1. What first inspired you to step into the world of design, and how would you describe your style in three words?

Thank you! I decided to become a stylist when I moved to London (from Sydney). New country, new career! I had always loved decorating my bedroom as a teenager and trying out different ‘looks’. My mum was always up cycling furniture or doing craft, or painting a wall, so I guess I picked it all up by osmosis. Being a stylist for different brands means that I need to be able to style all different aesthetics depending on the brief- I love creating new looks from scratch! It’s my happy place.
My style in three words is: bold, playful and tells a story.

2. “Home Style” not only shares design expertise but also conveys a true joy in creating a beautiful home. What motivated you to write it, and what’s your personal goal for what readers should take away from it?

I wanted to write a book that I would want to read myself. One that is both beautiful AND useful. it was important to me to show lots of beautiful homes but also only show ‘moments’ in each home. Most people don’t live in grand homes so I wanted to show corners of homes that people could be inspired by and replicate in their own home- no matter what size or style. I didn’t want to alienate any reader.
I hope that when people read the book that they can feel excited about styling their home and not overwhelmed. The book is broken down into bite size chunks of information that are easy to read and digest- styling your home should be fun and not feel like a chore!

3. In “Home Style” you encourage readers to add personality to their spaces. What’s your favorite way to make a room feel uniquely “you”?

I would say that ‘slow decorating’ is the best way for your home to feel uniquely you. Don’t go to a shop or furniture showroom and buy the whole lot from one place. Take your time, buy a mix of things from second hand stores, pick up trinkets on your holidays, shop at flat-pack stores, acquire high end pieces, mix and match, stick to an edited colour pallet and your home will feel like it has soul!

4. The book is filled with creative tips and ideas that readers can easily implement. Which DIY tip or styling element from the book is your personal favorite – and why?

I love moodboarding because it’s the ‘play’ stage. You can try out different looks and have a bit of fun to figure out your perfect style before you start spending money and making serious decisions. Spend a few nights doing some moodboarding while exploring different aesthetics – like being a kid doing craft again- but the end result is a beautiful, well curated home.

5. Creating a home that feels both functional and beautiful can be challenging. What’s your best advice for readers who want to achieve that balance?

You need to think about the way you use your home every day. For example if you are redesigning your hallway ask yourself questions like do you have a dog that you walk through a muddy field every day, do you have four kids, do you use a wheelchair? These will all impact your front entrance and where you need to take off your shoes or wipe down your dog or park your pram.
When you re-design your kitchen do you want it to be a social space, a room that you record in making recipes for social media, be gentle for people with sensory needs, perhaps you need to cook for a big family. These answers will help you to determine the size and functionality of the space. Ultimately function should come first then you can think about the aesthetics second, in my opinion.

Fotocredit: Rekha Damhar