Meet The Heatherly Design Team
Taking a moment to reflect on Heatherly’s 10 year anniversary, we shared our celebratory Luncheon by the Lake a few weeks ago but now I would like to “shine a light” on our wonderful team who have worked tirelessly over the years to make Heatherly what it is today.
Some you may recognise from visits to our showrooms, others are quietly working behind the scenes in our Melbourne workshop – either way each and every one is an integral part of Heatherly Design. My vision to create the finest quality bespoke bedroom furniture, is made a reality by the experienced artisans hand crafting each design locally in Melbourne. Likewise, our sales and marketing team are so passionate and committed to sharing their knowledge with you.
In 2018, I think more than ever we are all looking for pieces that have a history and ethos behind them and I am so lucky to have a team who share my dream in bringing this to you.
I asked each to take a few minutes out of their busy day to answer some questions for me and below are their answers.
Georgie xx
Fiona | The Sibella
Fiona is my right hand woman in the design studio. She overseas our sales and despatch depts and her son dear Beau solves many an IT question!
How long have you worked at Heatherly?
5 years
Describe yourself in five words.
Helpful, bubbly, busy, laugh a lot, efficient.
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
To have no interruptions i.e. animals waking you up.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
My ultimate bedroom would have the Sibella bedhead with a Navy Adele Footstool or Tate Leather Footstool and blue and white linen.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why.
My favourite design at the moment is the Sibella. I love the Ikat material and wings and I love the blue tones and the new Tate Footstool is my favourite.
Kathee | The Piper
Kathee Gunn is our PR Queen and has worked alongside me since Magnolia Square Fair.
How long have you worked at Heatherly?
Close to 5 years.
Describe yourself in five words.
Visually driven. Hard working. Passionate. Loyal. Organised (most of the time!)
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
A few drops of lavender oil on an eye mask, closed curtains and a warm friend!
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
I’m into clean lines and modernism but also love layers of luxury and warmth. I’d secretly love an open fire in my bedroom.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why.
I love the Piper leather bedhead as it’s a clever but simple design. I also love the texture and style of leather in a room or home.
Dan | The Fenwick
Aside from a big smile that would melt hearts, Dan is the dynamo behind our website design and functionality. He makes sure the site not only looks beautiful but is as easy as possible for our customers to navigate.
How long have you worked at Heatherly?
Since 2009. We started working with Georgie updating and maintaining the website, and over the years we’ve continued to evolve together, as our studio has grown we’ve worked to help Heatherly as they have grown. It’s been incredible to see the photoshoots over the years, the styling, the quality and the bedhead designs themselves. We love being able to play a part in the customers experience with Heatherly.
Describe yourself in five words.
A creative force for good.
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old, so if they sleep through the night, that classifies as a win!
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
I really like the warm grey look and wall panelling, with a piece of artwork that ties it all together. Needs to feel restful and usable.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why.
My favourite would be the Fenwick, I love the minimalist feel with the large cross stitches that really draw the eye.
Catherine | The Poppy
Catherine is the dynamic dynamo behind our digital marketing and collaborations. Managing the social media, blog posts, newsletters and brand ambassadors, she is constantly juggling many hats yet manages it all with expertise and ease!
How long have you worked at Heatherly?
I began in March 2017, sourcing Sydney Brand Ambassadors for collaborations to help promote the new Sydney showroom. We met with Lana and Bonnie of Three Birds Renovations which was a thrill because I love their style, they have a huge following and most of all they are incredibly warm, genuine people. Bonnie went on to custom design The Rupert, The Poppy and cushions in her chosen fabrics for The River Shack. I’ve gone on to manage Heatherly’s social media, blogs and EDM’s and absolutely love working with Georgie and her team.
Describe yourself in five words.
Enthusiastic. Passionate. Driven. Creative. Short.
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
Not having twins! During their first three months I remember being so extremely tired I would crave just one hour of sleep. Nowadays I love my Heatherly eye mask because it’s so annoying when my husband uses his phone as a torch! I also use pillow sprays as well as the Calm app for music and sleep stories which really help me to wind down.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
For my home it would be white floorboards, natural tones and textures with pops of interest and colour.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why.
