Designing for Life with Charlotte Weatherley

On this week's IN BED Journal, we meet the lovely and talented Charlotte Weatherley, an accomplished interior designer and founder of Melbourne-based design studio, Studio Amble. Charlotte spoke to us about the experience of designing and restoring her family home in Brunswick East, along with her unique approach to designing with clients. We delve into her love for creating spaces imbued with both beauty and meaning, and explore pieces within the family home that hold a special place in her heart.

“My husband, myself and our Irish Terrier Seamus have called this home for eight years. We now share it with 2 busy toddlers Henry and Edie. It is a heritage listed Victorian workers cottage, tightly woven into an industrial pocket of streets in Brunswick East. Post renovation it now has a sun-drenched airiness I sought after and now adore.”

Charlotte’s husband, Jayden, played a big part in the design of the properties green spaces via his company Greener Visions Landscapes.

“We wanted to make a home that was simple but beautiful. A family haven that could withstand the rigors of a young family. Though small in footprint it needed to feel generous in space. We sought to dissolve internal and external boundaries to create an open air and sun filled environment. We commenced our build early 2020 and it was quickly marked by all things Covid. It has without a doubt been a labor of love. We undertook elements of the build scope ourselves while being heavily supported by our builder Ben Thomas. We feel very connected to the project and home as a result.”

“I’m drawn to places that elicit more than visual beauty to feel captivating. I think we all are and discovering and anticipating what that means to each of my clients is my passion. Designing for myself was very instinctive. I have a deep understanding of the elements I seek for a space to be successful. Each decision didn’t require the level of conversation I would usually provide a client, there was a fluidity within that.”

I’m drawn to places that elicit more than visual beauty to feel captivating.

“A Caroline Walls painting is particularly special to me. My late Grandmother wished and gave the opportunity for me to purchase an item to cherish and remember her by. This was the item.”

Inside, a parent's retreat is finished with a calming combination of IN BED 100% Linen in Mist, Pinstripe Navy & Lake.

“A new first floor addition became a parent’s retreat containing Master Bedroom, Ensuite and Study Nook. It is distinguished by cathedral ceilings and seamless symmetry, borrowing a sense of space through light, air, highly resolved joinery and floor to ceiling windows. I love the layering of a neutral finishes palette, it is immersive but not overwhelming. The space feels calming and restorative.”

“This project was pretty special… But in all seriousness, I can say hand on heart all my projects find a special place with me. Unearthing something unique and personalised for each is a joy.”

In the ensuite bathroom is an IN BED 100% Cotton Towel in Lilac.

“Studio Amble is a deliberately small scale, Melbourne-based design studio producing projects grounded in beauty and resolve. I spent a decade under the mentorship of seminal Australian designers, working across residential, commercial, hospitality and wellness projects of every scale so when it came time to find a way to weave design around each facet of my life — mother, wife, aesthete — I was able to draw on a diverse catalogue of experiences whittling them down to reveal a methodology for my own practice, my own amble.”

Studio Amble is a deliberately small scale, Melbourne-based design studio producing projects grounded in beauty and resolve.

We asked Charlotte what advice she would give to someone wanting to make a few small but meaningful design changes to their space...

“Consider how you would like the space to perform, then layer change over with intention. Be reductive, invest in fewer alterations and ensure they are of quality and love. Layering will happen naturally over time, ensuring you have a base of value for this is key.”

“Outside of work you’ll find me fumbling around after my family. We love having a park hang or a walk to the Merri Creek trail. I will always have a coffee in hand, hopefully from El Mirage or one of the other many great cafes along the way.”

“Brunswick East has so many great local spots to frequent. A run along the Meri Creek or a Pilates class at Armature are my non-negotiable R and R’s, but a glass of wine at Wax Flower and Palm Liquor is where my ideal lazy Saturday afternoon will take me.”

“The year still feels new with space for so much to achieve. I’m looking forward to seeing another renovation project evolve and creating a new home for the little people (and dog) in my life to grow and play.”