ABOUT //                                                                                                                             

Arabella McIntosh is an interior designer based in Byron Bay, Australia. Arabella made the move from the fashion industry to interiors in 2014 when she launched a sustainable homewares label Palm Beach Black which turned vintage denim and fashion textiles into homewares. It was the start of a journey into sustainable design and promoting a circular economy within the home. A move to LA in 2016 with her husband and young children lead to a new chapter transforming homes all over California and as far as Mexico.

Growing up in her parent’s antique store, Arabella has a followed  in their footsteps with a deep seated passion for furniture and materials with a past life. Her design process is intuitive, focusing on solving problems and transforming spaces with a conscious blend of old and new.

Arabella is known for embracing materials and furniture pieces which celebrate patina, that age gracefully, that live on through multiple homes and not in landfills. She never takes the easy route, the obvious choice or the latest trend. Her spaces are designed to be timeless, flexible and functional, that evolve with it’s owners, and maybe the next.

Inspired by her time in California her aesthetic embodies relaxed, indoor-outdoor living with a blend of natural materials, muted earthy tones, and a casual yet elegant approach.

SERVICES //

• Design consultations in person or online

• Sourcing: furniture /lighting / fixtures & furnishings

• 2D furniture layouts

• 3D Renders / photo-realistic renders for interiors and landscaping
  Custom design for built in furniture and joinery

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY //

Functionality: Lived in, but easy to keep organised and maintain. By developing a deep understanding of her client’s lifestyles, practical needs as well as design aspirations, Arabella creates spaces which are authentic reflections of its inhabitants encompassing their habits, behaviours, values, and functional needs. A well designed space should save time, enhance connection to nature and each other.

Space + Light: Inspired by the concept of Ma (the space between), Arabella has honed her understanding of negative space, clean lines, and the mindful use of natural materials. Emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, natural light, and a connection to the surrounding environment. Always looking for ways to add natural light, through windows and doors, and to create warm and inviting spaces with clever lighting design.

Curation +,craftsmanship: Never off the shelf. Arabella creates a curated mix of custom made / new + vintage pieces to create a one-of-a-kind space. Growing up in an antique shop and traveling through Europe on yearly buying trips with her parents, has left Arabella with an ability to seek out one-off pieces, from unexpected places. To embrace imperfections, quality natural materials, traditional craftsmanship and furniture design.

Materiality + Longevity: Let’s choose items for a life in homes and not in landfills. Keeping our footprint as light as possible. Furniture choices that are either vintage or crafted using natural and solid materials. A preference for materials that are healthy for both people and the environment.  Materials as close to their natural state as possible, items sourced and manufactured with sustainable methods, and supporting local craftsmanship wherever possible.