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Sometimes we outgrow the businesses we build, even when we still love them. After closing the linen arm of my business that had defined me for almost a decade, I wanted to transform my office space into somewhere I could imagine what comes next.
This little studio was the engine room of my French linen homewares business. Every cushion, tea towel and table runner passed through this space before finding its way into your homes.
The room carried the weight of my ambition, my uncertainty, and the long but rewarding days of building a creative business. So rather than close the door on the space altogether, I reimagined it.
Surround Yourself
I knew I wanted to surround myself with pieces that already held meaning, as well as a few new gorgeous pieces.
The French oak desk and linen chair from Helena House anchor the room, while a vintage French chest of drawers and collected antiques bring warmth and history. An intricate chandelier from Emac & Lawton adds softness overhead, balanced by provincial-inspired painted walls in a custom Tint Paint French Blue with Dulux Snowy Mountain Half on the remaining walls and vaulted ceiling.
Vintage French ribbon, sewing ephemera collected in Paris, antique books and an oversized French glass bottle from Shades of Pale reflect a lifelong love of French craftsmanship.
A childhood mirror and cherubs sit alongside a vintage oil painting and artwork by Cathy Penton Atelier, creating a room layered with memories.
Love a Before & After!
Today, my former inventory and packing room has become a light-filled creative home studio where I write, film, manage Petit Château – our Tasmanian Airbnb featured in Country Style – and dream about whatever comes next.
I loved every minute of creating this room, but for me, it’s also about more than interiors. It’s the result of having the courage to let go of one dream to make room for something new and unknown.
And so, I’ve stopped asking myself, ‘What business should I build next?’ Instead, I’m asking myself a much gentler question: ‘What life do I want to create?’
Styling Notes
French Provincial desk and chair in French oak and linen, Helena House.
On the walls: Tint Paint ‘French Blue’ custom colour, Dulux Snowy Mountain half, French vintage cheeseboard The Jardin Room, French vintage oil painting + two framed prints sourced on Etsy, Vintage mirror and cherubs from my childhood home, basket Home by MB, Linen hand embroidered artwork Cathy Penton Atelier.
Chandelier, Emac & Lawton.
Printer console, Coco Republic, decorated with Vintage French vase Shades of Pale.
Vintage French drawers, antique store. Atop the drawers: Vintage French Glass vase Shades of Pale, vintage wooden dough bowl with collected French sewing and Irish linen keepsakes.
Jute Rug, Ikea.
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I've stopped asking myself, 'What business should I build next?' Instead, I'm asking myself a much gentler question: 'What life do I want to create?'
Photography: Heather Miles
Interior Design & Styling: Karen Miles
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