About us

 

ABOUT US 

Established in 1991, Beautiful Room was born out of a love of textiles and the desire for a career that was flexible enough to work around a young family...

Today, Beautiful Room is renowned for providing a high level of service, intuitive and creative design solutions, and the creation of bespoke spaces that inspire and tell an intimate story about the people who inhabit them.

Specialising in residential work, Maree Howley and Kate Blakeman assist clients in refining architectural plans for new builds and renovations, as well as offering guidance in the selection of paint colours and hard surface finishes.  As each project progresses the focus naturally shifts to the thoughtful layering of quality and custom made furniture, window treatments, soft furnishings and accessories within each space.    

 

MAREE HOWLEY // DESIGN DIRECTOR

Maree’s awarded and extensive experience provides valuable project direction and management. Maree can assist with the development of architectural plans for new builds, extensions and renovations as well as conceptual design and the selection of colours and finishes for kitchens, bathrooms and custom cabinetry.

Maree’s style, while technically executed, is primarily aesthetically led. Each space is a carefully considered balance of colour, texture, fine detailing and an overall sense of classic simplicity. Thoughtfully mixing high-end and contemporary furnishings, vintage finds and her clients’ treasured possessions in layers, adding emotional depth to ensure the finished result “feels like home”.

This desire to design and decorate on a deeper level gives Maree’s work its signature warmth and honesty. Maree is an awarded Design Industry leader, recognized for her contribution to mentoring and influencing a new generation of Australian Interior Designers. Maree’s ability to create truly inspiring spaces has cemented her reputation as one of Australia’s best designers.

 

KATE BLAKEMAN // DESIGNER

Kate spent her childhood riding horses and climbing trees on a windswept Island in the middle of Bass Strait.  Kate believes that your home should reflect all that you love and hold close to your heart; your family, your dreams and momentos of a life well lived.

Kate graduated from Monash University with a passion for design.  Determined to fast track her career Kate undertook voluntary work experience at Beautiful Room where she was promptly invited to join the team full-time, as Maree's Design Assistant.  Over the next few years Kate successfully juggled her work at Beautiful Room with formal studies, officially graduating from RMIT in 2003.   

Today, Kate continues to work closely with Maree, managing projects from her home office in Mitcham.  Combing a love of natural materials with things that are a little bit quirky, have a patina or ‘a story to tell', Kates' gentle approach allows clients to discover their own design aesthetic, resulting in thoughtful, considered spaces that reflect and support the lives of those who inhabit them.