Made for Real Life
A behind-the-scenes look at how my most loved pieces came to life
At em billie co, nothing is made just for the sake of it. Each design starts with a story — a lived moment, a family need, or a problem that needed solving in a beautiful, practical way. Designing soft furnishings has always been about creating pieces that move with real life, not against it.
Every detail is intentional — from the upholstery-grade fabrics I choose, to the shapes and sizes that suit both kids and adults, homes and care spaces, lounge rooms and quiet nooks. Here’s how some of my signature designs came to be:
The LaySleepPlay™ Mattress 2016
This one is particularly close to my heart. It was inspired by those everyday moments of family life — when my kids were little, they’d drag their mattresses out into the lounge room on weekends. We'd end up with a jumble of blankets, pillows, and kids sprawled everywhere for movie nights, sleepovers, or slow Sunday mornings.
I wanted to create something that honoured that spirit of play and connection, but with a bit more intention. A soft mattress that could pull out for naps, quiet time, or imaginative play — and then just as easily be stored away or moved to another room.
The LaySleepPlay™ is light enough for little hands to help carry, comfy enough for real rest, and durable enough to keep up with family life. Whether it’s used in a childcare space or a cosy home corner, it’s the kind of comfort kids naturally return to again and again.
The Lounger 2018
This design came from watching the way my children — and now my granddaughter — instinctively shape the spaces around them to suit how they feel. I remember them always shifting cushions, beanbags, or mattresses to make their own little zones. Sometimes it was a reading nook, other times a wrestling arena, or just somewhere to relax and be close by.
I wanted to create a piece that gave that same feeling of freedom, but with the beauty and quality to hold its place in a styled home. The Lounger is low to the ground, incredibly comfy, and can move between rooms easily. It works just as well in a kid’s bedroom as it does in a family room or a chill-out space in a wellness studio.
Designed with premium fabrics that are both luxurious and hard-wearing, it’s the kind of piece that doesn’t need to be hidden when guests come over — and one you’ll find yourself using just as much as the kids.
The Headboard Cushion 2019
This one was sparked by a conversation with a client who didn’t want a traditional upholstered headboard. He loved the look and feel of fabric behind the bed, but wanted something more flexible — something less permanent. As he was finding it difficult to confirm his fabric choice , after all a custom traditional headboard is quite the investment & doesn't get replaced regularly.
That got me thinking: what if we could create the feeling of a headboard — the comfort, the elegance — but with a removable,supportive custom cushion instead?
The result is a beautiful, tailored headboard cushion that elevates any bedroom instantly. It adds a layer of softness and style, without needing a new headboard. It’s especially perfect for renters or for those who love to change things up seasonally. Like everything at em billie co, it’s made with care, quality, and long-lasting comfort in mind.
When the lovely team at Three Birds Renovations reached out and asked to feature my Headboard Cushion in their Rolling Seas project, I was beyond honoured. It was one of those full-circle moments — to see something I’d designed become part of a project known for its style, beauty, and attention to detail... honestly, it meant the world.
The Mod Pod™ 2020
A modern take on a classic comfort
The Mod Pod was my answer to the traditional bean bag — the kind we all remember, but rarely want to see in a thoughtfully designed home. I wanted to keep the comfort, but elevate the shape, the structure, and the aesthetic to create something that feels at home in a modern interior.
Drawing on my love of mid-century design, I reimagined the humble bean bag into a more sculptural, intentional form. The rounded shape gives it a soft, organic feel, while the chunky fabric handle adds a practical and playful touch — inspired by the bold simplicity of vintage furniture. The very first Mod Pod was made in a creamy boucle, setting the tone for what this piece would become: modern, textural, and stylish without trying too hard.
It’s the kind of piece that can sit comfortably in a lounge room, reading nook, creative studio or breakout room . Lightweight enough to move around easily, but structured enough to hold its form, the Mod Pod combines function with form in a way that makes it feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Each of these designs is shaped by real life — mine, my clients’, and the families who’ve inspired me over the years. I don’t believe in creating fast, throwaway pieces. I design with the future in mind — for moments that matter, materials that last.
XX Em