With a background steeped in familial creativity and a love for craftsmanship, interior designer Kate Nixon’s design approach bestows equal consideration to creating profoundly personal yet welcoming environments. With an observant eye for detail, Nixon has made a name for herself in the design realm. Her portfolio of projects reflects domestic living – residence saturated with natural light, casually thrown pillows and flowers perfectly positioned on the kitchen countertop – akin to the set design found in a Nancy Meyers film. We asked this Design Hunter how she finds fulfilment in her personal and professional life and what she’s coveting this summer season.
Tell us about yourself, your background and what led you to where you are now.
Growing up with creative, entrepreneurial parents, I was always encouraged to find what I love, work hard and do my best. [My parents] have been making exceptional furniture since 1977, and I grew up on the workroom floor playing with wood shavings and fabric cuttings. They are great cooks – as were my grandmothers – and I inherited their love of cooking and eating!
My path to interior design has been an organic progression from food to interior styling and writing, [I also opened my] homewares store [where I supply] made-to-measure soft furnishings and a full-service interior design studio. Throughout the journey, I have been the houses and interiors editor of Australian House and Garden magazine for almost two decades, championing the exceptional talent of Australia’s design industry and a homewares retailer since 2007, importing the exquisite, eight-generation Italian Busatti linen whilst designing and renovating my own family homes. Through our retail store, we offer a custom service of made-to-measure soft furnishings and upholstery, and late last year, we launched our e-commerce store and first product collaboration – wallpaper and printed fabrics designed with Quercus & Co. now stocked in showrooms throughout Australia, the US and Canada.
Tell us about your work – what is the driving philosophy behind what you do?
I have always been obsessed with creating ‘Nancy Meyers’ inspired homes with cosy and comfortable interiors, great art and generous kitchens filled with food, family and friends. I strive to design spaces and pieces that are classic, comfortable, polished and practical – equally at ease with elegant entertaining and everyday family life. I love a layered, earthy palette that is warm and inviting, and I find joy in the detail. I’m always striving to capture that ‘new spirit, old soul’ feeling you find in the very best of interiors, and I believe that life’s simple pleasures – a steaming cup of coffee, fresh flowers in a vase, crisp sheets on a well-made bed – with care and attention can be experienced every day. I love a good high/low Zara/Prada approach to budgets and describe our interiors as the bespoke ‘Haute Couture’ to our ‘Ready to Wear’ product collections. I have always loved the idea of a one-of-a-kind store and its discoveries, creating a world for people to explore and experience an inspirational way of life. I am essentially a shopkeeper and a homemaker, passionate about interiors and their ability to create everyday joy.
Can you share some insight into your creative process – when are you most in the zone?
I love the early morning dawn, but I am a night owl. When the world gets quiet, I can take a deep breath and sit in the work until it is finished. I have learnt that creativity, like life, rewards perseverance. Some solutions are apparent and easy, while others take time to ponder the possibilities. It’s ok not to have all the answers… it’s the best. Projects evolve, and being open to unexpected possibilities has allowed for some of my favourite ‘happy accidents’.
How does design play a role in your life?
Design is my life. I love what I do, and I’m grateful every day. That doesn’t mean it’s easy or everything is always lovely. Sometimes I’m tired and often challenged, but I get to live my love and take responsibility for what I create – interiors and products, clients and suppliers, our beautiful team.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I am a wife to Tim (married twenty years this April) and a mother to Handsome Henry (9yrs) and Adorable Agnes (7yrs). Tim is an incredible partner and support; our children are my greatest joy. I once read a quote from Cindy Crawford that said, ‘You can have it all, just not all at once,’ which has helped me through some tough times! I have learnt that I cannot be in more than one place at once, no matter how hard I’ve tried! So I strive to be in the place where I am and do my best there, in that moment. Then I go to the next place and do my best there. When I’m in, I’m all in – at home and work. I try to soak up every moment and move forward to the next. I have also found that structure and systems will set you free. Learning discipline and accountability at work has given me a sense of calm and carefree at home.
What does home mean to you?
Home is everything to me. It is where I rest, recharge, and share my life with the people I love most. Creating homes for others is my great pleasure and privilege.
How does your home reflect your passions, interests and creativity?
My home is obsessively designed to be effortlessly shared with family and friends. It is full of the things we love, gathered throughout our life together. Favourite finds from magazine shoots, artworks found and commissioned to commemorate anniversaries, birthday gifts and travel treasures. Music is always playing, and something is always cooking — fresh foliage on the kitchen bench and rosemary sprigs from the garden beside my bed. Our beds are made, and the coffee machine is on.
What’s your favourite room/object/thing in your house?
We have a huge farmhouse kitchen in a tiny inner-city townhouse because that’s our favourite place to be.
What piece of furniture is currently on your wishlist?
I have been working with my team on our furniture collection, which is due to be released in mid-2024. It’s been a dream to create, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
What is your favourite chair/light design, and why?
I am obsessed with Porta Romana’s incredible lighting collection. Their organic forms, natural materials and exceptional craftsmanship are a standout. It’s impossible to choose a favourite.
