Goldfields Getaway
12 March, 2021
Décor Room
Scott McCardle and Chris Gansel moved to Maryborough, renovated a stunning Art Deco home and opened a business that has wowed the community. It’s different, it’s alive and oh-so-contemporary. Scott and Chris’s flair and personalities shine at...
Scott McCardle and Chris Gansel moved to Maryborough, renovated a stunning ArtDeco home and opened a business that has wowed the community. It’s different, it’s aliveand oh-so-contemporary. Scott and Chris’s flair and personalities shine at the Décor Room.
How did you guys meet? Where did your eye for styling come from?
We met through mutual friends in Melbourne. Scott had just returned home after living in London,where he had the opportunity to work with some amazing furniture and fabric houses. I've got abanking and finance background. It's been a learning experience for me, having resigned from my Melbourne job to help Scott with the business as it grows beyond our wildest expectations.
What brought you to Maryborough?
Having lived and worked in Melbourne, we both noticed the demands and stress levels wereincreasing. Commuting, be it public transport or by car, was getting worse, people seemed to be more self-centred and in a rush.
We found ourselves escaping to the country on weekends more and more. We both enjoyedexploring country Victoria, a slower pace of life, friendly locals and great food, so we decided topurchase a country property. We both love the art deco era, so the house had to be right. A suitableproperty happened to come up in Maryborough and we jumped at the opportunity to purchase ourdream home.
We haven't looked back since. It was the best decision we could have made.
How was The Décor Room born?
Scott always wanted to open his own furniture business, having worked in retail all his life. We hadfriends visiting for the weekend and on a warm, balmy night (and after a few wines) we wereencouraged to open our own store instead of working for someone else and being limited withartistic creativity. We started brainstorming possible names for fun, wanting a name that wouldreflect an easy and clear association with our business model.
What does the business offer?
The business tries to cater to all tastes. We stock ex-display furniture direct from display homes(Porter Davis, Metricon etc), antique furniture, as well as new high end furniture. Scott’s industryassociates have come onboard and are providing stock that is unique which is what people want.
Scott's previous employer furnishes the majority of display homes in Australia, so they jumped at theopportunity to help us out. The majority of the ex-display pieces are custom made in Australia, andof high quality, as every display home wants to showcase something new and unique not seenanywhere else.
We also have an agent who supplies us with antique pieces as well as suppliers who supplyfurniture to tv shows (Housewives of Melbourne and Sydney etc). The mix of styles has proven asuccess, attracting people from all over Victoria, resulting in more people discovering this greattown of ours, and the Central Goldfields in general.
Have you studied Interior Design? Where do your talents and creative flair stem from?
Scott started his working life at Country Road and worked his way from there. Having worked forseveral fabric houses both in Australia and overseas, his interior design skills come naturally.
It's about loving what you do and having ongoing passion and drive.
What is the most common mistake people make when decorating their home?
Not shopping at the Décor Room.
What is your list of tips for people think about when styling a room?
• start with neutral tones for bigger pieces.
• add colour with artwork and cushions.
• don't over clutter.
• mood lighting adds ambience to a room.
• don't be scared to mix old with new.
If I only have a very small room, what things should I consider?
Ample seating for guests (if lounge room). Avoid too many bulky pieces as they tend to beoverwhelming in a small space. Keep the room bright with adequate lighting (natural light and/orlamps). Candles create a great ambience and cover odours (i.e pets)
If I am decorating an outside entertaining area, what things should I consider?
Weather proof furniture. Soft touches like outdoor cushions and accessories create a soft feel.
Outdoor lighting is also important.
What do you love most about the business and the work you do?
Helping customers make their house into their home as well as unleashing creativity in the shop.
High turnover of stock means room settings change on a weekly, if not daily basis.
Are you available for private consultations?
The shop keeps us busy and on our feet six days a week. As such, we do not offer privateconsultations however we are happy to give advice if customers bring photos of rooms they wish tostyle.
