Founder and creative director Alice McMullin. Photograph courtesy of McMullin. In recent years, we’ve seen a softer side to contemporary furniture. Hard-edge mirrors have been moulded into wave-like shapes and lamp stands are more often squiggly than straight. Sculptural objects in the home not only add character and texture to a space but can also contribute to a sense of calm. Australian design studio McMullin (formerly McMullin & Co.) makes a compelling case for this claim.
The brand is a whimsy of neutral colours and pleasing textures, spanning across furniture and homewares. Founded by Alice McMullin in 2018, it began with a limited selection of curated pieces, born from a lifelong passion for considered and sustainable design — and a commitment to moving away from mass-production. Six years on, this core belief remains central to the brand.
Last month, McMullin underwent a rebrand, refining its name — and identity — from McMullin & Co. to better reflect its ongoing commitment to the art of purposeful living. To mark this milestone, the brand launched the Uniko collection: a departure from its beloved bedheads, introducing the luxurious Barnaby Bed and signalling a new chapter in its journey. Each piece in the Uniko collection — from the Arlo Mirror to the elegant Felix Light — is thoughtfully crafted to both elevate and ground the home. Further expanding its offerings, McMullin also collaborated with Double, the Australian brand known for machine-washable rugs, on a collection featuring ethically sourced, natural-fibre rugs made from New Zealand wool.
T Australia caught up with Alice McMullin to discuss the new direction, where she shared her recommendations for the T Australia List.
Do you have a favourite piece from the “Ukino” collection? If so, what makes it special to you?
I do love the Winslow couch. It has a remanence of a couch my grandparents had in the ’70s. They had such an effortless style, I can’t help but be drawn to it.
You recently collaborated with Double, has this partnership been in the works for a while?
We have been working on our collaboration with Double Rugs for over a year now, testing fibres, texture and colours to make sure it looks and feels like a designer rug, whilst maintaining its durability. It was really important that it could withstand high traffic and cope with children being children! Which includes things like food and paint coming into contact with it at some point. It can be washed and come out looking just as you bought it.
Are there any up-and-coming Australian designers or local labels that you’re excited about right now?
I’ve been loving Melbourne design studio, Without Studio. Typically, I am not big on colour and pattern however they have swayed me as they have a sophisticated, effortless way of doing it.
Your showroom is in Marrickville. Are there any restaurants or cafes in the area that you love to frequent?
Super Freak for food, it’s always so fresh and they have nailed the interior. I am also loyal to our neighbours at Two Chaps Cafe for a morning coffee.
When it comes to family holidays, what’s your go-to destination?
I’ll forever love the Coromandel Firth in New Zealand. You can’t beat a classic NZ batch or weekender as you call it in Australia and there really is nothing better than collecting pipi’s, mussels and catching Flounder.
