Opening up a world of design

For Nanette Cameron, Director of the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design, it is always very rewarding to see what students achieve after graduating from the two year course.

“Some have gone on to interesting careers in the field, many have created warm and beautiful homes for themselves and their families, while others have been given the stimulus to start their own business.”

Two years ago, realising her growing interest in design, Debra Yearsley decided she wanted more knowledge and confidence in her own design decisions.

“I had friends who had taken the Nanette Cameron Design Course and just loved it, they had also completed great renovations on their own houses as a result of taking the course. With my two boys starting school it was also perfect timing to embark on my own interests again.”

In Stage One of the Interior Design Course, while studying ‘Planning Childrens’ Bedrooms’, Debra realised that she had been rather confining in her approach to the bedroom which her sons Fin and Harpers shared. The room was not large, but after a family conference they all decided to do a complete makeover of the boys bedroom. Debra drew up a plan and her husband undertook the construction.

The concept according to Debra was to place the bunks and desks above a deep cupboard which was to become a secret retreat, one for each boy. As Debra says "the boys really love their room and sharing the space together. I felt very well rewarded when Nanette used images of the room to show last years classes what can be achieved, and I couldn’t have attained it without Nanette’s encouragement to step outside defined boundaries.”

One of the highlights of the course for Debra was the Design Tour to Australia, as she describes, "to spend eight consecutive days with the friends made during the class, immersed in the best of design is a rich experience. This tour is unique, giving students the opportunity to be inspired by cutting edge design and to personally meet some of Australia’s top architects and designers.”

As well as continuing renovations to her own home, Debra is now focussing on expanding her own furniture renovation business, which mixes her interest in design with her fondness for fabric. She relishes when people ask her advice about material choices, which can often lead to asking her to advise them about their homes.

“The two years spent at the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design have shown me a whole new world of design. As well as interiors, the course has been an inspiration in all art and design based projects and I now have more confidence using colour and textiles," says a very satisfied Debra at home relaxing in her very own renovated chair, while the boys play in their new bedroom. Debra cannot recommend the course enough to prospective students.

Further Information

For those interested in enrolling in the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design, classes begin in February. To make an enquiry please phone Vanessa at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts on 577 0138.