Laura Downie, A Life Created

Interior design unhitched

Milray Park Interior Designer, Laura Downie left her corporate marketing role to follow her passion for interior decoration and styling full-time starting Studio 1 Interiors. Laura puts the composition and balance of a space at the forefront of her designs, always thinking about where things are placed in the space and where she would move it to if she had the chance. Laura has been a Milray Park Interior Designer since conception and with her love of both interior design and travelling, the online platform is perfect for her.

‘Being able to offer virtual design services is a great addition to my business offering. One benefit being that it allows me to work remotely when I travel. Something which I love to do to feed my creative soul, to explore new places (& interiors!) and to get inspired. eDecorating removes barriers between me and my clients but also between work and play which is so important when you do what you love!’

By Milray Park Designer Laura Downie

What was your first big break in interior design?

I’ve had so many amazing opportunities gifted to me on this journey that I’ve often had to pinch myself to believe it’s really happening. Styling a shoot in Three Birds Renovations houses number 3 & 4 was up there as pretty special, as was the first time one of my projects featured on Interiors Addict. But honestly, those very first clients I took on – after offering up free consultations via family are friends – are the special ones that I treasure, as without them & their belief in me as I learned (and made mistakes) I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Three of your best tips to newly graduated students for breaking into the interior design industry.

Bravery – The only person standing in your way, is you. Please don’t make things more difficult than they need to be and don’t be hard on yourself. Take little steps each day and stick in there, I promise it will be worth it and from every set-back there’s a lesson to be learnt. Any hey, possible for me, means possible for you, right?

It’s ok to ask for help – If you allow yourself to ask for help, the resources are endless. You only need to ask once and then you know and truthfully, people love to help! I’ve been blown away by the number of people who’ve helped me since starting up my own business.

Passion – Remember why you’re doing this and feed that into everything you do. True passion will come across in everything you do and will impact the way your message is received. Follow your intuition and you can’t go wrong.

What are three of your favourite cafes in Sydney?

Only three? Oh, that’s tough! Ok, in no particular order I’d go, Ruby’s Diner in Waverley, The Boathouse in Balmoral (or the any Boathouse really!) and a new find only this week, Henry Lee’s in Redfern. I fell in love with the interiors…then the coffee…then the food!

What’s on your bedside table at the moment?

The latest edition of Collective Hub magazine, NEOM Lavender room spray (which I use on my pillow every night) and a single flower stem from the bunch of flowers that I buy myself weekly (well, why not?!) and this week it was lilies!

What item is number one on your own furniture wish list?

Easy. A Baranby Lane Armchair. I’m not sure I quite have the room at the moment, but oh my, I adore those chairs.

Where do you go to get serenity?

Bronte Rock pool. I really love it there, both to sit and soak up those sea views (coffee in hand) and when I’m not being too much of a wimp about the cold, maybe a nice quick dip too!

What room (anywhere in the world) could you hole yourself up in?

I’ve not been yet, but The Pumphouse on Lake St. Clair in Tasmania is pretty high on the list. I’m thinking winter, glass of red, real fire. Bliss!

What’s you guilty pleasure?

Messina. Home delivery. So right but so wrong.

Check out Laura’s complete make-over of Erin & Bryson’s living room here! Check out Laura’s Portfolio on Milray Park here!

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