Meet Petrina!

Say hello to Petrina Turner, the latest creative powerhouse to join us as a trainer at Design School Online. Hailing from Melbourne, Petrina is no stranger to education, having taught design for many years. We've long admired her unique approach to creating smart, sustainable spaces and her brilliant eye for colour and pattern. So, to say we're thrilled to have her join Team DSO is an understatement! Welcome, Petrina!
 

Q: Hello, Petrina! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your design journey?

A: Hello! I'm Petrina, the heart and soul behind Petrina Turner Design. With over 30 years in the design industry, I've had the joy of transforming countless spaces into beautiful, functional havens. My journey began with a deep passion for creativity very early on, sewing with my mum, always rearranging and decorating my room and drawing up floor plans for imaginary homes. I also have a love for how design can make a real difference in people's lives. Over the years, I've honed my skills and developed a keen eye for detail, blending colour, pattern, and light to create unique, personalised interiors.

Parkdale Bathroom Interior design and Styling: Petrina Turner Design, Photography: Amorfo Photography.

Q: How do you approach your design projects?

A: I love crafting beautiful, cohesive interiors that tell my clients' unique stories. It's all about creating designs that not only look amazing but also feel deeply personal.

I’m pretty hands-on in my processes, so mood boarding, sketching, and model-making allow me to conceptualise and explore shape and form in my projects. And my knack for digital design ensures I create clear and detailed design documentation and implementation. This mix of hands-on creativity and digital techniques means that each project gets the care it deserves.

Working closely with my clients is a joy. I make sure their vision shines through in every detail, making their space a true reflection of who they are and how they live.

Q: What qualifications do you hold in the field of design?

A: I have an Associate Diploma of Architectural Drafting, a Diploma of Interior Design & Decorating, and during the big Melbourne lockdown of 2020, I went back to school and upgraded my qualifications, adding a Bachelor of Design Arts (Interior Design) to my repertoire. I’m also regularly participating in industry seminars and workshops. You can never learn too much!

Campground Kitchen Interior design and Styling: Petrina Turner Design, Photography: Amorfo Photography, Stylist Assist: Anglea Kang. 

Q: Can you share some highlights from your career?

A: One of my early highlights was winning the national HPM Award for Excellence in Design as a 21-year-old design student. Over my 30-year career in Interior Design and Styling, I've been fortunate to have my work featured in magazines like Inside Out, Home Beautiful and Adore Home (with a cover feature), and my pro bono work for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre was showcased on The Design Files. More recently, I was thrilled to be shortlisted as a finalist in the 2023 Designers Australia Awards for my hospitality project, Campground Kitchen.

Q: What other roles do you fulfill in the design industry?

A: I’m a big believer in the power of education and love supporting my industry. For over a decade, I’ve been mentoring emerging designers, decorators, and stylists. I also speak at design events, contribute to interior design magazines, and share my work, inspirations, tips, and everyday life on social media. Plus, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Designer Rugs on a beautiful rug collection, and look forward to more collaborations in the future.

Brunswick Play / Media Room Interior design and Styling: Petrina Turner Design, Photography: Amorfo Photography, Photographic Styling: Megan Morton.

Q: What are some of your personal interests outside of design?

A: When I’m not designing fabulous spaces I love spending time with my family and friends, taking regular tap dancing classes (I have an extensive costume wardrobe!) and swimming at my local beach in summer. I also really enjoy immersing in art galleries and design exhibitions at every chance, wearing shiny shoes, and hanging out with my cheeky ginger cat, Clancy.

Main image: Adore Magazine, Photography Annette O'Brien, Styling Julia Green:
https://www.adoremagazine.com/home-tours-1/smallhomebigonstyle

Follow and discover more about Petrina:
https://www.petrinaturnerdesign.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/petrinaturnerdesign/