Amelia Rushforth | McMullin Journal

Amelia Rushforth, a talented photographer, welcomed us into her beautifully styled home, where we spent the morning discussing her approach to design and interiors. Her warm and inviting space perfectly reflects her philosophy of creating a lived-in atmosphere, rich with natural light and timeless charm. During our visit, Amelia shared how she styled our Robbi Floor Lamp and Beatrix Bed Head, seamlessly blending them into her classic, wood-clad-inspired aesthetic. She also spoke about her latest photography project—a soon-to-be-released book—and her journey through motherhood.

What's your name and what do you do? 

I’m Amelia Rushforth and l work as a photographer.

What is your personal approach to design and interiors? 

I love a warm home, nothing that is too polished and put together. I want a space to feel lived in, I don’t like things that are too ‘on trend’. Natural light is of big importance to me. 

How would you describe the aesthetic of your home? 

I would say it’s been largely inspired by wooden clad homes, so the aesthetic is probably fairly classic. l would research them endlessly when we were in the design process of building our home. 

What is your favourite room or space in your home and why? 

We have a built-in bench seat nook off our kitchen that is my favourite space in the home. I sit and have my morning coffee there while the sun kisses my back, it's heaven. 

We eat dinner together around the table that’s in the space, it was the first piece of furniture my husband and l brought together off Gumtree for $200. It was always my dream to have lots of kids sitting around a big table, when l sit there l always feel such gratitude for my family. 

What, who or where is inspiring you right now?

I’m having a big moment for the English countryside or anything English! I've just started watching Rivals and l just got back from London where we stayed in such a pretty part of the city, l completely fell in love with the parks, the people, the houses. There is something about the history in England, especially in the homes you just can’t get that here in Australia. 

Tell us about a project / something you're working on that's exciting you right now? 

I’ve just finished shooting a book for someone, it’s the second book I've photographed and I absolutely love that kind of work. I’m really looking forward to it coming out later next year and seeing how it comes together. 

What is the most interesting thing you've learnt about having children? 

Time is so darn precious. My children are constant reminders of being in the present moment. There is nothing more important to me than my family. I truly never realised when I started having children how significant it would be, they are my whole world and my whole heart!

What is the most important thing to you when curating a space? 

Originality. I think drawing inspiration is important, but a home should feel like you. Taking bits and pieces of ideas is great but l don’t want my house to look like someone else’s - l want it to look like us.

You live in the Northern Rivers, what is your local hero and best kept secret?

I’m not sure if it's a secret but I think people that aren’t from here think Byron Bay is where you stay, eat and do everything - but when visiting the Northern Rivers, a lot of the best spots are in the surrounding towns, where most of us live. Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Bangalow, the list goes on. If you come here don’t just go to Byron!

Creative: Amelia Rushforth

Photographer: Nic Gossage