IN CONVERSATION WITH GESSO HOUSE
In conversation with @Gesso_House Founders and Designers Vanessa and Daniel Treccase.
What inspired you to start Gesso House?
My husband Daniel and I started Gesso House like so many creative businesses, creating pieces we wanted ourselves. I had a gorgeous lamp sitting in the corner of our house that needed the perfect plinth… enter Daniel and his plaster skills. Together, we designed and crafted a square side table and plinth with a slightly textured, smooth polished plaster finish. Our family and friends soon cottoned on and now we’re designing and crafting bespoke objects for homes around Australia. From what started as a humble side table has expanded to include consoles, coffee tables and dining tables.
For more than a decade, Daniel has been a plasterer and builder by trade. While my career has been in the PR and communications industry, having worked at PR agencies, in-house and most recently in the public health sector. We are both obsessed with interiors and Daniel has an incredible passion for all things plaster, venetian plaster, cement-resin and the like. He is extremely knowledgeable and truly loves working on pieces for clients.
Tell us about your favourite piece/creation and why?
Our favourite creation is the Frank Dining Table (pictured below), named after Daniel’s beloved late father, Frank. Last year was a challenging one for us after an unexpected loss and this was a small way we could honour someone who means so much to us.
What makes Gesso House unique?
We want to provide like-minded Australians the opportunity to have bespoke, tailor-made furniture for their homes inspired by European design, but with a contemporary perspective. Pieces that are made by an experienced local artisan, using high quality materials and finishes is what sets us apart
Mostly, we’re inspired by landscapes and the untouched coastlines of the Mediterranean, drawing on our Italian and Croatian heritages. Natural edges, textures, light and shape all play together to form an idea or image we want to channel in a design. Ready to head back to Europe!
What drives your business model?
Everything is made to order and our clients are very involved in the process. And to complete the Gesso experience, you may also see us hand delivering and installing pieces ourselves. We love seeing our clients’ faces when their bespoke piece gets installed!
What other designers/artists/creators do you admire and why?
We feel privileged to be surrounded by incredibly talented creators locally in Australia. We adore and applaud the work of Sarah Nedovic Gaunt, Albus Lumen, Phoebe Nichol and Daniel O’Toole. Internationally, we admire the likes of Axel Vervoordt, Vincent Van Duysen and Rose Uniacke.
What are your plans for 2022?
Along with some unique and organic new designs, we’re really excited to expand and offer coloured pieces in 2022. There’s been a lot of planning and research behind the scenes to ensure we provide timeless colours outside of our white repertoire.
