Introducing the creative, witty, self proclaimed 'dopamine decor' decorator - multi business hat wearing, Harmony swivel lover Brooke Fairgray.
Hi Brooke, tell us a bit about yourself
Hello hi - I’m Brooke, a mum, a partner, business owner, marketer, and content creator. Also, a self-confessed people-pleaser, and coffee addict, with a SERIOUS love of interiors and colour.
My inherent need to say YES to all the things keeps me busy – does that count?! Work wise, my 9 – 3 is with the wonderful team at The Facialist, helping bring their brand vision and business goals to fruition (Yes it is a dream to work in the beauty industry, sometimes I get to have facials and call it “work”) Then I switch into mom-mode, arguably the most challenging part of the day, and after
hours I work on my own brand; kids wear label and design house called Phoenix and the Fox.
It is the intersection of playful prints with considered design details, i.e., easy to wear and wash, sustainable production, organic fibres. All those good things. I hope to create clothes that kids actually want to wear, feel inspired by, and empowered in.
Made of heirloom quality, they’re made to be cherished and passed through the family. Special, but not just for special occasions.
How do you unwind and relax?
This is a hard one for me, and something I am actively working on. Currently I clean. Or read. Or do more work. I think when you love what you do and are thriving in it, we can call it relaxing, right????
I mean, I believe in ebb and flow and leaning into the things that give you energy as opposed to depleting it… That is definitely work for me… or creating beautiful spaces at home. Okay, so sometimes I rearrange the house to relax.
I think, a dream relaxing Sunday morning is slow. It starts with coffee; not because I need it, but to simply enjoy it.
Everyone is still in their jammies at 10am and we don’t have anywhere to rush to.
What do you do for fun?
We are a family of foodies, even our nearly 7-year old has become quite the little critic. So, for fun we love to try new eateries or Dave will cook. I love trail-running, although its more of a fast-walk than a run these days.
Margaritas with the girls, beach-hangs, or some sort of creative project...
That’s how my other wee hobby, Memphis Poster Club started. I was dreaming up some bold wall art for the kids’ room, anything other than the pared back beige art on the market. Now we’ve built a wee business so others can get personalised monogrammed posters for their walls too.
How do you find inspiration?
Digitally, naturally. I’m forever screen grabbing, making notes on my phone from all over the place - other designers, artists, or creatives. And then also in nature – colours, flowers, animals… alongside the inquisitive nature of kids, and what my own kids are obsessed with.
How would you describe your interiors style?
It is SUCH a mix. As my mind is chaotic, I love a clear calm space to work and rest in. So our living area and bedroom is mostly textured neutrals. But then the rest of the house is what i'll lovingly coin ‘dopamine décor’, finding pieces that spark joy and throwing them all together.
I’m very considered, when purchasing something new, ensuring form and function is met. Things can be useful AND beautiful.
What would be your next purchases from Republic Home?
We have gone years without a coffee table, utilising the lounge space for play area while the kids were young. So I have my eye on Athena, that marble texture is just so stunning.
A buffet or side console is also on my wish list. I love the rattan and curved edging on Sergio but for more of statement piece I think the Samarra is so special.
Very torn between these two and what they would add to our space.
How would you describe your personal style?
Kind of like the house, my wardrobe is split into two. One end is all black, lots of layers and textures.
A few bits of white linen, and then the other end is loud print, bright colours and playful silhouettes. I mean, I’ve never met a statement sleeve I didn’t like.
What’s something that you are looking forward to?
Sunshine!!!! I’m really not about the layers… Or the rain. Summer all the way.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Fellow people pleasers will need to read and re-read this one.
But when I was at a fork in the road someone said to me; Put yourself at the centre of your decision. When you go inward like that, and remove the surrounding noise it becomes very clear what the right choice is.
Quick 5
Favourite book / movie / content creator / playlist
Book: right now, Anythings by Collen Hoover.
Movie: Pretty Woman, Pitch Perfect, The Sweetest Thing, Bridesmaids, Legally Blonde. I mean, call me basic. I don’t care.
Content Creator: Gah! So many. I’m endlessly inspired by @peppahart …more recently I have come across @our.home.le.fleur for all the bright décor.
@mrswhitephotos is a mega photography talent, and I love her work too. @rachelle.rowlings with the fab fashuuuuun and the gritty, relatable and often funny mum-yarns.
Locally @fionagoddard_ and @abbyplested for fashion and beauty, they’re
both so chic.
Playlist: The Facialist Lounge playlist is *chefs kiss* chill, lo-fi, with some good covers, this is on at work but I flick to it when working from home or entertaining.
Otherwise…. David curated playlists around the time each of our babies were born, I love listening to them too.
Mostly chill vibes, think Angus and Julia Stone, Vandelux, Jessie Ware, Lewis Del Mar… just so much nostalgia for that season of our lives. Music is brilliant like that.
