There is nothing more exquisite than a room filled with flowers, and for Melbourne-based interior designer Charlotte Coote, living with nature is one of her greatest sources of inspiration. Coote is one of the most influential designers in Australia today. She can create a muted, sparse space or a striking statement of colour with glorious tactile furnishings. Here, we share her home, creative insights, and her latest passion project, The Flower Room by editor Trudi Brewer.
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By Coote's admission, her journey into the world of interior design was not conventional. Born into a home filled with classical interiors, her design talent was inherited from her late father, the renowned international interior designer John Coote. Growing up in an 18th-century Irish Georgian house, its grandeur inspired her to forge a successful career in the industry that now celebrates Coote's affinity with colour and intricate prints inspired by travel, books and Mother Nature. Day to day, you will find her at Coote&Co, her boutique agency in Prahran, Melbourne, where her talent comes to life.
Here she shares her stunning home, style, and best beauty buys. If you are about to embark on a new interior project or adore colour and flowers like us, read on for inspiration.
How did you become an interior designer?
I grew up with a father who was an interior designer and a mother who was a politician—both incredibly brilliant. Because of dad’s work, we travelled a lot and eventually settled in Ireland, where my parents bought Bellamont Forest, a magnificent 18th-century Irish Georgian house. I went to a tiny local school, and living in that house deeply shaped my love of classical design—it still influences how I approach projects today. Later, I worked in my father’s interior design firm in Europe, where I had the chance to work on everything from English and Irish homes to castles and boutique hotels. One standout was an Irish Georgian castle in Northern Ireland, originally decorated by David Hicks in the 1970s. Seeing his work up close was unforgettable.
Who has influenced you in your career?
The trailblazers whose work still holds up today—Syrie Maugham, Billy Baldwin, John Fowler, Eileen Gray, Albert Hadley, Elsie de Wolfe, and Nancy Lancaster. I grew up reading about them in Dad’s reference books.
Images Charlotte Coote
What’s a typical working day for you?
No two days are ever the same—and that’s exactly what I love about it.
What’s surprised you most about working with clients?
How much trust they give us—it’s something I don’t take for granted. We’re incredibly lucky with the clients we work with.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Travel, mostly. And I devour design books—currently obsessed with Veere Grenney’s new one on his homes in London, Tangier, and the English countryside.
What’s the #1 key to a successful interior project?
If you love something, trust your eye. Don’t wait for others to validate it.
What’s your favourite interior look right now?
Timeless.
Images Charlotte Coote
Any designer tips everyone should follow at home?
If you want a new idea, read an old book.
One business lesson you’d pass on?
Hire excellent people to do the things you’re not great at.
Favourite colour combinations?
Green and blue, pink and green, blue and yellow, blue and orange, and white with anything.
Get the look
Images Charlotte Coote, above Coote's daughters, Sybil, Francesca, and Daphne. In the living room, Resene Glamour Puss paint is available from Resene ColorShops
What are your design rules?
My rule of five: Timelessness, Authenticity, Quality, Comfort, and Lifestyle.
A memorable moment in your career?
Seeing my first book, Colour Is Home, on a bookshelf for the first time.
What makes a great interior?
Authenticity.
Images Charlotte Coote, her kitchen cabinetry in Resene Cabbage Pont paint available from Resene ColorShops
Your Home
How would you describe your home?
Classic contemporary—with a Charlotte twist.
What do you think makes a great interior?
Authenticity. I’m after originality, not a cookie-cutter beige interior.
Most treasured possession?
Geordie and my three girls, (and yes, Bobby, our naughty fat Labrador, too.) They’re not possessions, but they’re my everything.
Coote at home in her newly renovated kitchen, the paint colour is Resene Cabbage Pont paint available from Resene ColorShops
Favourite room in your home? And what do you collect?
I collect Irish bed linen and beautiful old wine glasses. I recently found some stunning old William Yeoward ones.
What makes a house a home?
