This Interior Architect's Caulfield Home Could Be Mistaken For A Resort

Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we’re celebrating innovators, artisans and crafters of all types, taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, we head to the home of interior architect and design entrepreneur Georgia Ezra. 

As both an interior architect and founder of Tiles of Ezra, nothing is more import to Georgia Ezra than authenticity. Specialising in bespoke, ambient and unique spaces, Ezra creates "sensory experiences" through spaces that fuse high quality craftsmanship with modern design concepts.

Her recently renovated Melbourne family home—which she shares with husband (and builder!) Richie, toddler Jesse and newborn Halle—is perhaps the greatest example of her aesthetic. With sleek hallway arches, textiles sourced from Mexico to Morocco, and intricate tiling throughout the bathrooms, kitchen and fireplace, no detail was overlooked when transforming this suburban sanctuary. 

Glass panels replace walls in the dining room, creating a seamless transition between the outside and in, whilst a serene palette of muted pinks and desert sands set a calm and tranquil mood throughout the space. Ezra’s keen eye for detail shines on her shelves, as terracotta vases mingle with copper pots and brass candlesticks. From the tiled floors to the rustic wood ceiling beams, everything here exists with purpose and intent.

Hi Georgia! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?

I am the director of Studio Ezra—a multidisciplinary interior design firm that specialises in authentic and sensory interiors, and also the founder of Tiles of Ezra, a bespoke tile house that designs and produces 100% handmade tiles. 

How does the act of “making” relate to your personality and who you are?

I have always been drawn to interiors and hand-crafted design. I am a market-maven and born 'sourcer' and I find great joy in creating healthy, light-filled spaces that elevate and enhance people's moods.

When did you start your business? And can you tell us a bit about your journey from working in interiors to owning your own tiling business and writing a book?

I started my interior design business at the (ambitious!) age of 24. I was green and fearless and I jumped right in, unafraid and excited by the potential ahead. 

When I was designing Mon Amour—a cheese, wine and meat store in Albert Park, Melbourne—I couldn’t find the tiles I was looking for. While sourcing (which eventually led me to all the way to a bespoke tile atelier in Mexico) I realised I couldn't be the only one looking for these products, and my tiling business began. With a Canon camera and a box of tile samples in hand I started Tiles of Ezra, and within days I had orders, which was very exciting. 

Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?

Sometimes it starts when I am on holiday and experiencing another culture; sometimes I'm inspired by an image or interior I see online or in a magazine; and other times it starts when I am designing for a client. When I know what I want, the creativity and direction comes to quickly and strongly, and I follow my instincts with where the work takes me. 

What’s been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to grow your creative business?

It’s all about being real, being honest, and staying true to who you are. I think what has benefited me the most is not following trends and fads and staying true to my vision.  

Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in your home?

We just moved in about 3 months ago!

How did you initially know this was the space for you?

We bought our home in September 2018, and an agent that knew me and my love for Spain sent me a message saying “Georgia, there is this home for sale, it's Spanish mission in style and it needs a reno, I think it's right up your alley.” My husband Richie is a builder so together we looked at the home and worked out exactly how to transform it from a structural and design perspective. 

What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior?

For me, a home is about taking you off the street and into your own escape, so it was all about taking everyone who walked through that front door on a journey. I was heavily influenced by my travels and my love for Spain and the Mediterranean, so I would say it's an unexpected blend of Moroccan—meets—Mallorca—meets the South of France.

Shop Georgia's look with an Olive Bedding Set, Sage Flat Sheet, Sage Pillowcases and a Pinstripe Fitted Sheet. 

What are your favourite pieces in your home?

That’s a tough question because there is no piece that has been bought off the shelf, every element throughout this home has been designed and custom made in order for us to achieve a one of a kind end result.

I must say however, there is never a day that I am not beyond filled with emotion and love when I look at our Moroccan tiled floor as well as the wall sconces I designed and had made in Melbourne.

Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add?

The house is completely styled and decorated, however, our next project will be the landscaping and outside. I want to turn the entire external area into a Mediterranean haven with creepers, crazy pavers, greenery, terracotta pots and loads of butterflies.

Which is your favourite room in the house?

Without a doubt, our living, dining and kitchen area. The sun that fills it, the warmth, the emotion, the filtering and the mood at night when the natural fireplace crackles and the wall sconces dimly light the room—it's just heaven.

Tell us about your bedroom. 

The light is impeccable so I often do my makeup at the mirror there, and at night and in the morning I do my 2-minute stretches. We use essential oils daily, and at night you will only find a feature light on, never our bright downlights. The mood is key for us at night, it helps us get a good night's sleep!

What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?

Every morning, it's a non-negotiable to make your bed—full stop. Your bedroom is such a powerful space in your home as sleep is the cornerstone of good health, so your bedroom is a place that should be prioritised. I am a huge no TV fan, and soft lighting through wall sconces or a corner lamp to set the mood is a must. Making your bedroom like your sanctuary in the home—especially if you are a parent—it's vital.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up you want to talk about?

Yes! Well, a few actually! We just launched a new and exclusive Tiles of Ezra  range, and I am working hard on a coffee table book which is an extension of my first book ‘A Healthy Home A Healthy You’. This will hopefully be self-published mid next year. 

Last but not least, I am working furiously on my new lifestyle brand which is due to launch Feb/March 2020 which I am SO excited and nervous about... but mainly excited!

For more from Georgia, follow her @georgia_ezra, @studio_ezra and @tilesofezra.

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