Meet Simone and Chilli - a mother and daughter duo who are part of the family behind the home that set the scene for our Babette collection.

When Simone first stepped inside, she burst into tears because of its beauty. She describes that the home had a warmth and energy she had never felt before, and it was enough to change everything. The family uprooted their life from inner-city Melbourne to this coastal town. Initially drawn by the charm of the home, they now love the sense of community and the friendships they’ve created since the move to Mount Eliza.

This mid-century home has been thoughtfully restored to honour its original beauty. From the striking 1960s chandeliers to the original cabinetry, marble bathrooms, and carefully preserved light fittings - every detail has been considered and protected through a thoughtful renovation. 

Chilli shares her mum’s deep appreciation for the architecture, but her favourite part of the home lies just beyond it - a backyard studio where she spends her time immersed in photography, art, and sewing. Creativity runs deep in this family, and in a home that feels almost cinematic, it’s given space to flourish.

There’s a special closeness between Simone and Chilli that’s instantly felt. And in celebration of Mother’s Day, we step inside their world to reflect on motherhood, their joint love of interior design creativity, and the things Chilli most admires about her mum.

 

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Meet Simone

Who are you and what do you do? 

I’m Simone Ryan-Wilson - entrepreneur, mother, perpetual student of wellness and design. My career has spanned across small business ownership and working alongside both nimble startups and established enterprises, but the roles that matter most are the ones that anchor me: partner in crime to Paul, mum to my kids, devoted dog parent to two, friend to many special people and someone deeply committed to the belief that great design and purposeful living shape who we become. Everything I do is threaded through a wellness lens and an unwavering appreciation for the spaces we inhabit.

This home feels like a true time capsule of mid-century design. Describe the feeling you got when you first stepped inside and what immediately spoke to you?

We actually moved for this house, which tells you everything! When I first walked through those doors, I literally burst into tears - genuinely overwhelmed by the brilliance of the architecture and the possibility it contained. I totally fell in love. The real estate agent knew she had me!!

What can you share about the history of this home? What architectural features have the most special story?

Our home was envisioned and delivered by one of Mount Eliza’s most celebrated developers - a visionary who spared no expense in crafting something truly extraordinary. Built across two stages, the first completed around 1964 and the second five to eight years later, the property is a masterclass in thoughtful design that refuses compromise.

The entire home pivots around a stunning resort-style pool, visible from every main living space - a sanctuary of light, colour, and possibility, framed by westerly sunsets that filter through distant trees in ways that feel almost sacred. Beyond that, every single room - the formal living areas, the billiards room, the bar, formal dining, kitchen, bedrooms, and the children’s wing added in the early seventies - opens onto courtyards or gardens. There’s an extraordinary rhythm to how the house breathes, how it creates space for everyone to exist independently yet cohesively.

The fireplace in the second living space is a study in embedded detail and craft. But perhaps most striking is the timber throughout - solid wood bookshelves, cabinetry, the bar - integrated with a consistency and mastery that simply wouldn’t be economically feasible today. It speaks to an era when artisanal woodcraft was non-negotiable.

Where did you draw inspiration when styling this home, and how do you generally approach interior styling?

Our design philosophy was rooted in deep respect for the mid-century modern heritage while allowing it to breathe into the present. Mount Eliza itself was originally envisioned by Walter Burnley Griffin and his wife, and the area is dotted with quintessential mid-century homes. We were determined not to superimpose some sanitised inner-city aesthetic - but instead to honour the Palm Springs-inflected character that defined this era and this place.

Every design choice - from the flooring that flows seamlessly from the pool terrace into the kitchen, to the colour palette, to how interior and exterior converse - was guided by one principle: capture the essence of that golden era without losing the soul of what makes this home singular. It’s about modernisation with reverence, not renovation with amnesia.

There’s a real sense of restraint in the renovation - nothing feels overdone. How did you approach the balance between preserving and personalising? Tell us all about the renovation journey.

The team behind this renovation was extraordinary - we were incredibly lucky. Melanie from Leo and Lotus completely awakened the house. She was so intentional about preserving its integrity and heritage, while still bringing in personality and joy. She has this incredible love of colour - I mean, watermelon silk carpet! - every decision was so considered. She thought through every detail with such care. She’s one of the most creative, clever, and kind people I’ve worked with, and she pushed us gently out of our comfort zone in the best possible way. The result is something so far beyond what I imagined - I genuinely love coming home.

Heath from Plume Design also managed the most amazing transformation of the outdoor spaces. He restored the pool beautifully and created an environment that feels like it’s always ready for people - and we’ve definitely made the most of that. The garden has become this incredible, lush, almost wild sea of green, but still feels calm and low maintenance - which is exactly what we needed. It all feels effortless now, but it was the result of a team who truly understood how to honour the home while making it our own.

This home inspired a complete lifestyle change for you. Can you share the story behind that sea change, and what advice would you offer to others thinking about a similar move?

Honestly? It wasn’t planned. We were genuinely content in the city. The thought was abstract - if we ever found a mid-century home we truly loved, maybe we’d consider it. Then we saw it online on a Wednesday, attended the open on Saturday, and we’d purchased it within the week. Everything kind of aligned to be honest - it was pure instinct, pure intoxication with the house and the space it promised.

The trade-offs are real. It’s forty minutes to an hour and a half from the city depending on traffic, and the local restaurant scene isn’t what you’d find in town. But twenty minutes in another direction, you’re at wineries and restaurants run by people genuinely passionate about their craft. And the water - walking the dogs on the beach each morning, that daily connection to nature - that’s priceless.

What I’d tell anyone considering this: accept the geography consciously, then lean into what it genuinely offers. Our kids, now young adults, are fiercely proud of this place. They love the city, but I suspect they’ll eventually seek something similar - space, nature, sanctuary - when they’re building their own lives.

