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