Melbourne interior designer Emilie Smith is on a mission to inspire people to furnish and decorate their homes with confidence and intention. Her latest work features in the newly developed East Brunswick Village (EBV) apartments and is big on locally made. And the great news is, you can shop the look online from home!
Emilie’s approach to interiors is considered, resourceful and creative. The furnished apartments display nuanced living spaces that feature personality and good design sense, as well as handmade details created by her on site.
For example, the handmade slipcovers on the couches were made at the kitchen islands in the apartments! In the kitchens, there are also knitted potholders handmade from local yarn – a pattern Emilie has developed so that others can create their own potholders at home.
“Furniture will be from local makers, craftspeople, antique and secondhand shops like Immy + Indi, Nord Modern and Hope Street Space, among others. It’s so important to support their businesses, especially during this time of uncertainty.”
One striking artwork is by local Robert Hague as part of his plates print series. The same print is also an impressive seven-metre work pasted to the side of EBV.
And some timely advice for us all staying home right now, Emilie says: “A well-executed interior can influence our emotions, shifting our mindset. The spaces we inhabit can build us up and support our daily lives.”
Her top three interior design principles:
1. Don’t discard old furniture in favour of the new and shiny. Bring in that old, shabby couch and purchase some beautiful fabric, and make a simple slipcover.
2. Display treasures and mementoes from your travels. That rug from The Silk Road, your Japanese kimono and your Moroccan vase can all have pride of place.
3. Purchase new things you’ve been dreaming of and lusting after. Think luxurious linen, uniform storage baskets throughout, or the perfect dining suite. If you’re buying new, consider handmade before mass-produced. Handmade doesn’t have to equate to more expensive.
Shop this apartment look online
–-East Brunswick Village is a new village to call home. Construction has commenced on a modern community where sustainable development, urban living and home comfort take precedence. Located only 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, EBV is bringing the best of apartment living to the city’s vibrant inner north.
Photos: Armelle Habib | Interiors: Emilie Smith