Fifteen years into MCM House, what do Australian homes want today that they didn’t in 2009? 

What I’m seeing lately is a shift toward more sophisticated sanctuaries. People want spaces that feel calm, comfortable, and personal – not just styled, but deeply considered. 

Is there such a thing as a distinctly Australian aesthetic, or is it more of a mindset? 

We’re a coastal nation, and most of the time, we tend to keep things more natural. A lot of Australian homes have been built with a larger, more open footprint, and that’s shaped how we live in them.

What are the Australian design trends you think will define the next couple of years? 

Colour is hard to place, but I do see some darker tones starting to come back in. Whether patterns return will be interesting to watch. I think technology is going to play a big role. It’s so ingrained in our lives now, and it will continue to become more integrated into the way we  
live and design our spaces. 

There’s a lot of talk about  “quiet luxury” in fashion. Are we seeing the same in interiors, or is it something else entirely? 

I’ve always encouraged a level of luxury that’s not pretentious. It should feel natural. I think it’s important we keep life a little fun, too. There’s room for elegance and ease. They don’t need to cancel each other out. 

You’ve always championed imperfection – wrinkled linen, uneven timber, lived-in scale. Why do you think people respond so strongly to that? 

Imperfection is what makes us attractive. It’s the sign of a life that’s been lived. Of course, there’s a place for things that are clean and new, but when you see something with life’s scars, that’s where the beauty is. It tells a story. 

You’ve made a career designing things for how people live. What’s something most people still get wrong about how they use their homes? 

Balance and scale are key. You can have beautiful pieces, but if the proportions are off, it doesn’t work. The other thing is personality. A home should feel like somewhere you don’t want to leave. That sense of individuality is what makes a space feel special. 

You’ve grown from one Paddington showroom to seven locations in three years. What unlocked that kind of scale so quickly? 

Timing. When you feel the moment is right, you have to back it. If you’ve got the support of amazing staff and you trust the journey, it unlocks a lot. I’m really appreciative to have had the team to make it possible. 

You’re launching a membership model – what does that look like in practice, and why bring it to market now? 

Loyaly is our way of giving something back to the people who’ve supported us. I wouldn’t be here without them, so it feels right that this becomes part of the story going forward.