Every brand has an origin story, and for Bonnie & Neil it began in the most natural way - at home. What started with handmade furniture and textiles created for their own space soon grew into a collection loved by friends, and eventually into a brand that has become one of Australia’s leading names in artful homewares. In this Q&A, Bonnie reflects on the early days, the milestones that shaped the journey, and the values that continue to guide the brand 15 years on.
Can you take us back to the very beginning – what inspired you to start Bonnie & Neil?
It all started very naturally. Neil and I were always making things for our own home - furniture, soft furnishings, pieces we couldn’t find elsewhere. Friends began noticing them, asking about them, and it felt like the most natural progression to start sharing those designs with customers too.
What were the first products you ever designed and sold?
One of the very first was a tablecloth with robins printed on it. To our surprise, it became a bestseller and stayed in the range for many years. It really showed us that something we created in the studio could connect with people in their everyday lives.
How has the brand evolved since those early days in the studio?
The biggest shift has been how far we’ve branched out. We began with textiles, but now our collections reach across so many areas of the home - from the dining table to the living room, the bathroom to the bedroom. It’s been exciting to see the brand grow into a full lifestyle offering while still keeping artwork at the heart.
Were there any pivotal moments or “big breaks” that helped shape the business?
A major turning point was when Anthropologie in the United States picked us up. Having such a respected international retailer believe in our work was a huge moment, and it introduced Bonnie & Neil to a global audience.
How has your artistic background influenced the look and feel of the collections?
My training at art school gave me fundamentals that I still use every day: art history, drawing, life drawing, sculpture, printmaking. It also taught me how to research and pull visual stories together on paper and fabric. That foundation continues to shape the look and feel of each collection.
What values or principles have remained constant from the beginning until now?
So many. Even at art school, my final-year project was based on charcoal drawings of magnolia blossoms. The floral inspiration, the love of drawing and painting - those threads have been with me since the very beginning, and they remain central to everything I create.
Do you remember the first time you saw your designs in someone else’s home?
I can’t recall a single “first moment”, but it’s always a thrill to see our pieces styled and loved in people’s homes. That feeling never gets old.
How has being based in Melbourne (and Australia more broadly) influenced the brand’s identity?
I think it comes from the way Australians live. Our homes are shaped by light, space, and an indoor–outdoor lifestyle, and that naturally influences the way I design. There’s an ease and brightness to the way we decorate here that carries through our collections.
What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of the journey?
Go for it! Sometimes you just have to back yourself and take that leap.
Looking back, what are you most proud of so far?
Reaching 15 years feels like such an incredible milestone. To still be creating, evolving, and connecting with customers after all this time is something I’m deeply proud of.
Photography by Martina Gemmola and Stephanie Rooney
