Freedom's Gabrielle Insull ahead of the pack

Gabrielle Insull likes one-off pieces such as her three-drawer Chinese buffet. Pictures / Carolyn Robertson

As the visual merchandising manager for Freedom, Gabrielle Insull knows ahead of time what's going to be the next big thing in interiors. Right now, it's warm pumpkin colours, big rugs and textured upholstery fabrics such as thick corduroy and herringbone.

Such knowledge can be a curse because it means she often can't decide what she wants before something new comes in. Besides, the self-confessed minimalist with a taste for modern furniture is not a hoarder.

"I like to fall in love with a piece rather than have something everybody else has."

Against a backdrop of stoney grey and beige, she's added hits of red to her interiors.

"I collect glass. I've got a collection of big red bottles, some of which I've carried back from Sydney. It's not about clutter though. They're bold pieces."

Red is also the colour of the rug she's been scouting round for to go over her timber floor to cosy things up for winter. She found just what she wanted in a Briscoes catalogue and rushed to her local branch for one.

"It's spot on. It's a great, big, woolly, ruby red rug that the kids love. It's the sort of thing you can roll around on for winter and then put it away for summer."

Instead of flitting from one interiors trend to another, Insull has bought the basics such as a white, modern dining table from Freedom and used art to make a statement in her house. Her Neal Palmer green bananas painting is a showstopper, but she's also got works by her friend Virginia Leonard and Pat Hanly prints.

"I've grown up with a passion for art that was passed down from my parents. My mother takes me to a lot of exhibitions and often I see something and fall in love with it. If I have the right amount of cash I'll buy it.

"It's important to have something you love because it's not just something you're going to just put in the cupboard. You're going to have it on your wall for a long time and every day you might see something different in it than you did the day before."

My 10 favourite things

1. Brown boots. I love boots and own several pairs but these ones are two seasons old and go with everything.

2. My Asian table. Freedom brought in a one-off container of Chinese antiques about six years ago and I fell in love with a three-drawer buffet. It is one of those pieces that also works really well with a modern look.

3. Costume jewellery. I've always collected interesting earrings and necklaces. I have kept everything I've ever bought or been given. Some of my old earrings are so large I can't believe I once wore them. My favourite at the moment are orange glass beads my friends gave me for my birthday. 

4. Lamb shanks and mash. A favourite I share with my sister, but also a great winter meal to share with special friends.

5. A Neal Palmer painting. I saw this painting at the airport on my way to Sydney. I couldn't stop thinking about it. As soon as I got home I put a deposit on it. It always attracts attention in my house.

6. Bloom lip gloss and mascara are two items I just can't be without.

7. Red. For some reason I am always drawn to red, especially for interiors. There is so much stone and white everywhere you look, I love to add a splash of colour for impact.

8. Flowers. There are several flowers that I love to put in my house depending on the season. It will be no surprise that they are red. Heliconia and anthuriums are great shapes and last longer than most. I also love to throw a bunch of tulips randomly in a vase.

9. My favourite sofa at Freedom is the Zero. Even though I don't own one for home I am always drawn to the model in the store. It is very long and low. I think my children would love it a little too much if I owned one.

10. My favourite piece of clothing at the moment would have to be my Sass and Bide denim mini. It looks great with boots for winter or summer and is easy to throw on in any situation, dressed up or down.