Founder & Designer at em billie co
Hi I’m Em — the heart, creative mind and designer behind em billie co.
With over a decade of experience in soft furnishings design, I’ve spent my career helping people create spaces that feel deeply personal, comfortable and beautiful. I believe our spaces should reflect the way we live work and the way we want to feel.
I’m a proud mum of five children - two boys and three girls, aged from 12 - 27 and in 2022 I became a grandmother to a little powerhouse. She has a sharp mind, has natural leadership qualities, she is so full of ideas and so independent she’s always ready to take charge and to show the world her own unique way.
Most of my collections have grown out of real life in a busy home, finding creative ways to make spaces feel beautiful while staying incredibly functional, the soft play mattress is perfect for naptimes to a stylish ottoman that moves easily from room to room. Every piece I have created is with thoughtful intention and is at the heart of em billie co, for me it all about family living — making everyday comfort look effortlessly good and built to last through all the seasons real life brings.
I started my first company Onyx & Smoke, back in 2015 after growing increasingly frustrated with spending money on soft furnishings that looked ten years old after just one wash. With a background in quality fabrics (my dad’s been an upholsterer for over 50 years), I decided to start creating pieces for my own home — ones that looked beautiful and were made from upholstery grade fabrics I knew could withstand whatever family life threw at them.
After nine years of growth, learning and continuous evolution I made the difficult decision to sell in 2023. It was time to pause, focus on my health and be more present with my family. I’m incredibly proud of what Onyx & Smoke became in those nine years and to see what direction the new owners would take her.
Now in 2025 after a two-year hiatus filled with fresh ideas, new energy and a whole lot more life experience, I’ve found myself back where I truly belong — designing soft furnishings that feel as good as they look and that are made to last through all of life’s beautiful messes.
Custom considered and made to last, em billie co is the natural evolution of that journey. It’s where creativity meets craftsmanship and where every piece is made with care, intention and a deep understanding of what real homes and evolved workspaces truly need.
Sustainability and wellbeing are at the heart of everything I do, I believe in creating pieces that last for years, not products that end up in landfill after a season. This is about slowing down, choosing well and surrounding yourself with things that bring joy, comfort and longevity.
You may have seen my designs featured in Three Birds Renovations, Adore Magazine, Home Beautiful, and Art Edit. I'm proud to have collaborated with clients across aged care, boutique early learning centres, residential, marine and commercial spaces — creating soft furnishings that offer comfort, character and a real sense of home.
If you're after something bespoke, I’m always happy to help you bring your vision to life, from selecting fabrics to creating custom sizes, I’ll guide you through the process and ensure it’s as seamless (and as joyful) as possible.
Thanks for being here — I’m so excited to create something beautiful with you.
With love,
Emma x