Meet Bailey O’Malley, Melbourne-Based Interior Designer With a Flair For Refined and Artful Design
The first time I connected with Bailey O’Malley on Instagram, I couldn’t help but become obsessed with her design work. Her design concepts, which feature playful yet refined, character-filled interiors, resonated with my colour-fanatic soul. Particularly, this moody, purple, colour-drenched bedroom set my heart galloping. I love how she fearlessly strikes the balance between ‘striking’ and ‘sophisticated’, pairing together bold and earthy hues and patterns with dramatic, statement furniture and decor to create unique designs for her clients.
Photography and design concepts by Bailey O’MalleyHere, we chat to Bailey about her work and the top three design tips for people who want to inject more personality into their homes.
Tell us about your design journey, how did you get into interiors and design?
My core memories include re-arranging my bedroom constantly and being enthralled by Ikea showrooms. I think these two things combined set the foundation for a career in interiors. Fast forward to my academic days, I graduated high school and immediately enrolled into architecture. I was 17 at the time and lasted one week. Instead, I moved to the UK. Four years later, I studied Interior Design in Bristol. I graduated mid-COVID but was lucky enough to be connected to Emily Rickard through friends. She swiftly took me under her wing, and for 5 years, I worked under her at her wonderful studio, Emily Rickard Design. Earlier this year, I made the move back to Australia, and in the spirit of big changes, decided to take the plunge and go freelance!
“I think storytelling gives a space such a strong sense of personality, and by that I mean, the style and things you loved in the past, you love now and will love in the future, become your space’s personality. Don’t stick to one strict “style” because your past self committed to it. All these styles and versions of yourself will become layers to your home.”
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Concept driven, which to me means, a harmony between my client, the environment and home and my vision. The result is spaces that are refined and curated, whilst feeling warm, lived in, and ever so slightly unexpected.
What would be your top three tips for individuals who want to add more personality and style to their home interiors but don’t know where to start?
More lamps! However many lamps you have, it's probably not enough. But seriously, nothing kills the mood more than the big light. Floor lamps, wall lights, table lamps, battery-powered ones for shelves and nooks, even candles. It's such a straightforward hack to create a mood in your home. And in every room. That includes the kitchen!
I think storytelling gives a space such a strong sense of personality, and by that I mean, the style and things you loved in the past, you love now and will love in the future, become your space’s personality. Don't stick to one strict "style" because your past self committed to it. All these styles and versions of yourself will become layers to your home.
Be playful with colour! A lot of people jump straight into a rigid way of thinking when it comes to colours in the home. We seldom design a room with just 2 colours, and if we do, we layer in different tones of the colours, this gives a room depth instead of it feeling rigid. An unexpected or contrasting colour can really make a point of interest.
Tell us more about your design studio, what services do you offer?
Don't be fooled if you ever hear me describe it as "we" because we are very much a one man-band. We offer a curation and layout package which gives you everything you need for a room design done on your terms, full shopping list, references and floorplan. For smaller commitments and works, we offer an hourly consult service, to be used however you want or need. Can be used for advice on problem areas, help with flow and floorplans, colour consultations. And the pièce de résistance, the full interior design scope which is start to finish support, design, procurement, detailing, install and styling.