Fill all the rooms with people, laughter, music, and delicious food, and fill your home with vases of flowers and greenery. Crisp sheets, lunch in the garden in summer, crackling fires, and cosy dinners in winter.
Beauty
What is the first and last thing you do every day?
Lately, I’m up at 6:30am, walk through the garden in my pyjamas and jump into the freezing cold pool, which is currently eight degrees. Count to 100, get out. Hideous at the time. Glorious afterwards.
Favourite skincare brands and go-to makeup?
I love Mecca. I’m obsessed with Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color (I have many). Kevyn Aucoin Mascara (easy on, easy off), Hourglass Ambient Bronzer, and Mecca’s In a Good Light Illuminating Drops give my skin a lovely glow before bronzer.
Beauty hack when you’re tired?
A hot face cloth works wonders, and cold water swimming is great for puffiness and waking up your whole self.
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color, $62. MECCA COSMETICA In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30, $50. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara, $60. CIRE TRUDON Classic Bronze Topper Candle, $199.
Beauty products you always use?
Kevyn Aucoin Mascara and Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil.
What is a non-negotiable in your beauty routine?
Always cleanse and moisturise before bed, even if it’s 2am.
What’s in your makeup bag? Favourite fragrance?
I’m very picky about perfume. I tend to avoid it—bad or cheap perfume can remind me of car or morning sickness. But I love Cire Trudon candles, soap, and room sprays. I have them in every room at home.
Fashion
How would you describe your style?
Tailored, classic, and a bit glamorous.
Go-to brands and designers?
Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, and Chloé. I’m lucky to be dressed by the wonderful team at Le Louvre—they know what I love, what looks good on me, and what sort of events I need to look good at. Also obsessed with Paspaley pearl jewellery at the moment.
What’s your go-to work look?
High-waisted trousers or a suit, a tailored shirt, a Chloé blazer, loafers or trainers. A fabulous trans-seasonal trench coat. Layered jewellery and a satchel-pocket bag by Anya Hindmarch—it’s made from Econyl, recycled plastic, which I love.
What was your last big fashion investment?
Paspaley pearl earrings and two rings. I have three daughters, so technically, it’s an investment in their future too (but I’m wearing them until then, thank you very much).
Fashion advice for your daughters?
Start a private Pinterest board and build your style. Pin what you love and would wear. Don’t copy others—find what works for you. Also, edit your wardrobe every three months. Be ruthless. Keep the classics. Mend, donate, or toss the rest. A well-curated wardrobe should talk back to you and tell you what it is missing, but it should also tell you what to wear.
Guilty pleasure? Last indulgence?
A visit to Le Louvre—pure joy.
Anya Hindmarch Multi Pocket tote bag, $973. Chloé Check Wool Tailored Jacket, $4920, from Le Louvre. Paspaley embrace the sea pearl ring, $6556. Chloé Kick Sneakers, $1020, from Le Louvre.
The Flower Room
“No greater confidence can be offered than the timelessness and elegance of the outside world. To be constantly reminded of the shapes, patterns or cyclical movement provided by nature is a strong and grounding foundation from which to create. It promises happiness, peace and clarity. It anchors. And it is therefore the first place I often look to for inspiration in designing strong, timeless interiors.”
Coote in her home studio where The Flower Room came to life, with Bobby the Labrador
The Flower Room
There is no better way to escape and immerse yourself in the beauty of flowers than this book. Inspired by the designer's garden (she also has a flower room off her kitchen), this book is filled with clever interiors, including mixing colour, intricate patterns and botanical textures. Packed with ideas, we have savoured every page; it’s a brilliant reference for nature's timeless elegance. Expect mood boards, Coote’s Instagram travel shots, and plenty of design details on how to get the look in your home.
Nature is the ultimate influencer, and Coote captures that on every page - Trudi Brewer.
The Flower Room is published by Thames & Hudson and costs $65.
Interior designer, with an exquisite eye and a flower room.