“Versatile yet consistently stylish with a dash of the unexpected.”

When we ask her to describe her style, Michelle’s response is bold, passionate, and authentic - just like the designer she strives to be, consistently pushing the creative boundaries of what is possible with her work.

Her passion for creating beautiful spaces was ignited by her mother’s talent for transforming their humble home into what Michelle describes as a “stylish haven”. “This early inspiration led me to a career in styling, starting with advertorial for Murdoch Magazines before moving onto Vogue Conde Nast,” Michelle explains. “I loved the fast-paced world of events, but the ephemeral nature of these projects was bittersweet. Creating lasting spaces through my twelve years at Coco Republic has renewed my passion for interior design, and the diverse portfolio of work that comes with my role consistently ignites my creative drive.”

Michelle’s recent experience encompasses a broad spectrum of projects across Victoria, from crafting a luxurious turnkey retirement living space for Ardendy Kennedy Place and Pavilions Blackburn Lake to creating bespoke classically elegant show homes for Marque Property. And of course - styling and providing creative direction on our most recent CoTheory collection shoot. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Michelle, and luckily for us, the feeling is mutual. “Discovering your brand was a serendipitous moment that ignited a deep appreciation for your design aesthetic,” she tells us. “It’s clear that each piece is a testament to the exceptional taste of the brand, and unwavering commitment to quality - easily transforming the spaces they find themselves in and adding a touch of luxury and sophistication. Working with such an inspiring brand and collection has been a privilege.”

While Michelle is kind enough to sing CoTheory praises, we loved learning from her on the shoot and witnessing her process. First is the planning - the comprehensive mood boards - to help both the client and stylist visualise the final result. Then, the key is starting with a clean slate, removing all items, and reassessing the space you’re working with. From there, instead of clustering small objects, her next step involves introducing standout pieces - “hero” items - that create focal points. “Every piece should be cherished, making it difficult to choose a favorite” Michelle smiles. “Remember, quality over quantity. If you don't instantly love something, it doesn't belong.”

Michelle truly believes in creating spaces that go beyond aesthetics, weaving together elements of space planning, colour psychology, texture, and form to craft inviting and inspiring interiors. For her, this all comes together in the living room. More than just a space, it’s the experiential heart of any home - in her words, “a meticulously composed environment that fosters relaxation and social interaction”. Spaces, as Michelle explains it, can enhance our love and reflect our unique stories. “Transforming houses into homes filled with warmth, comfort, and a touch of the extraordinary. That is the task - and the joy.”

When it comes to true style, Michelle believes in striking a careful balance between trends and classic design principles, drawing inspiration from Athena Calderone’s ‘Eye Swoon’ (“my muse hands down”, Michelle confesses), Kelly Wearstler’s bold statements and Jeremiah Brent’s elegant simplicity inspired by the coasts of Monuak and Portugal. She is, however, also inspired by what she describes as “an entire universe of unsung heroes shaping our spaces in unique and inspiring ways”. From local interior designers with an uncanny ability to transform the smallest of spaces into functional masterpieces, to DIY enthusiasts sharing innovative ideas online, these individuals are the backbone of the design community. “Their creativity, often born out of necessity or sheer passion, deserves recognition,” shares Michelle.

From the anticipation before an installation to seeing her creative vision come to life, Michelle draws immense joy from many parts of her work - and it’s in these special moments she feels most alive and knows she’s on the right path. For others thinking about a career in interior design, she cautions that the finished product is often glamorised. “The reality is demanding, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love for creating beautiful environments,” Michelle presses. “Authenticity and passion are essential, and the world is full of armchair designers.” When asked what advice she would give to aspiring interior stylists, she reiterates the value of authenticity and staying true to oneself. “It’s easy to get swayed - everyone seems to have a strong opinion about interior design. My number one advice is to trust your instincts, believe in your design aesthetic, and let your work speak for itself. Authenticity is the cornerstone of any successful design career,” she explains.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Michelle for not only supporting us over the past 4 months in the lead-up to the launch of our new collection but also for her dedication, passion, and kindness. Our community means everything to us, and we’re so grateful she is a part of it.

Photography by Samantha Honiss / Styling by Michelle Langford.

Words by Jacqueline O’Neil.