This week on Home Life Series, we're stepping inside the home of Kip&Co Co-Founder Kate Heppell, where colour, comfort and collected treasures come together in the most welcoming way.
As one of the forces behind Kip&Co, Kate has spent more than a decade encouraging Australians to embrace homes filled with personality rather than perfection. Her own home is no exception. Rich with stories, layered textures and thoughtful details, it's a place designed for gathering, unwinding and celebrating the everyday.
From fresh linen bedding and treasured artworks to the rituals that make a house feel like home, Kate shares the inspiration behind her spaces, the lessons she's learnt along the way, and why creating joy through interiors still excites her as much as ever. Come on in.
Hi Kate, thank you for having us over in Point Lonsdale! Everyone knows and loves your gorgeous home, but how would you describe its style?
Joyful, welcoming and layered. I love a home that tells the story of the people who live there, full of pieces collected over time and treasures that hold meaning.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at Kip&Co and how this influences how you've styled your home?
Kip&Co has always been about creating homes that feel alive. Fourteen years ago, homewares looked very different — muted, plain and predominantly white. I love that people now embrace interiors that are mood-making and expressive. That philosophy naturally flows into my own home. I decorate with feeling first and trust that if something brings joy, it will work.
What are your favourite things to do here?
We're big entertainers, so gathering people around the table is one of my greatest joys. I also love the quieter moments — climbing into a freshly made bed, enjoying a knock-off drink with friends, or simply winding down with family at the end of the day.
What are your favourite design details?
I love mixing fabrications and layering textures. Linen bedding is my dream base, but velvet Euros, textured cushions and combinations of bamboo, cotton and linen make a space feel rich and lived in. It's those thoughtful layers that transform a room.
If you could choose three pieces someone should add to update their home, what would they be — and why?
- New bedding will always shake up a room. It's the easiest way to facelift your bedroom. And I don't need to explain why sleeping well is one of the most important things you can do in life. Add a beautiful print and suddenly you have sleep and pleasure covered.
- A cosy robe for winter is a treat that makes every evening utter heaven. Don't underestimate how this tiny indulgence can elevate the daily wind-down.
- A bold throw or statement cushion. Layering in one strong, joyful piece instantly refreshes a space. It's a low-commitment way to play with colour and texture — and it can completely shift the mood of a room.
What piece of advice would you give someone wanting to refresh their home?
Start with the bedroom. It's the space you return to every single day and one of the easiest rooms to transform. Fresh bedding can completely shift the mood of a space. Add beautiful prints, soft textures and layers you can't wait to climb into. We all know how mood-altering it is to lie in a fresh, soft bed — unbeatable, and absolutely worth the effort.
What excites you most about the future of home interiors?
Homewares isn't basic anymore. It's emotional. It's about how we present our homes, how we entertain and the intrinsic effect our surroundings have on our moods and the way we live. The future feels bright — metaphorically and in real life.
Describe Kip&Co in three words.
Joyful, energised and welcoming.
