Nightcap Ridge X Florabelle Living Collaboration
See how our pieces transformed the interiors, and discover Adam’s vision in our exclusive 10‑question interview—including why he chose us as his premium supplier.
1. You’ve styled for some of Australia’s most recognised brands — Dulux, Freedom, Fantastic Furniture and more. What inspired you to step into your own vision and create your boutique hinterland cottages in Byron Bay?
Over the last 15 years, I have worked on some incredible projects for some amazing brands, working within a brief to a specific brand guideline. It’s been rewarding work, but it’s also always been for an external client: increasingly, I’d been longing to have my own space where I could execute my own vision. It’s been bubbling away in my mind for years: somewhere I could create magic and whimsy surrounded by rainforest where people can come together, relax, unwind, celebrate and reconnect with nature. I’m glad I made the leap when I did… with the changing landscape of the industry, the time felt right to pivot to a ‘real’, experiental new career path. AI might be coming for us all, but everyone needs a holiday!
Discover our outdoor undercover collection he used.
2.Your property feels deeply considered, layered and experiential. When curating the interiors, what story were you wanting guests to feel the moment they arrive?
The final part of the drive into Nightcap Ridge is up an unsealed road into the UNESCO World Heritage National Park. The beauty is unrivalled and you feel a sense of calm the deeper you get. I wanted the interiors of the cottages to continue this feeling. Before, the colour palette in the cottages was stark: Bare white walls, with clunky vintage furniture. Now, the colour palette for the cottages is warm and cosy…. I wanted it to feel like you are enveloped in the rainforest where the tones and pattern are connected to the rainforest. My favourite moment is the way the rainforest has become the hero from the double doors in the cottages: Before, it faded into the background. Now, dark-painted doors make the forest ‘pop’… It’s become the main character.
And our Palm Room function space is now a real gem in the middle of the rainforest, all thanks to Florabelle. What was previously a large empty open-air hall is now a lush, layered semi-tropical oasis, where guests can lounge, unwind and soon, enjoy a program of regular public-facing events we’ll be holding to share the magic of Nightcap with more people.
Our Sofa, Table Lamp, Wall Art & Decor
3. Out of all the suppliers available to you, what drew you to partner with Florabelle Living for this project?
This is a very easy question to answer! Simply, it’s the variety in the range and style. The style we have coined for Nightcap Ridge is Island Heritage: think cane and rattan, botanical motifs, traditional silhouettes where interior meets exterior, and I just don’t think anyone does this in Australia like Florabelle. The quality of the pieces is also unmatched. I can’t tell you how exciting it was moving the old furniture out of the cottages and replacing it with these stunning brand new Florabelle pieces. I was watching the vision in my head come to life in real time – a real ‘pinch me’ moment on this big Nightcap adventure.
4. Florabelle Living spans multiple brands and product categories — from furniture and lighting to decor and botanicals. How important was that breadth of range when bringing your vision to life?
This was a huge factor, as this particular project spans multiple facets. We have restyled the cottages which was a big interiors and furniture focus, but concurrently we have set up the Palm Room – our event space to cater for multi-purpose events. This was an area of Florabelle’s range I probably didn’t have as much experience with beforehand, so it’s been amazing to watch our Palm room come to life: From an empty hall to a vibrant space filled with durable, versatile furniture. A big shout out to Florabelle’s faux flowers too: Incredibly high quality, originally we were saving them to display for special occasions, but we’ve had such a positive reception from guests we’ve been working them into our everyday Nightcap look.
5. As a Creative Director with a highly refined eye, how would you describe the quality and craftsmanship of the Florabelle pieces you selected?
I have been working in the interiors and furniture industry for over 15 years so have had to sight and style thousands of products from all different brands. Florabelle really stack up when it comes to quality… what I also love is that there wasn’t much flat packing involved, which was a real time saver. Out of the box and straight into the space – so easy!
6. In what ways has the collaboration transformed the space — both aesthetically and emotionally — for guests hosting weddings, birthdays and special events on the property?
This new injection of furniture and homewares has really helped to create a story. In my initial mood boards, I wanted to cottages to feel layered but also like they could be an elevated version of Jane Goodall’s safari camp in the jungle. Vintage botanical motifs, cane furniture, earthy colours, canvas, brass and vintage nods to the safari style. I deliberately picked items from across all of the Florabelle brands that felts timeless (Florabelle does this well) and that would worked well together but also didn’t date or feel too trend focused. We have found that this classic style doesn’t date but also is versatile for our events and weddings, creating a fusion between elegance and nature.
Our Ruby Star Lighting + Our Side Table & Bondi Sofa
7. Do you have a favourite piece (or three) within the property that you feel truly anchors the design? What makes those pieces so special?
Fine Cotton Ceramic Table Lamp – I love the scale of these and in the space gives our hotel a white lotus vibe. The colour is absolutely beautiful and the high gloss gives in a luxurious feel.
Cayman Sofa Range – I am obsessed with anything in this range to be honest. The balance of the cane and rattan is beautiful, the colour is perfect and the comfort especially the arm chairs allows you to sit, relax unwind and enjoy nature.
Ombre Vase – The colour gradient on these is to die for, when the light shines through the thick coloured glass starts to glow. What I also love is the weight in these allows us to make amazing arrangements for the tables without the risk of toppling over.
8. Which room or moment within the boutique cottages is your personal favourite — and why does it resonate so strongly with you?
It’s not in the cottages, but it’s hard to go past the central fireplace area of the Palm Room. We have used the Cayman range of rattan sofas to anchor the space and the potted cymbidium orchid bookend the 3m fireplace. It’s the repetition and symmetry that make this space so striking.
9. Byron Bay’s hinterland has such a distinct energy — relaxed yet elevated. How did Florabelle Living’s collections help you strike that balance between rustic authenticity and refined luxury?
Florabelle is exactly that mix. It’s a hard balance to strike out here, deep in the rainforest: We want Nightcap to feel special, elevated, but we’re in the Australian bush: It’s not a luxury Sydney hotel, and it never will be. If our guests make the most of their stay, they’ll wander our 67 acres and return to the cottages with muddy boots and perhaps some dirt under their fingernails, ready to put their feet up and enjoy some local wine and cheese as the sun goes down. The furniture has to be relaxed, hardy, durable – Florabelle to a tee.
10.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about this collaboration — and what should guests and the design community look out for next from your Byron project with Florabelle Living?
We relaunch our website in the coming weeks and I am excited to see how people respond to the new look.
We are also launching a suite of ‘styled experiences’ which I am so excited about. Romantic dinners in the rainforest where we will take the furniture and transport it into the rainforest, suspending pendant lights and creating a beautiful cosy moment. These will feel special and showcase all the amazing furniture in incredible settings.
