STYLE TALKS: WITH CAT AT ARCH MELBOURNE
June 7, 2023
In conversation with Cat Brown, Founder/Director of Arch Melbourne, who began the journey by transforming homes through decluttering and styling. Arch Melbourne's style breathes life into spaces and was the recent winner of our Interior Design Award $5K prize last month.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 46 May St, Kew | Rug: Diva in Ochre
Describe your style in 3 words?
- Seamless
- On trend
- Not cookie cutter
When & what made you start Arch Melbourne?
My parents sold their house way back in 2013 when styling wasn’t really a thing. I de-cluttered their 4 bedroom, 2 living, 2 dining, study + double garage house FULL of stuff (to date, this was the biggest job I’ve ever done. 3 brothers. So much stuff). I then worked with Mum’s interior designer friend to style it for sale. I tallied up all my hours & presented them to my dad with an hourly rate attached & asked whether they would pay for this service. Without skipping a beat, he said absolutely. He was blown away by what I’d done.
I started with my parents’ house & slowly built up my business through word of mouth. I started a Facebook page & launched SIMPLIFY ME in 2015, de-cluttering people’s homes & styling using only what they had.
Fast forward to 2017, I took a leap of faith & bought a warehouse sale worth of furniture which instantly gave me the ability to style 10 x 2 bedroom apartments. I took delivery of the furniture & leased a warehouse in Moorabbin within 3 days. Since then, we have moved into bigger premises and changed our name to Arch Melbourne (It was time. What we do is FAR from simple. We wanted a name that was as elevated as our image). We focus fully on property styling & outsource all our de-cluttering projects & house moves.
We have created a brand that people recognise. Our styling is cohesive across every project.
We have gone from styling apartments only to styling some of the coolest homes in Melbourne & the Mornington Peninsular. We have really levelled up & I couldn’t be prouder.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 6A Crown Ave, Camberwell | Rug: Glitz in Silver
The more muted beige rugs create an extra layer on an already pared-back interior. Letting the building's design do the talking.
What are your top style tips to make a space feel inviting, unique and inspiring?
Add warmth, texture, layers & personality. Rugs, throws, linens, art. Most people have the basics, it is the finessing that really brings a space to life.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 46 May St, Kew | Rug: Diva in Ochre
What’s your go-to rug?
The Diva. It is a beautiful quality & the colour options are a perfect match for our pieces. I am currently loving the Odyssey – so rich & moody.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 50 Roborough Crt, Mount Eliza | Rug: Diva in Odyssey
The rust & navy rugs add that layer of sophistication whilst still being contemporary & on-trend.
What’s the one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?
Work on your mindset, everything else will flow. Surround yourself with people who have your back. Trust your gut. You will face some of the biggest challenges imaginable, personally & professionally, but you will grow so much & be able to look back on what you’ve created & think WOW! I did it.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 4A Waratah St, Bentleigh | Rug: Glitz in Silver
What’s your favourite part of any project?
Having a vision in my head & seeing everything come together. When you leave a project thinking “best one yet” & then you level up again to create more “best one yet’s”. I love the growth that comes from each project. I love the lessons learned. Good & bad.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 50 Roborough Crt, Mount Eliza | Stevie Bench in Marine
If you could style anyone’s home, who’s would it be?
Mine hahaha. My home is comfortable, I love it so much. But I have boys & a dog. I have blankets over my couch. I have the washing on a clotheshorse in the living room which I see when I walk in the front door. There is Lego. SO MUCH LEGO. All the lovely pieces are saved for work. Even if it was styled for the weekend. I’d be happy with that.
Any key pieces, trends or colour palettes you are loving at the moment?
Handmade ceramics. Cobalt blue, navy blue & chocolate brown. The return to wabi-sabi interiors. Injecting personality & warmth into homes.
The round rugs have a playful element to them. | Rug: Eclipse Custom Rug
What's your biggest design no-no?
Rugs that are too small for the space. Go big or go home!
Also, bed covers. When you walk in & the first thing you see is your mattress because your doona is too short. Ugh. Cover that baby up. Queen beds need a King doona. King beds need a Super King doona. Trust me on this one.
Also anything pink. Sorry, not sorry.
What couldn’t you do without when creating a space?
My crew. Honestly, it’s a team effort & I couldn’t do it without them. We have so much fun creating beautiful spaces.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 50 Roborough Crt, Mount Eliza | Evie Sofa and Diva rug in Ochre
We love using colour & texture to bring a room to life. In our projects featured here, we have used beautiful, warm, earthy colours to add depth.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 24 Parkers Rd, Parkdale
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To clone myself? That plus how good would it be to put a roof over everyone’s head, food on the table, to help anyone that needs help.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 7 Prentice St, St Kilda East | Rug: Paddington in breeze
What’s on your design wish list at the moment?
Ooh, I would love a blue Togo armchair for my living room.
Project by ARCH MELBOURNE: 50 Roborough Crt, Mount Eliza | Rug: Boucle in Smoke
How can we stay up to date with the latest from Arch Melbourne?
We’re always adding new content on our Instagram @arch_melbourne
You can also find out more on our new website www.arch.melbourne