9 Australian Interior Designers + Decorators Taking On Small Renovations

A.mi

Milan-born, Melbourne-based interior designer Anouska Milstein’s studio A.mi is known for creating sophisticated and timeless interiors. Having been in action for almost four years, she says her ultimate goal is to make spaces that feel ‘very self-confident’, and she lives by the motto that all great designs start with a beautiful, well-thought-out floorplan.

Though Anouska focuses on larger-scale renovations, she’s still open to single-room projects as long as it’s a fresh start with a blank canvas (as opposed to touching up a previous renovation) where she can work her magic.

Find out more about A.mi here

alessandra smith design

Melbourne-based interior decorator and stylist Alessandra Smith launched alessandra smith design in 2022 — leaving behind her 10-year career in the pharmacy industry to pursue her dream job!

She specialises in sourcing unique furniture, lighting, art, and objects that strike just the right balance between curated and eclectic. Think retro Italian design icons mixed with contemporary art, and warm colours that can transform any room.

Find out more about alessandra smith design here

Lauren Egan

If you’re looking for someone to help you refine your home’s aesthetic, food scientist turned interior decorator Lauren Egan is an expert at curating soft finishes and furnishings. It could be overseeing a living room a makeover with furniture, curtains, rugs, art, guidance on revamping your bathroom tiles and floors, or even just advice on what colour you should paint your walls.

Based in Melbourne, Lauren also spent some time in Scandinavia when she was a teenager, which is why her style brings together Scandi sensibilities with more colourful and modern aesthetics. ‘I love creating layered interiors where there is a sense of harmony,’ she adds.

Find out more about Lauren Egan here

Shelby Ann Studio

Shelby Lenehan is a graduate architect and emerging designer who’s already caught our attention with the soulful restoration and renovation of her own home, a 1950s weatherboard that beautifully blends past and present.

Based in Geelong, she’s recently started her own business while undertaking her master’s degree, and is open to projects of any size, including bathroom and kitchen renovations. For Shelby, the best part of the process is getting to know the client and making sure their home reflects how they want to live!

Find out more about Shelby Ann Studio here

Alexi Robinson Studio

Alexi Robinson has more than a decade’s worth of experience in the design industry, having spent most of her career working in Europe and Southeast Asia where she founded Alexi Robinson Studio in 2009.

Now back in Melbourne, her studio has remained deliberately small to maintain a personal connection with her clients, which she finds integral to the design process. Her approach is all about making ‘meaningful changes’ that unlock a home’s potential, championing natural materials and clever interventions that make a world of difference. In addition to working on new builds and complete renovations, Alexi takes on projects that focus on a key space, like this sympathetic update to a mid-century home’s kitchen.

Find out more about Alexi Robinson Studio here

Knot Studio

Impeccably made custom furniture and tonal timbers are a defining feature of Knot Studio‘s work. That’s because interior designer Alex Johnson started the business offering custom furniture, but has more recently expanded to tackle interior projects.

‘I have a minimal style, but I don’t let that make a space feel boring!’ Alex says. Her forte ranges from something as simple as designing a cute dining nook, or an interesting dining table, to creating a cohesive, tailor-made house from start to finish, as she’s done with her own beautiful home in Avalon Beach!

Find out more about Knot Studio here

Folk Studio

Mariah Burton and Chris Polain are the co-founders of Folk Studio, a boutique interior design studio based in Sydney. Their business has grown steadily since it launched in 2018, but Mariah says they always appreciate going ‘back to basics’ and working with clients who might need a professional to perfect a one-room renovation.

‘I know how transformative changing even just one space in your home can feel and I want to be able to deliver this feeling to as many people as we can,’ Mariah says. Their typically pared-back style often incorporates hints of bold colour and texture to create liveable and inviting interiors — even in small-scale spaces like apartments.

Find out more about Folk Studio here

Dosse Studio

Dosse Studio founder and creative director Jem Juthamat works across new constructions, revitalising existing spaces, colour consultations and styling, and generally takes on a range of smaller projects and bespoke styling jobs per year.

Her polished projects often play with elements of texture and shape to create intrigue with a minimalistic colour palette, but Jem says her style is always evolving!

Find out more about Dosse Studio here

Studio Lala

Ally Giovine is an emerging interior designer who worked as an in-home design consultant for Australian furniture brand Jardan before starting Studio Lala a few years ago. She’s and brings a playful, creative touch to her designs, to help clients realise their true personal style, beyond replicating their favourite inspiration image.

Based in Northern NSW, Ally works in person on projects around Brisbane to Byron Bay, and any of the surrounding areas. Almost all her projects showcase local designers and custom elements — so no two Studio LaLa designs are alike!

Find out more about Studio Lala here