That Mama’s Crib: Tory Waller

Say goodbye to dowdy interior design mamas, we’re talking to home design extraordinaire Tory Waller about her amazing space here in Dubai! This Australian entrepreneurial mama has a definite knack for interiors, having formerly worked as an in-house stylist at Harper’s Bazaar Interiors and currently freelancing as an interior stylist, on top of launching her very own company Living Green and raising Archie and Theo, her two gorgeous sons! We had a chat with Tory about her beautiful crib, as well as what to splurge and what to save on – prepare to be inspired mamas! 

How did you decorate your own home? Was it very planned out or impulsive?
We downsized earlier this year from a double story villa to a bungalow. The new villa has a completely different feel and it’s taken six months to get used to the space and what works best where. I believe you need to live in an environment to understand flow and where you spend time as a family before you can commit to an expensive fit out.

What are your best places to pick up home furniture in Dubai?
I love a bargain and enjoy the thrill of finding designer pieces on Dubizzle. Dubai is such a transient city with people coming and going so the opportunity is high.

Treasure hunting is another favourite past time. People discard amazing furniture on the street, which is just headed for the rubbish skip.

Do you gravitate to a certain colour palette or design style?
At present, my world is green. Given my occupation, I have to be aware of current industry trends. However since the arrival of emerald green in 2013, I have been unable to look beyond the shade of green on the colour wheel.

As for my design style, I love to mix the classic with the contemporary. For example, I’m loving this rich deep red tribal carpet with the clean lines of a clear perspex “Victoria” Ghost chair by Phillip Starck.

As a mum how do you balance functioning design and a pretty home?
Luckily, I have moved out the toddler “cruising’ stage and the boys finally have learnt the importance of the words “do not touch”.

What did you splurge and save on when decorating your house?
It is a tough balance when renting not to spend too much money on a property that is not your own. My only splurge in the current villa is the beautiful Pierre Frey “Bananier” wallpaper in the entrance. (Saving Dubizzle purchases, of course.)

Did you use any websites or interior design apps to brainstorm ideas?
I love Pinterest and use it twenty times a day with work so current trends and ideas find their way into my thoughts. Instagram is another highly inspirational social media tool with leading designers, stylists, event planners posting their best work for the world to see.

These beautiful photos of Victoria’s gorgeous home were taken by the very wonderful and equally talented Claire Barlow of Claire Barlow Photography.