INTERIOR DESIGNER DIANE BERGERON

Diane Bergeron is once again making an indelible mark on the Australian interior design scene. About 10 years ago, while renovating a Collingwood warehouse to create her family home she wanted to use some of her favourite American fabrics, but wasn’t able to buy them locally. Originally from the US, she moved to Australia in 2003 with her husband and two daughters, and subsequently set up a showroom to represent brands such as Madeline Weinrib and Quadrille. Since then she has launched a furniture collection with Arthur G and, most recently, established the Mercer School of Interior Design. The fitout began last year with builder Dale Martin of WideOpen Construction and the doors opened in February. “What makes Mercer so special is our unique approach to interior design and it's been such an adventure seeing it all come to life,” she says. In 2011 Diane passed on her fabric business to Ascraft to focus on interior design. However, she has since launched a range with them that is available in America and Australia. Diane has also established Design For Mirabel, a fundraiser and collaboration with The Mirabel Foundation. “It has enabled us to involve our students and allows us to give back to the community,” she says. Next up is a book, which will be released soon. As for advice from her long career, Diane says, “Don't sweat the small stuff.”