A Quiet Force: Emily Gillis and Her Timeless Approach to Home

A Quiet Force: Emily Gillis and Her Timeless Approach to Home

Rooted in Design, Refined Through Experience

Emily Gillis launched her eponymous studio in Melbourne’s Carlton North after honing her creative acumen through work as a graphic designer and art director Emily Gillis DesignAssembly Label. Her professional trajectory—spanning Melbourne, New York, and Sydney—has instilled a global sensibility and a keen eye for detail. She brings these influences into every residential space she designs, always with an emphasis on authenticity, tactility, and purpose Emily Gillis DesignArmadilloAssembly Label.

A Philosophy of ‘Less Is More’

Central to Emily’s design ethos is a belief in quality over quantity. Her interiors reflect simplicity and intention—spaces layered through texture, light, and materiality, not cluttered with trends or extras . Inspired by philosophies like wabi‑sabi and informed by family influences—her mother’s German heritage, her textile-industry father, and her architect stepfather—she creates spaces that feel calm, permanent, and deeply personal Assembly LabelArmadillo.

Translating Architecture into Emotion

Emily doesn’t erase a home’s history—she lets it inform design. She works closely with clients and builders to deliver interiors that honor the original architecture while elevating it with bespoke, timeless finishes. A standout project, Domain Road, showcases built-in banquettes, bespoke joinery, and artisanal tiles—balancing practicality with warmth and refined restraint ArmadilloCirca.

Craftsmanship and Collaboration

One of Emily’s signature collaborations is with sculptor and maker Zachary Frankel—together they launched a series of bronze cabinet handles called The Egg and The Croissant. These pieces are handcrafted, minimal, and full of character—emphasizing tactile joy and subtle personality .

Sustainability Through Longevity

Longevity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle. Emily works intentionally with artisans, builders, and brands focused on durability and sustainable practices. Her design decisions always consider how a space and its details will age gracefully over time int.assemblylabel.comAssembly Label.

Personal Warmth Meets Professional Precision

Her own home—a Victorian courtyard terrace in Carlton North—is a case study in calm minimalism. Filled with curated ceramics, mood-lit nooks, and minimal styling, it's a thoughtfully composed backdrop that reflects her design philosophy in real time us.inbedstore.comAssembly Label.

At home, Emily lives with her young family and her pointer dog Henry—balancing design life with motherhood. She draws inspiration from walks, tactile exploration in galleries, and quiet routines that keep her practice anchored itsmilklabel.comAssembly Label.