Designer Rugs is proud to celebrate the power of colour in interior design by sponsoring the Best Work with Colour category at the prestigious Belle Awards. This award recognises projects that demonstrate an exceptional and innovative use of colour to transform a space, create atmosphere, and evoke emotion. We were delighted to collaborate with Alexander &CO. and supply the stunning rugs that helped bring their vision for Billy’s restaurant in Ayrburn to life. This year, we congratulate the talented team at Alexander &CO. for winning this accolade for their remarkable work on the project.
Colour is one of the most powerful tools in an interior designer’s arsenal. It can alter perceptions of space, influence mood, and tell a compelling story. The Best Work with Colour category celebrates designers who masterfully wield this tool, pushing creative boundaries to achieve breathtaking results. It honours those who are not afraid to be bold, who understand the subtleties of hue and tone, and who use colour to craft unforgettable experiences.
As a company dedicated to craftsmanship and creativity, Designer Rugs understands the pivotal role colour plays in design. Our rugs often serve as the foundation or the final flourishing touch that ties a room's colour palette together. Sponsoring this award is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the Australian design community and championing the innovative spirit that drives our industry forward.
This year’s winner, Alexander &CO., delivered a masterclass in colour with their project at Billy’s restaurant. The team was tasked with restoring and reimagining an 1890s homestead near Queenstown, New Zealand, all while respecting its significant heritage listing. Led by Alice Nogues, the firm transformed the historic building into a dynamic and layered dining destination that feels both timeless and vibrantly contemporary.
The brief called for a venue that celebrated the spirit of conviviality, a goal magnificently achieved through a daring and decadent colour scheme. The design honours the site’s agricultural past while establishing a distinct, luxurious identity. The result is a series of captivating spaces that invite guests to settle in for long lunches and celebratory dinners.
The magic of Billy’s lies in its intricate layering of colour, texture, and pattern. Alexander &CO. skilfully combined rich, decadent hues to create an immersive and memorable atmosphere. Throughout the restaurant’s five intimate dining rooms and new conservatory, a heady mix of design elements comes to life.
Visitors are greeted by spaces adorned with pink floral wallpaper, deep red velvet chairs, and dramatic blue curtains. The walls themselves are a statement, painted in bold, saturated tones that create a sense of warmth and opulence. These elements are balanced by the building’s original timber joinery and exposed brick, creating a beautiful tension between heritage character and decorative luxury.
The project is a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship and customisation. Every detail, from the luxe velvet banquettes to the bespoke lighting, was carefully considered to contribute to the overall vision. The design successfully distinguishes Billy’s within a competitive precinct of world-class venues, making it a cornerstone for locals and international visitors alike.
Designer Rugs applauds Alexander &CO. for their visionary work on Billy’s. Their project perfectly embodies the spirit of the Best Work with Colour award, demonstrating how a thoughtful and fearless approach to colour can create spaces that are not just beautiful, but truly alive. Congratulations on this well-deserved win.
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