Meet Irena

Home stylist and DIY enthusiast Irena Bilic is known for her gorgeous Geelong home as showcased in her Instagram account @gigiandgray. Irena has styled her open-plan living with IconByDesign’s very own Anika Sofa, Magnus Coffee Table and Bodie Rug, blending her modern coastal aesthetic with these timeless pieces. With a focus on durability and sustainability, these solid oak furniture pieces bring a relaxed elegance to Irena’s home, perfectly suited for her family of five.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I think my style would most closely align to a modern coastal aesthetic. I’m drawn to soft tones and natural elements that create a light and relaxed vibe in the home. Think warm timber tones, neutral backdrops paired with a bit of brass. Natural light is also one of the most important aspects for me.

What do you love about IconByDesign? What makes the furniture a great addition to your home? 

I absolutely love that IconByDesign is Australian-owned. Their pieces are of the highest quality, built to last and have timeless designs. With a young family of five, sustainability and longevity are always at the forefront of our minds.

Can you tell us a bit about your family and how they inspire your home design choices? 

My husband and I have three kids, aged seven, five and one. It was important for me to maintain our modern coastal aesthetic while choosing sustainable pieces that stand the test of time with three little ones! I prefer to have timeless designs that incorporate natural elements to create a calming environment that can be enjoyed by all.

What attracted you to the Anika Modular 3-Seater Sofa, Magnus Oval Coffee Table and Bodie Rug from IconByDesign and how does it complement your style?

I chose these pieces for their timeless appeal while still being functional for my family of five. It was important to make the most out of our lounge room without the pieces taking over. I needed something that not only looked beautiful but was practical as well. The solid oak in the Anika Sofa and Magnus Coffee Table are built to last and exactly what we need.

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What 3 pieces of advice would you give to someone looking to refresh their space?

First and foremost, look for high quality pieces that have a timeless quality. Sustainability should be at the forefront of every design choice. Better for the environment and better for your hip pocket in the long run!

Secondly, look for pieces that are functional and versatile. Your furniture should not only look great but also be practical. It should allow you to achieve different looks.

Which leads me into my third point: buy quality furniture that’s built to last and pair it with on-trend accents that are easily and affordably switched up. Think cushions, throws and vases. These are pieces that can be updated and rotated through the different seasons.

 What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating your family home?

The most rewarding part is making our house a home. I love creating spaces that are functional and can be enjoyed by my husband and me, as well as by our three children. I think we’ve been able to hold on to our design aesthetic while creating a relaxed and calm vibe.

What are your go-to home styling tips that help keep your space looking clean and organised, even with little ones running around?

Storage. Lots of storage! Having a space for them and a space for their toys allows us to maintain clean and clutter-free spaces throughout our home. You need to really think about different areas and how you will use them to ensure you buy practical pieces to suit the space and your lifestyle. I always like to say, ‘A place for everything and everything in its place!’

What’s your favourite corner or room in your home, and what makes it so special to you?

We have an open-plan home where our living, dining and kitchen all come together. I love that it’s where we all come together to eat our meals or watch a Disney movie. It also serves as a space where we can all be doing our own thing while still being together. I can be cooking in the kitchen while the kids play in the living area or read a book by themselves and we will all still be together. 

What role does sustainability play in your home design choices, especially when selecting furniture or homewares for your family?

Sustainability is important to us because I want furniture to have longevity and stand the test of time with three little kids. I prefer to buy items that use raw materials with a low environmental impact with the intention of reducing pollution and waste. I want to role model this to my children so that they also become conscious of the impact that their choices can make on the environment. Choosing sustainable furniture pieces that we will own and use for years to come is at the forefront of our minds.