It’s no secret we’re big fans of Beci Orpin over here at TDF. The Melbourne design darling has been delighting us with her work for years, so we’ve been dying to check out her brand new Brunswick studio space – and it doesn’t disappoint! This colourful new workspace is just as joyful and smile-inducing as Beci’s much loved artwork.
The Brunswick building came up for lease in November last year, and Beci jumped at the opportunity to take it on. Then, after a couple of months of light renovation work, she moved in March this year – and invited some like-minded creatives to share the space with her.
‘I’ve never shared a creative space before and it’s so nice to have other people who are running their own business’ around,’ she says.
Currently in the studio with her is designer Ellie King, of Rittle and Coco Store, and the team behind Hoddle Skateboards.
‘I’ve always been a fan of Ellie’s work, and we have really similar work ethics, so we manage to get lots of work done but have lunch together most days. She’s an excellent sounding board too when I’m stuck – plus, she’s very funny!,’ Beci says. ‘It’s great to have Hoddle in the space too, it’s inspiring to see when their new collections arrive and have a totally different creative energy around.’
Ellie says, ‘Beci and I have been friends for years. One night she asked me to be a part of the studio with her and I obviously jumped at the offer! The social aspect is really important for me – I’ve been working in a home studio over lockdown and needed the change.’
The studio space is decked out in Beci’s signature style; colour, quirk and thoughtful design. ‘I wanted it to be somewhat utilitarian and functional with lots of storage, but still fun too!’ she explains.
She enlisted the help of friends and designers Daniel To and Emma Aiston (of Daniel Emma), who drew up some plans and designed furniture for the space.
‘Furniture, in particular chairs, is my weakness!’, says Beci. ‘I’m always looking’.
Her current collection includes; a red and blue checker chair made by her friends Madeline Simm and her brother Jack Simm and a pink and red chair made by Daniel Emma (‘my all time fave’, says Beci). The duo also designed the Peanut Table and the magazine shelf, there’s also a Dowel Jones Flower Foldy Table (‘a must have’) and a little yellow shelf by Ella Reweti.
As for all the eye-catching objet and art; ‘It’s a mix of $2 shop gets, flea market finds, and locals like Pey Chi, Gab Cole, Nadia Hernandez, Hannah Maskell. I also love buying things from locals stores like Makers’ Mrkt and Mr.Kitly. The list is actually endless,’ says Beci.
Colour, of course, also takes centre stage, with pops of primary hues throughout the space. Beci explains, ‘It’s personal taste, but my work is very colourful, so it’s natural I surround myself with colourful things too.’