What’s the one thing you hope stays woven into your children as they grow and who they become?

I hope they learn to find something beautiful - and then sustain it, grow it, care for it. I hope they carry with them the understanding that a true sanctuary, whether physical or emotional, is where you become your truest self. And I hope they never forget that a beautiful space only truly comes alive when it’s shared - when others are welcomed in without reservation. This house has always been that for us, and has fostered an incredible community of people we adore. It’s an exceptional place to entertain, and we’ve made a point of filling it constantly - whether it’s a long winter dinner by the fire, a lazy summer afternoon by the pool or a wild party (and there has been many)! Everyone who walks through the door feels it. That’s the thing I hope our children carry with them always.

How do you practise self-care in your everyday life?

Self-care and wellness is a huge part of my life - my family definitely knows when I haven’t exercised! I’ve practiced yoga for over 30 years, so that’s always a constant for me. But to make self-care work alongside a big job, it really comes down to discipline - I have to get up super early (there’s always a 5 on the clock!!).

On my Melbourne work days, I head to Embia House, which I absolutely love - Pilates, and Rhythm Ride, it’s the best, and such an incredible community. When I’m in Mount Eliza, I go to CorePlus for hot pilates and Warrior One Yoga - both places that feel grounding and energising in equal measure. And of course there's the beach, so walking the dogs whenever I can is the best type of self-care, especially if I can add in a swim!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching. We’d love to know: what has motherhood taught you?

Motherhood has taught me perspective more than anything. It’s softened me, strengthened me, and constantly reminded me of what truly matters. It’s taught me patience - or at least the practice of it - and the importance of being present, even in the chaos. But most of all, it’s shown me that love isn’t something you measure or manage - it just expands endlessly. It’s the most grounding, humbling, and joyful part of who I am.

Meet Chilli

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Chilli, 18 years old, and I’ve just completed Year 12 VCE. I’m an emerging artist with a strong interest in pursuing a career in the film industry, particularly in creative production and visual storytelling.

Your home has such a warm, inviting energy… how would you describe your life here growing up?

Growing up in this home has been incredibly dynamic and full of life. There was always something happening - pool days with friends, movie nights on the projector, time spent on the tennis court, or evenings gathered around the billiards table while someone mixed drinks at the bar. It’s a space that naturally brings people together. I was very fortunate to grow up in an environment where creativity, connection, and activity were always present, and I don’t take that for granted.

What lessons about creativity have you absorbed from your parents?

Both of my parents are entrepreneurs working within creative industries, and they’ve been deeply influential in shaping how I see the world. They each bring a different perspective - my dad with his imaginative, inventive thinking, and my mum with her strong sense of vision and amazing style. More than anything, they’ve encouraged me to explore my own ideas and develop my own style. That support has given me the confidence to pursue creative work in a way that feels authentic to me.

Can you tell us more about your creative pursuits?

My passion for sewing came from my nana. I remember going to fabric stores with her as a kid, where she would teach me different stitches and how to use a sewing machine. I started by making all sorts of things - bags, soft toys, mermaid outfits, and clothes. That interest has grown with me, and now I love creating my own costumes, dresses, and anything else I can imagine.

My love for photography developed later when I began studying studio art. I had always been curious about it, especially knowing my dad had a background in photography, but it really grew through the guidance of an incredibly supportive teacher who encouraged me to explore as much as possible. During VCE, I completed three folios, which pushed me to experiment and expand my creative thinking. Alongside photography, I’ve explored painting, drawing, and sculpture - each becoming a meaningful part of how I express myself creatively.

What’s your favourite piece of art you’ve made to date, and why?

I think most artists find it difficult to feel completely satisfied with their work - there’s always something you’d change or refine. That said, I do feel particularly connected to a series of textile wall hangings I’ve created, combining watercolour and oil paint on cotton fabric that I then cut and fray. The piece above my bed, featuring koi fish, is probably my favourite. It feels the most resolved to me and reflects a style I’d like to continue developing.

How do you switch off when your mind feels overloaded?

I’m lucky to have a home environment that makes it easy to slow down. I tend to reset through small rituals - spending time in the sauna, then having a long bath in the copper tub with the doors open to the garden leading me to the outdoor shower. Afterwards, I’ll usually make a coffee and sit outside by the pool. Those quiet moments help me clear my head and feel grounded again.

What are your plans for your gap year?

This year is about giving myself the time and space to properly explore my creative practice without pressure. I want to continue developing my skills across different mediums while also travelling as much as I can. Experiencing new environments, cultures, and perspectives is something I see as essential to growing creatively.

Which films and filmmakers influence you the most?

Over the past few years, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for classic black-and-white cinema. Films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, Casablanca, and It’s a Wonderful Life have really influenced how I think about storytelling. There’s a clarity and restraint in those films that allows the narrative and performances to take centre stage, which I find incredibly powerful. I find that black and white films create simplicity and focus, never taking away from someone’s intended story. I think there is beauty in minimalism.
At the same time, I’m drawn to filmmakers with a distinct visual language and strong authorial voice. Directors like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Baz Luhrmann, and Greta Gerwig each bring a unique perspective to their work, whether through scale, style, or emotional depth. I’m particularly interested in how directors balance aesthetic with storytelling - creating films that feel both visually intentional and emotionally engaging.

What do you admire most about your mum?

My mum is one of the most creative and driven people I know. She approaches everything with genuine passion and care, and she has an incredible ability to bring ideas to life in a way that feels both thoughtful and beautiful, pouring her heart and soul into anything and everything she does. Beyond that, she’s been a constant source of support and encouragement for me. Having her as both a role model and a parent is something I’m deeply grateful for.

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With a whole lotta love xx