“I am known for my stories and whatever I do has a certain polish to it, I like beautiful sophisticated things.” NicolebonythonHines.com
Nicole Bonython-Hines is a renowned stylist with over 35 years experience. Working for publications such as Vogue, Elle, Madison and Cleo along with styling numerous celebrities and musicans, Nicole is credited with taking Kylie Minogue from soap star to pop star.
Read more about Nicole’s interiors inspiration, her most cherished piece at home and her favourite piece from Collécte.
Describe your style in 6 words or less.
Nicole: My style in terms of clothing is quite different to my interior style… so clothing style is simple, modern, functional.
Interior style is quite eclectic, I like old and new mixed together.
Which architects/designers/artists most inspire you?
Nicole: My dad was an avid art collector - mostly Australian artists who’s heyday was during the 60’s and 70’s so as a child I was surrounded by modern art of this era (there was no wall space at all at home!). For a period in the mid 70’ we lived above dad’s art gallery so there was literally a moving feast below me as well. Dad fostered artists such as John Coburn, Brett Whitely, Sydney Nolan and many many more so we had lots of their work around us plus he had some pretty great international artists too such as Francis Bacon. Via osmosis I really love all these artists.
Francis Bacon painting of lover George Dyer. Image the artnewspaper.com
What is your most cherished piece at home? (furniture, art, lighting or decorative)
Nicole: My favourite interior piece would be a Syd Ball painting from 1965 I inherited when dad died. It probably should be in a museum, it’s pretty fabulous and yet it’s in my kitchen! I remember it on the various walls of my childhood and it still looks so contemporary. What an artist!
Nicole in front of her Sydney Ball painting. Image Sheridan.com.au
Best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Nicole: I actually don’t recall ever receiving career advice. My first boss/mentor was such a professional and I learnt so much by observation of her. She was hard working, fastidious, polite, super organised and was always true to her word. I guess indirectly that was the advice I received and would also pass on.
What are you favourites:
Favourite Instagram account/s you follow?
Nicole: I follow friends and family on Instagram, I don’t really take inspiration from it. It’s more just a way to keep up to date and communicate.
Favourite galleries or museums?
Nicole: Tim Olsen always has great exhibitions locally. Overseas in terms of museums, I guess the Met and The Picasso museum in Paris is so fabulous.
Favourite way to unwind at home?
Nicole: I do enjoy some good telle! Last year I totally loved The Great (hilarious and so wrong, great sets and costuming) and The Queens Gambit (also good on the eye). Otherwise, I enjoy cooking- so long as I’m not rushed.
Favourite restaurant?
Nicole: I don’t go out too much however have always enjoyed Totti’s (that bread!!), Nomad has reopened and the food is always good there and for great Italian, I love Kindred in Chippendale.
Favourite podcast?
Nicole: I was an early adopter to podcasts and I think my originals are still my faves. This American Life, Serial, The Daily, Fresh Air, Desert Island Discs, No Filter, You’re Dead to Me.
Favourite piece on Collécte right now?
Nicole: We used to have the Arco floor lamp and I still love it. Sadly my family home burnt down in the bushfires in 1983 so it is no more.
Nicole Bonython-Hines www.nicolebonythonhines.com Instagram @nbonython
Image Credit: Nicole Bentley
