Michelle Hart is a freelance interior stylist and decorator based in Melbourne who helps clients with transforming their spaces at home into their own unique abodes. She creates beautiful, inspiring and considered spaces for everyday living that clients would surely love coming home to and share with family and friends. We sit down with Michelle as she talks all about styling, her favourite project, and her design influences. Let’s hear what she has to say..
“I’m all about creating spaces for people and families that are livable and functional with a comfortable and relaxed feel. People’s homes are where they retreat to every day so they should be a place that nurtures and supports their well being as well as reflect the story of who they are. I have also worked in creating this vibe in commercial work spaces and break out areas, bringing that sense of a relaxed home to the workplace.” – Michelle Hart
George Takes Twelve
1. Pleasantries first… Tell us about who you are and what you do?
Hi, my name is Michelle, I’m based in Melbourne and I am a freelance interior stylist and decorator. I am an indoor plants enthusiast, a crystal lover, a pilates addict, a dog lover and an interiors nut. I work with people to help them transform their homes and business areas into spaces that feel relaxed and welcoming, as well as being unique, functional and beautiful.
2. When I was growing up I wanted to be….
Madonna.
3. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I think it’s been more life lessons than one piece of advice.That is to listen and trust your intuition and to be self aware and in tune with your environment. Also finding out who you really are and what inspires you to be unique and making that your point of difference.
4. Who or what are some of your influences? Are there any peers or creatives that you admire or draw inspiration from?
Oh wow, so many wonderful creatives and inspirational women whom I admire and draw influence from, the list could go on forever. My absolute fave would have to be Kara from Forman Art & Framing, she’s an incredibly hardworking, wise, funny and lovable human being who has taught me so much. Some other women/businesses that I admire in our industry would have to be Lauren Li from Sisalla, Simone Haag, Bea Lambos, Arent Pyke Studio, Amber Interiors to name only a few.
5. What advice would you give to people wanting to become an interior designer?
If you are going to freelance and work for yourself then you need to develop a finely tuned brand, create a website, get your social media channels up and look for any opportunities to help get started. This might be with your own home to start with or doing jobs for family and friends. You need to be able to showcase your work as our industry is very visual. Working with a professional photographer is also a great investment so that you have content and beautiful imagery as a basis for your portfolio.
6. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?
I have an artwork by Petrina Hicks and I absolutely love it.
7. What’s one thing other people may not know about you?
I studied accounting at uni and used to work as an accountant and now refuse to even do my own bookkeeping!
8. What’s been your favourite project so far?
Oh wow, that’s a hard one to answer! I really enjoyed working on a home a couple of years ago in Black Rock. The client was just so lovely and easy to work for. She knew what she liked, she trusted and valued my recommendations and the family home turned out to be so warm and relaxed and beautiful when it was complete. I would love that experience over and over please.
9. Are there any upcoming design trends that you’re excited about?
I try not to follow design trends overly but am more attracted to unique and timeless pieces, materials and things that evoke the senses.
10. Fast forward 10 years… What are you up to?
I’d love to be living close to the sea somewhere on the Mornington Peninsula, still helping people and businesses with their interiors! Maybe focused more on holiday homes, who knows?
11. Morning routine – lay it on us…
Wake up and drink warm water with lemon and apple cider vinegar – Scroll through Social Media
Shower – Drink Coffee – Check and respond to urgent emails – Go to a local off lead park and walk the dog – Reformer Pilates class – Work.
12. Finish this sentence: I know a project is finished when….
All the pretty bits and pieces are in, the artwork is up, the plants and the styling of surfaces and shelves have been completed, the new bed linen is on the beds and the photographer has been called in to shoot.
Meet the Maker Radio
’Kick Back’
“A bit of everything, like a mixed bag of lollies!” – Michelle
Where to find her
Name: Michelle Hart
Business Name: Bask Interiors
Job Title: Founder/Owner
Website: www.baskinteriors.com.au
Instagram: @michelle_baskinteriors
Photography by Suzi Appel
