Tell us a little more about yourself and Not So Mumsy...
I’m a mum of two living by the beach in Sydney. I started a blog called Not So Mumsy 12 years ago while on maternity leave with my son. I had a full life of travel and career pre motherhood and worked in television and I felt a little lost in my new role as mother. So I decided to create a community for women who loved their new role as mum, but still wanted to retain a sense of self and style. I always say I became an “accidental influencer” as I started Instagram to support the blog before influencers existed and the more I shared the vulnerabilities of modern motherhood the bigger the community grew. Eight years ago I launched my sustainable Pyjama label NOT SO MUMSY which felt like a natural extension for the community. We expanded to lounge wear and accessories with a focus on locally made collections and making women feel amazing.
You and your "merged" family recently moved into a new home by the sea, what do you love about the space?
We moved into this huge unrenovated rental – it’s totally kooky, clashing styles and very ‘90s but we love it. The internal arches and the ocean view make up for the black ‘90s kitchen and bathroom!
The best part is the vibe – it just feels like a happy place where a lot of memories will be made.
You recently added the Totem Road Aria Bed and Oskar Bedsides to your master bedroom, what drew you to these pieces?
It had been a long time since I shared a bedroom with a partner and we had to come to a style we both loved.
We were both drawn to the minimal, Scandinavian style, & sustainable oak. It felt like the perfect combination of my partner’s very earthy, woody style and my minimal, yet feminine bedroom style.
Any bedroom styling tips you can share with us? We love your Carlotta + Gee linen and Emily Abay prints!
It’s all about bedding and pillows, mixing and matching – the linen can completely change a bedroom.
Photographic prints can also transform the space. I prefer the framed prints with glass rather than canvas as the glass reflect the view, gives depth and make the space look bigger. Curtains if you have ugly windows or areas to cover (the window behind our bed looks out to the neighbour’s laundry!) so we covered it.
And get some great Pyjamas ;)
Totem Road's ethos is to design timeless designs that can be passed down through generations. What do you look for in forever furniture?
This is something we were really drawn to. We go for classic styles that transcend trends – it’s all about quality.
What kind of memories do you hope will be made in your new home?
Happy ones! Mornings with everyone piled in the bed. BBQs on the patio after a day swimming, coffee on the balcony at sunrise… the little things!
SHOP MARIA LEONE'S BEDROOM LOOK
