm long, I can use this table for working during the day and there’s still plenty of room for us to eat dinner at the other end. I’ve got natural light from either side and it’s a calm but connected space.
What makes a house a home to you?
A space full of love, welcome and good orientation (I really need sunshine), great food, art, books and music, plenty of room for friends and family. Of course, that all needs to be underpinned by excellent space-planning, timeless finishes, good-looking, hard-working joinery and thoughtful functionality.
Your most valuable possession?
Not sure about the most valuable possession, but the most valued would be my collection of artworks: a German drawing that was always in my Grandmother’s house, a thank you from an artist after we’d worked together, a gift from a client at an extraordinary time, a work from Nexus Designs’ founder Janne Faulkner’s personal collection – they’re all irreplaceable.
Why do you love it?
The design pieces that bring me happiness every day are my white Fritz Hansen Series 7 chairs with powder-coated white legs. Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955, they are simple, good-looking, practical and timeless. I love their silhouette. I love that they are comfortable for long lunches and they’re kid-friendly too. I chose the non-classic white legs instead of chrome because I wanted them to read as one colour. I know they’ll last forever, and they look good in a palace or a beach house... or my house.
"A space full of love, welcome and good orientation (I really need sunshine), great food, art, books and music, plenty of room for friends and family. Of course, that all needs to be underpinned by excellent space-planning, timeless finishes, good-looking, hard-working joinery and thoughtful functionality."
Sonia Simpfendorfer on what makes a house a home.
Take us through some of your most design coveted pieces in your home?
I’m just starting my Space collection, and B&B sofas are probably next… meanwhile though, I enjoy my Kartell Componibili 2, Kartell Take lamp and Vitra Toolbox. The Componibili has moved around my house over the years, from bedside table, to bathroom storage and currently it’s been commandeered for WFH storage next to my table/desk. The Take lamp has also moved around. Being transparent it’s a bit ‘stealth’, it can sneak in anywhere and has a nice quality of light. In the Nexus Design studio we all have Vitra Toolboxes! It was essential to bing this one home, keeps all of the desk top bits together beautifully.
Favourite recipe?
I’d happily be a vegetarian, but when I have friends over I love to make 10 hour slow-cooked Korean BBQ Pork from a Sarah Wilson recipe: home-delivered organic Berkshire pork from Hagen’s at South Melbourne Market cooked with ginger, soy, tamari, garlic, chilli and apple cider vinegar. I made this for a group of friends, just before social distancing was initiated, and it tasted incredible.
Favourite room or nook of the house, and why?
I do love my bedroom. Now that I’ve given up Netflix, reading is my favourite form of escapism and it’s the perfect spot to read during the day on weekends. The north east orientation means the light is fantastic. It also has rough rendered brick walls which are particularly lovely by lamp-light at night.
Tell us something about yourself not many people know?
This might be too weird – not sure about sharing this – I like Vegemite on pancakes.
What are you reading?
Just finished reading 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. I picked it up from our studio library (thanks Sally). I’m about to finish 'The Hare with Amber Eyes' by Edmund De Waal (thanks Bridget). I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but it’s completely fascinating: pre-war Paris, wartime Vienna, post-war Tokyo, all linked by a collection of Netsuke.
Can you share any projects you are working on?
I’ve just signed off on the finishes for a loft refurbishment we’re working on in New York. The loft is in Tribeca and it’s an amazing project in an exceptional building. I was on site in New York in November, meeting with our clients and Hirsch Corti (the NY architects we’re collaborating with) and its just heartbreaking to read all the news about how the city has been affected by Covid-19. I fell in love with New York pretty much instantly, but I think there’s going to be very long time between site visits.
Favourite 'Quarantini'?
A little whiskey, Tasmanian and peated where possible.
What is your best piece of advice for getting through this together?
How adaptable we can be. I say this fully acknowledging that most people I know are pretty lucky and have the ability to roll with these changes, but for many it is completely disastrous and tragic. Working at home has turned me into a cat-magnet.
About #hometogether
We’re all adapting to our ‘new normal’, staying home, but trying to stay connected. To help keep our community together we have invited our clients and friends to share what they are doing. How they are working, their tips, thoughts and ideas, and if you’re up for it, a few fun secrets too.
Each week we will release a new series for you to enjoy. To get in involved share your photos with #hometogether #alifeindividual and don’t forget to tag us @spacefurniture
