Article: Colour, contrast and character with Brooke Simmonds
Colour, contrast and character with Brooke Simmonds
When interior stylist Brooke Simmonds set out to style Husk House, she saw it as the perfect blank canvas—one that called for colour, contrast and character.
Leaning into the home’s Mediterranean soul, Brooke layered our Tobacco Stripe bedding with Yellow Stripes and Marine for a look that’s rich, earthy and effortless.
A long-time C+G linen lover and the creative force behind The Burleigh Bungalow, Brooke knows how to balance warmth with restraint. Her styling at both The Burleigh Bungalow and Husk House reflects a confident use of tone, texture, and simplicity—perfect for now, and what’s next.
We caught up with Brooke to chat about her design roots, her favourite colour combinations and the trends she sees shaping bedrooms in 2025.
Tablecloth in Tobacco, Placemat in Aegean
C+G: Brooke, we are big fans of The Burleigh Bungalow at Carlotta + Gee, tell us some background about it?
I designed the bungalow to lean into a modern take on the ‘California Bungalow’ with the gorgeous peaks at the front, having a cottage-like feel yet completely opens up for some indoor/outdoor living. Interiors are inspired from our European travels combined with Australian coastal lifestyle.
C+G: We know you are an Interior Stylist and work with lots of magazines and great clients - was there one project that stands out for you?
Husk House was one of my exciting projects - we had an incredible ‘blank canvas’ in Stacy’s home and I really wanted to push the boundaries by injecting playful Mediterranean colours in there.
Tablecloth in Tobacco, Double-sided Quilt Cover in Yellow Stripes/Summer Florals, Linen Pillowcase Set in Marine Blue
What do you love about the Gold Coast, QLD, it must have changed a lot?
I am a rare, GC born and bred girl so I’ve seen an injection of more restaurants, bars and some gorgeous design and boutique stores in my hood. Not a sleepy Burleigh village anymore but it’s considered the place to be - and with its proximity to the beach, creeks and countryside, it lends itself to a healthy, active lifestyle!
We love that you are a linen lover - what is your favourite Carlotta + Gee colour?
The combination of the bed in Husk House seriously makes my heart skip a beat - I influenced myself! I can’t choose one: Tobacco + Yellow Stripe + Marine Combo.
Do you see any trends for 2025 in the home space?
For bedroom styling, it’s less throw cushions - more bedspreads (coverlets) / duvet and just two standard pillow combinations for a minimal and sleek style. I’m loving warm tone combinations of chocolates, terracottas, ochres and deep maroons.
