Women at Work: Gayla Maxwell

Posted on 20 August, 2019

The founder of DreamHome Interiors, Gayla Maxwell knows a thing or two about creating the perfect canvas for your home.

Offering a mobile door-to-door service, Gayla and her team work exclusively with individuals who are building, renovating, rearranging or just clearing the clutter in their homes, with a focus on cost-effective advice.

DreamHome Interiors also run workshops for those who just need a bit of guidance in the right direction.

Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Gayla offers the complete package—from drawing up room designs (including providing exact measurements) to selecting finishings, joinery and furniture.

Ever wanted to pick the brain of an interior stylist? We caught up with Gayla to do just that.

What are some of the most common things your clients struggle with and need advice on? 

Clients struggle to see what it’s going to look like. Confidence in their own choices is what I find they struggle with most. So, by starting with the end in mind—for example, having the ‘style’ of the finished product, helps focus the buying.

What’s the best time in the process to engage an interior designer?

By starting at the earliest possible stage we can help the client see the end, so they know how to make the many decisions they’re going to be asked to make over the coming months. If we come in part-way, there is always more to decide.

DreamHome is passionate about empowering our clients to feel confident about the choices they make. We teach as much as guide. You know the old saying, ‘Feed a man fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish…’.  We can feed or teach. It depends on what the client requires.

What drew you to this industry? 

I’ve always been a creative person, passionate about making spaces feel warm and welcoming. I’ve done it ever since I can remember, starting with being allowed to choose anything I wanted in my bedroom at the age of seven.

It’s only in the past few years since my dad passed away that I associated this passion with growing up on building sites with him and absolutely loving the vibe. He owned a business in the building industry and I used to love watching him working on one plan or another on the kitchen table. It’s just in my blood, I guess! 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

The people. Co-creating with amazing people. From my ‘nothing is too much trouble’ assistant to the many clients we get to work with, that is the joy of this beyond anything else. Yes, I love seeing the outcomes, but it’s the people’s reactions to their outcomes that gets me up in the morning.

What design trends are you excited for in 2020?

In the coming year, we’ll see even more natural materials. The trend is creating intimate and welcoming environments. More plants coming inside the house. Jute, recycled wood, wools.

We’re getting back to where all the real inspiration comes from—Mother Nature.

What has inspired and informed your interior style?

I keep coming back to the same thing, but first and foremost I am inspired by nature’s colours, textures, scale and perfect balance.

I also take inspiration from every client I work with, everything I read, blogs from other wonderful interior designers. One thing I love doing is going to public places like the entry at the National Museum, the National Gallery, and so many beautifully-designed places in Canberra.

How has the industry of interior design changed since you first started out? 

I think it’s more open to ‘anything goes’. I’ve been going against the classic design trends for years, encouraging people to think outside the box and have some fun with what they put into their homes. It seems I’m coming into vogue!

If you want to go mid-century modern that’s great, you’ll find it. If you want to go Hamptons with a splash of bright red, you can throw out the rule book. There’s something out there for everyone.

I also see a wonderful trend towards up-cycling furniture and with the environment, as it is, that’s exciting! I see people moving away from cookie-cutter brands and finding a piece at The Green Shed to create something that only they can claim.

Is there a particular period or style that appeals to you?

Right now, I’m in a ‘clear the clutter’ mood so my taste is toward minimalist.

Being someone who needs a space to be welcoming, for myself I want to warm the clean surfaces with pops of warm colour and earthy textures. I still need my cosy throw rugs.

What has been some of the most memorable feedback you’ve received from your clients? 

I have had clients say our work together has changed their lives. That’s a big statement!

I think the reason I get this kind of feedback is because of the relationships we develop with our clients.

Our goal is to take the focus off what the client fears and onto their own ability to make good design choices.

Find out more about Gayla and DreamHome Interiors via the website.

Photography: Tim Bean Photography

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