Interview with Interior Designer Ellie Brown

Interior design is more than just making a space look good, it’s about how it feels, functions, and reflects you.
We caught up with interior designer Ellie Brown to talk all things home style, from where she finds inspiration, to the trends she’s loving right now, and her fail-safe signature style. She also shared her expert take on what really matters when choosing furniture that’s made to last and made to live with.

Tell us a bit about your journey into interior design/what inspired you?

From a young age I have always had an interest in interior design and it’s something I have gravitated towards. Whether it was often moving pieces in my room around, flicking through home magazines or watching the TV shows with my family, I realised I subconsciously enjoyed learning about it and putting it into practice wherever I could. I went to university to study interior design for three years and continued it as a career after graduating. Everything around me inspires me but also feeling proud of the space I created and additionally being able to live in it is a great feeling. I am lucky that my career incorporates my passion, and it is something I get to do daily!

What do you look for when selecting good quality furniture?

There are a number of different things to consider when looking to purchase good quality furniture. For cabinetry, it’s important to look at the craftmanship and quality of material, making sure it has been manufactured well and durable enough for everyday use. For sofas, the fabric of the sofa and how it feels to touch is crucial to the comfort of the piece. You want something you can relax in as well as feel supportive with back and armrests that help with posture.

A good piece of furniture respects the scale of the room you are placing it in. You don’t want to overwhelm a space with too many pieces that feel cluttered, but enough to fill the room to feel functional and liveable. Additionally, considering pieces that make your home feel timeless and can adapt well to elements you may change over time like wall colour and flooring. You want your furniture to last a lifetime, therefore don’t choose pieces because of trends, bring in recent trends through accessories, bedding or rugs that are less expensive and easy to change.

Do you have any favourite Oak&More pieces?

I love a lot of the solid oak pieces like the Rosa Collection and Harper Collection. I also really like the Palermo Olive sofa as it gives a pop of colour and it’s also really comfortable! 

Are there any design choices that instantly make a home feel more ‘put together’?

There are many design choices that can make a home feel more put together. Using a cohesive colour palette can help create a ‘visual thread’ throughout a space. This doesn’t mean everything in the space needs to be one colour, but rather use colours that complement each other and create a harmonious feel throughout your home, not just with colour, but with materials and tones too. Also, layering lighting can make a home feel complete. Mixing ambient, accent and task lighting to make a space feel warm and homely but also considered. Finally, the finishing touches of thoughtful styling. A home that feels ‘put together’ isn’t just well designed – it feels lived in and personal. Adding your personal touch to the space with styled accessories and incorporating collected pieces that reflect you make a space feel curated, not cluttered.

Do you have a ‘signature style’?

I have refined my own style since working in the interior design industry over the last couple of years. Although I have completed projects that aren’t necessarily my style, I know the specific aspects and elements that make up a particular look and how to differentiate between them.

I would define my style as a mixture of mid-century modern, with a hint of 70s retro, paired with California beach house and a touch of modern traditional pieces too. I love a muted, neutral background, then bringing in colour and vibrancy through other elements like furniture, textiles and art.