Elwood Residence, Completed 2022

Emily Gillis Design is an interior design studio specialising in timeless residences. We focus on careful renovations and considered modernisations of homes across Melbourne, Australia and beyond. Through precise joinery, layered textures and thoughtfully sourced furnishings, our work blends classical detailing with a contemporary sensibility to create enduring living environments.

Our Process
A hands-on approach defines our full-scope offering
A hands-on approach defines our full-scope offering
Featured Projects
A selection of recent commissions reflecting the range and depth of our practice.
I.
Mathoura
Residential
Mathoura reinterprets a heritage apartment built in 1990 as a calm, timeless retreat for downsizing owners.
II.
Elwood
Residential
Elwood transforms a 1930s Californian Bungalow into a 500 sqm family home that harmonises heritage character with contemporary family living.
III.
Rachel Donath Flagship
Commercial
Rachel Donath Flagship Set within Hawksburn Village in Melbourne, Rachel Donath’s flagship store was conceived as a warm and immersive setting for the brand’s collection of furniture and objects. The design draws on a restrained palette of natural timber, aged metals and tactile textiles, with a series of custom pieces developed specifically for the space. Sculptural forms sit alongside softer, organic details, creating a balance between simplicity and character. Rather than feeling like a conventional retail environment, the store was designed to evoke the atmosphere of a considered home, layered, collected and shaped by craftsmanship. The result is an understated yet distinctive space that provides a natural setting for Rachel Donath’s evolving collection.
IV.
Loch
Residential
Tucked within the leafy Tara Estate precinct of Camberwell, this double-storey Victorian home was carefully reimagined for a family of five. The design centred on creating a sense of continuity between the home’s original architecture and its renovated spaces, ensuring the transition from front to back felt seamless rather than defined by old and new. Drawing on traditional English influences, the interiors feature classic detailing such as panelling, Shaker-style cabinetry and marble accents, all layered within a restrained palette of warm neutrals. Internally, the floor plan was thoughtfully reworked to better support family life, introducing dedicated workspaces, relaxed living areas and improved connection between rooms. The result is a calm, enduring home that honours its heritage while offering a refined and highly functional setting for modern living.