Susan Robinson

I’m Susan Robinson — an interior designer and stylist based in Brunswick, Melbourne. My approach to design is shaped by a lifetime immersed in craftsmanship, creativity and the pursuit of beautifully functional spaces.

My story begins long before my own career. I come from three generations of makers. My grandfather was a traditional carpenter; my father followed in his footsteps as a carpenter and bespoke furniture maker, eventually founding Crownwood Interiors in Ireland — a boutique kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and custom furniture studio.

Growing up inside that world meant I wasn’t just surrounded by design — I was surrounded by the making of design. I learned how timber behaves, how joinery is crafted, how materials age, and how thoughtful detailing can completely transform a home. Those early years shaped my eye for quality, proportion and timelessness, and they continue to influence every project I take on today.

My career expanded far beyond residential interiors. I spent several years designing and working aboard luxury yachts across Europe, collaborating with international crews, captains and owners. Yachts demand extraordinary precision — every millimetre matters, every material must perform, and every space must feel both refined and resilient. That experience sharpened my attention to detail and taught me how to create interiors that feel calm, intentional and beautifully resolved.

Back on land, I’ve designed and styled apartments, coastal homes, townhouses and bespoke spaces across Australia and Europe. My work blends architectural understanding with decorative sensitivity — a balance shaped by years of designing built elements, custom furniture and highly functional spaces.

I also run a successful business in the cleaning and maintenance industry, which gives me a unique advantage as a designer: I understand how materials behave in real life. I know what lasts, what stains, what scratches, what cleans easily, and what doesn’t. This means I design homes that are not only beautiful, but genuinely livable — refined, elegant and practical for everyday life.

Today, I live in Brunswick, after nine years in Kilcunda on the coast. My personal world is shaped by sailing, surfing, live music, art, food and the outdoors — influences that naturally weave into my design philosophy. I believe homes should feel grounded, warm and connected to the people who live in them. They should feel like a sanctuary, a reflection of personality, and a place that inspires daily life.

My work is defined by clarity, calmness, refined materials and a sense of understated luxury. Whether I’m designing a new home, transforming an apartment or styling a single room, my goal is always the same: to create spaces that feel intentional, timeless and deeply personal