People Elly Macdonald

Interior and urban landscape designer with an affinity for natural materials.

Take a closer look at Elly’s styling projects.

Fans of the global eclectic style will appreciate Elly MacDonald’s keen eye for artisanal textiles and natural finishes. The well-travelled Brit turns boring apartments into chic urban respites by combining contemporary furniture with antiques, materials like vibrant mother of pearl, as well as handcrafted goods such as Turkish kilims. We ask Elly for tips to achieve a restful, nature-inspired bedroom.

A “masculine-style” reading corner in Elly’s home. A mismatched wall artwork display is the backdrop to her leather and carved-wood plantation chair, and bone-inlay side table.

What styles are you into right now?

I’m really loving indigo, especially in textiles – I just used a beautiful piece from the Mossi people of Burkina Faso for a client’s custom upholstery. I also cannot get enough of antiqued brass. Its warm gold tone is especially beautiful when paired with indigo blue or white.

How would you style a bedroom?

I’d keep the bedroom design fairly relaxed with a light colour palette; in my own home, I have a thin white linen curtain which lets light in. I keep it interesting with contrasting textures from carved wood and natural jute, and a pop of colour with fresh flowers.

This bedroom offers a relaxing vibe, with plenty of white linen and carved wood. Accessories include petrified wood slabs for candles, and a shell jewellery dish.

It’s Valentine’s Day soon. What’s a quick way to achieve a romantic ambience?

Soften the look with dim lighting and layered natural textiles (consisting of high-threadcount sheets, linen blankets, and wool throws). And, of course, some scented candles!

What functional yet stylish bedroom accessories do you use?

I like Moroccan tea glasses as little bud vases, and little hammered brass or shell dishes for corralling jewellery on bedside tables. I always try to incorporate a rug in bedroom designs, too. A high-pile one will give you a lovely soft landing when you get up.

What will be a big trend in 2017?

Upholstered headboards will continue to rise in popularity; I did a beautiful custom linen headboard for a client, which adds colour while being very comfortable for reading in bed. There is also an increasing desire for authentic finishes and textures, such as cane, leather, and rattan. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ELLY MACDONALD, VISIT WWW.ELLYMACDONALDDESIGN.COM.

PHOTOGRAPHY VEE CHIN & ELLY MACDONALD.