Someday I’ll design a bedroom around a Heatherly bedhead… I’d love the Poppy in a patterned fabric to honour my late Godmother’s love of Osborne & Little but I’d definitely need guidance from one of their showroom experts for that!
Shelley | The Lucia
I couldn’t be more pleased our Sydney Showroom Manager, Shelley decided to migrate to Australia from Texas a few years ago! Aside from a wealth of experience as an Interior Designer, Shelley’s happy disposition is a joy to be around.
How long have you worked with Heatherly?
2 years.
Describe yourself in five words.
Positive, adventurous, friendly, creative, resilient.
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
Chamomile tea just before bed, lavender essential oils sprinkled on the pillow in my Heatherly bed & Heatherly eye mask.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
An organic “California-casual-chic” look would probably best describe my overall ultimate goal. Statement photography is usually where I start and then work in a mix of modern and vintage touches with lighting, furniture and accessories. To finish off the room, I always scatter a few plants throughout to bring the space to life.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why?
I am a fan of so many. The Rupert has been a front runner until the new collection recently launched. Now I am loving the Lucia for its simplicity and clean design that works well with anyone’s style or age.
Steve | The Mayfair
One of our leading upholsterers, Steve’s wealth of experience and attention to detail ensure each and every piece is created to perfection in our workshop. Very humbled to have Steve as part of our team.
How long have you worked with Heatherly?
Approximately 6 years.
Describe yourself in five words.
A lot like my dad…. pedantic!
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
A few beers helps.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
It includes the Hampton bedhead.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why?
It would have to be the Mayfair because there are so many interesting elements to it.
Michelle | The Portobello
If you’ve paid a visit to our Melbourne Showroom, it’s highly likely you’ve met Michelle Pennington. With an incredible eye for interiors, Michelle is an invaluable member of the Heatherly team who over the years has contributed to many a Heatherly photoshoot, schemed many a Block bedroom reveal (at the last hour!) and helped so many achieve their dream bedroom.
How long have you worked with Heatherly?
8 years on and off. I have left twice to pursue full time work, but the pull of Heatherly is strong.
Describe yourself in five words.
Lover of textiles, art and design. Vivacious, curious.
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
A glass of wine, fresh sheets, and a good book.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
Slightly bohemian, lots of gorgeous art, antique side tables, beautiful lamps, white linen, and of course my Heatherly bedhead.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why?
My bedhead of course! It’s a custom take on the Portobello… I love the slightly crushed velvet which gives it the appearance of it being vintage linen velvet, and the divine Catherine Martin braid that runs vertically down the bedhead. It is from her Great Gatsby collection, and is a Deco design with bugle beading in shades of grey, navy and white. The bedhead extends out on either side of my King bed to give my bedroom a really luxurious feel.
Lisa | The Alice
Lisa has created many a Heatherly bedhead over the six years she has been with us. Her work is impeccable and we are pretty proud of the fact too that in a male dominated industry, we have our Lisa blitzing it! I love the way she has described herself below as it is these very qualities that make her such an asset to our team.
How long have you worked with Heatherly?
About 6 years.
Describe yourself in five words.
Hardworking, trustworthy, honest, creative… I know that’s only four
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
I like to meditate or read a good book before bed as it helps me relax and switch off a little.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
I would love a large room that I could turn into my very own private retreat.
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why?
I really enjoy making the Alice bedheads. Not only do they look fantastic but I get a very satisfying feeling when I’ve completed one.
Lukas | The Sackville
Lukas may be the newest addition to Heatherly Design, but he has already made an impression. As an Apprentice Upholsterer, he has proven himself to not only be very skilled but a lovely young man.
How long have you worked with Heatherly?
9 months.
Describe yourself in five words.
Enthusiastic, young, happy, sporty and spaghetti.
What’s your recipe for a good night’s sleep?
Going to bed early and not staying up late.
How does your ultimate bedroom look?
Everything is big…. the room, the bed and the TV!
Tell us your favourite Heatherly bedhead and why?
The Sackville bedhead because I like the subtle panelling and it’s one of my favourites to make.
