Keeping Cozy in Casa Studio with Dina Broadhurst
Taking a virtual trip across the waters, we “traveled” to the golden shores of beautiful Australia to check in on Bode golden girl and artist — Dina Broadhurst — to divulge her unique sense of interior design and how her home helps to keep her cozy and comfortable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by the same spirit of self-authenticity seen in her art, her home, pleasantly titled “Casa Studio” is allowing her isolation to transform into a time for reflection, growth, and renewal
Life in semi-isolation is nothing out of the ordinary for Broadhurst. Her creativity flows from the walls of her home art studio which keeps her both busy and safe during this pandemic. However, Broadhurst’s artistry is not confined to the studio – it transverses across the walls and floors of her home. “I believe that [interior design] can be described as a form of art,” says Broadhurst. “You get to play with colors, textures, layering, balance, proportions, as well as incorporate trends mixed with your innate taste and interpretation.” Broadhurst’s home, like her, is playful and full of contrast. A natural complement to her professional style. Everything is balanced, but not overdone. Enough production to create synergy, but not overly styled. “I love recycled pieces, things with age or a story or some wear and character. I love classic and contemporary, old and new, simple and outrageous, all mixed in quirky combinations. I am a huge hoarder,” laughs the artist, “or a nicer way to put it a bower bird.”
Starting first as a “white-out” house, a blank canvas, the lighting, ambiance and the bones of her home guided her current choice of colors, tone, and materials. Natural raw materials and honed marble serve as the base of the mid-century, modern-minded casa, and the walls are adorned with beloved pieces of art. “Color, kitsch, photographic art, portraits, and female nudes,” says Broadhurst, are pieces that begin a room and other accouterments fit around them. But not every piece rests at its first destination. They are meant to be moved and repositioned as parts of a constantly evolving room. Additionally, the pieces are not equal in size, placement, or scale. Broadhurst’s eye plays with proportions and feelings to find a beautiful mix of interest and excitement.
Inspiration for the interior of Casa Studio is as varied as the artist’s interests herself. “Art and collectible furniture and books are a huge passion of mine,” says Broadhurst, “taking me on constant journeys searching for things that inspire me and make me want to create, learn and experiment. And this is what keeps me moving and doing, uplifting me and reminding me of all that I can achieve and do. These things keep me focused on my goals and dreams.” It also helps that interior design is a family affair for the artist. Worried at first, that Broadhurst may have to battle the two men in her life for her interior dreams, it is pleasant to the contrary. Broadhurst’s son and her partner, Max, both share a keen sense of style. Speaking of her son, Broadhurst beams with pride, “[he] is so adaptable and enjoys being surrounded by all that we do without any criticism or battle. I think he loves the mix and the way we constantly add and change things up or adapt the space to what activity or goal we want for the time.” Max is much the same way, but also bringing a gift for color and proportion to the home which helps Broadhurst to see their space in new ways. Sharing her love of mid-century furniture with Max, the couple collects pieces together as a passion project. Even so, when differing minds clash there are areas in the home which are predominately styled by Max, making their shared space that much more comfortable for him and her in turn. It’s always about balance.
The time that Broadhurst spent creating her oasis has proven prudent during these times of COVID-19. Social distancing means that she, and her loved ones, are staying home and enjoying more moments of solitude. Something Broadhurst is thankful for as it grants her the time to focus on life’s simple pleasures and spending as much time as she can with her close-knit network. “I have always had a very small network around me and have always been extremely close to my family, but to see them slow down around me matching my usual reclusive style has been very nice. I feel like I’ve got to have more of them in this time and it’s something I will probably never have again and cherish. Especially with my mum as she is such a constantly moving woman, it’s usually impossible to ever get her to sit still even for a coffee,” says Broadhurst.
Even more, Broadhurst is thankful that she has chosen to work in a field that provides her with not only financial support, but also serves as self-care during this time of crisis. Being able to create during this pandemic helps to manage the stress of confinement. Broadhurst is also spending her time exploring nature in search of fresh air and light, cooking meals, and organizing her home. “It’s so important to use this time in your space to foremost organize and edit. There is nothing more energizing than a cleansing, a renewal, a fresh start to stimulate and create room for new growth and change. I also think it is so important for your personal space to inspire you and create positivity,” encourages the artist. She has discovered long lost memories from travel, relics of special times and places, family heirlooms, and old works while reorganizing Casa Studio. The reorganization is a key component driving her creative spirit. Finding ways to continually fuel her creativity in semi-isolation is vital for the artist because post-pandemic, Broadhurst has plans for a few new collections, exploring different ranges seeing her works in new adaptations, and has been commissioned for some major pieces involving some sculpture. “I am so excited to be working on these and looking forward to everyone being able to get out and enjoy public art again very soon.”
