What inspired you to start Bohemian Traders?

I accidentally founded the brand from my kitchen table with 3 babies at home. My intention was to simply import beautiful, artisanal products from India and on sell them through Big Cartel - hence the name ‘Bohemian Traders’. Things quickly spiralled though, the brand took off and I started designing simple, easy wearing garments to suit my lifestyle. I worked on wash and wear dresses with a little extra length, block printed pants and blouses. To this day, I’m still inspired by the everyday, I’m still drown to natural fibres and easy wearing shapes. 

How does the ethos of Bohemian Traders align with how you curate your home?

The Bohemian Traders ethos of effortless living, quality product and unpretentious, rustic finishes, imbue every corner of our family home. Our floorboards are well worn by years of children tracking through, the thick block work walls have marks that tell the stories of bumps and bruises, numbers and names drawn in pencil upon the pantry door indicate the hight of everyone who visits - the marks of a life well lived and overflowing with love. It’s not perfect, it’s real.  In both fashion and interiors, I’m drawn to texture variation, mirroring the tactile diversity found in BT’s collections. Just as our neutral capsule wardrobe allows for expressive layering, my interiors are build on a neutral canvas that evolves seasonally with fresh blooms, changes in artworks and accessories. 

Your home and new renovation both feature some hero MCM House pieces, which are your favorite and how do they align with your style?

I have so much MCM house in our family home which is why we chose the brand to furnish our recent project, a contemporary country cottage that’s recently been listed for sale. The Joe Sofa is a firm favourite of mine… I think we have about 9 or 10 between the dwellings. I have covers in various colours and like to change them seasonally. White for Summer, Pepper Pink for the shoulder seasons and Khaki for winter by the fire. I’m also so in love with the Florence Dining Table - one of our first purchases when we bought our family home. It’s aging gracefully and I intend to keep it forever.

Who and where do you draw inspiration from? Whether it be for Bohemian Traders, or for your home. 

I find inspiration in so many places and spaces. Travel, exploring new countries and cultures along with observing lifestyle and street style trends shapes my perspective with regards to fashion. Similarly, travel is useful (and just plain fun, let’s be honest) when researching for our interior spaces. We stayed at the Proper in Santa Monica on a recent trip to LA and the interiors are phenomenal. As a dedicated lover of vaulted ceilings, I also can’t help but ‘look up’ whenever we venture to Italy.

You live on the Central Coast with your beautiful family. What are some of your favourite local spots?

We love living on the coast. Terrigal Haven is a pretty little cove and the recently completed boardwalk makes a lovely meander into Terrigal proper. When in Terrigal, we like to eat at Yellowtail - the menu is phenomenal. Ettalong has a quaint, seaside feel and a couple of lovely places to eat. Try Inner Goodness Cafe for a quick bite or Osteria il Coccia for an elevated afternoon. There are also so many walks that take you from bush to beach and back again. 

You've covered fashion and now interior design. What's next for Emily Berlach?

I’m dreaming of taking the kids out of school for a few months and travelling across Europe.

Quick Questions:

Favourite drink?

Gin Martini with a twist

Go-to dish to cook for friends?

Oh I can’t cook but I love it when Dave, my husband, cooks over fire. If we were relying on me it would be 2min noodles.

Favourite room in the house?

Our Dining room - table overflowing with friends and family

Dog person or cat person?

Dog

Favourite season?

Spring!!

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Italian Rivera