Charlotte Coote’s interiors tell stories—of timeless elegance, thoughtful craftsmanship, and spaces designed for beautiful living. As the founder and head designer of Coote&Co., established in 2007, Charlotte infuses every project with authenticity, generosity, and her distinctive flair for classic contemporary design. You might also know Charlotte through her inspiring books, Colour is Home, The Flower Room, and her soon-to-be-released Modern Floral: Timeless Interiors Inspired by Nature.
In our conversation with Charlotte, we delve into her creative journey, explore the philosophy behind her signature style, and discover what 'home' truly means to her. Read on for insights, inspiration, and reflections from one of Australia's leading interior designers.
If you’re reading this before May 10th 2025, head over to our Instagram page @suzieandersonhome to enter the draw for a chance to win a signed copy of The Flower Room.
Suzie Anderson: Your passion for design seems deeply ingrained—can you take us back to your childhood? What were some early influences or memories that sparked your love for interiors?
Charlotte Coote: I grew up with an interior designer father and a politician mother—both brilliant in their fields. Due to my father’s career, we travelled extensively before settling in Ireland, where my parents purchased Bellamont Forest, an 18th-century Irish Georgian house. Living there and attending a tiny local school significantly influenced my appreciation for classic design principles, which remain the foundation of my business today.
Later, I worked for my father’s design firm in Europe, contributing to projects involving English and Irish houses, castles, and boutique hotels. A highlight was working on an Irish Georgian castle in Northern Ireland, originally designed by David Hicks in the 1970s—it was incredible experiencing his work firsthand.
Suzie Anderson: How did your experience growing up at Bellamont Forest shape your aesthetic and approach to design?
Charlotte Coote: Bellamont Forests' architecture provided a strong, classical foundation, shaping the core principles of my business, Coote&Co. From this starting point, timeless, authentic, and comfortable interiors can be built. Today, my key principles remain timelessness, authenticity, lifestyle, quality, comfort, and scale.
Suzie Anderson: Your interiors feel layered, timeless, colourful, and have a signature playfulness that is welcoming. Where do you draw inspiration from when beginning a new project?
Charlotte Coote: Travel consistently inspires me, as we’re more receptive to new ideas when out of our everyday environment. I also believe strongly in the value of historical references. Reading books on pioneering designers like Syrie Maugham, John Fowler, Billy Baldwin, Jean Michel Frank, or Elsie de Wolfe sparks immediate inspiration. Their work carries a timeless appeal—rooms designed decades ago remain relevant with just minor updates.
Suzie Anderson: Styling a home can feel overwhelming for many. What are your guiding principles when helping clients create a home that not only looks beautiful but feels truly personal?
Charlotte Coote: If you find beauty in something, trust your instincts and don’t wait for external validation. Many people constantly seek approval from friends or family, but authenticity comes from choosing what you genuinely love. And always, always include fresh flowers and greenery.
Suzie Anderson: For those decorating on a tighter budget, what impactful changes can elevate a space significantly?
Charlotte Coote: I would invest the majority of a limited budget into one fabulous, timeless piece—like a beautifully made, bespoke Australian sofa. It’s versatile, can be reupholstered, and will accompany you wherever life takes you. Even at 20, having one amazing sofa in an otherwise empty home would feel perfectly luxurious.
Suzie Anderson: Do trends ever influence your work, or do you prefer to work outside popular styles?
Charlotte Coote: I consciously avoid trends. For example, the current obsession with Boucle fabric puzzles me—every design magazine features curved Boucle sofas and ball-shaped cushions. Will these still appeal in ten years? Comfort and timelessness always come first for me.
Suzie Anderson: Your new book, The Flower Room, has an evocative title. What inspired this book, and what do you hope readers take away?
Charlotte Coote: Interiors that linger with me embody confidence, much like the presence of a confident friend or a majestic landscape. Nature provides timeless elegance and constant inspiration through its patterns and cyclical movements. My hope is readers find that integrating natural beauty creates grounding, confident interiors.
Suzie Anderson: What does ‘home’ mean to you now—both professionally and personally? Has your definition evolved now that you are married with three young daughters?
Charlotte Coote: For me, 'home' is wherever my husband Geordie and our three daughters are. Professionally and personally, home is also our house, Marnanie, where we have lived for eight years. Having grown up frequently relocating, I deeply appreciate the stability we’re building for our family—creating a special place that our daughters can always return to, feel connected to, and find grounding in.
Suzie Anderson: Is there one piece of design advice you've received that continues to influence your work?
Charlotte Coote: My stepfather described our era as the 'instant coffee generation'—impatient and superficial. He encouraged slowing down, reading about admired designers, and truly understanding their context. Authentic inspiration comes from deep insight, not just pretty pictures on Instagram or Pinterest.
Suzie Anderson: Can you share any upcoming plans or events that would excite our readers?
Charlotte Coote: We’re collaborating with Stephan Akehurst and Associates on a significant renovation of Marnanie, beginning in August and lasting about a year. I'm thrilled about completing our home's restoration and creating exciting new interiors.
Our next Masterclass will be held in November 2026, featuring an exciting collaboration we’ll soon reveal. Before then, we’re planning a smaller black-tie event early next year in our glasshouse, hosting one of my favourite international designers, Veere Grenney. Stay tuned!
After interviewing Charlotte I have a deeper appreciation of her ability to weave emotion, memory, and meaning into every room. The Flower Room is more than just a design book — it’s an invitation to live with beauty, intention, and heart. It should be read cover to cover to fully absorb her approach to making a house a home.
Whether you’re just beginning your decorating journey or are simply looking for inspiration, her words — and her work — offer a gentle reminder that home is a place to be nurtured, celebrated, and deeply felt.
To purchase a copy of The Flower Room or to find out more about Charlotte’s much anticipated “Art of Living Well” Masterclass, see links below:
Website: https://cooteandco.com.au/
Instagram: @charlottecoote and @cooteandco
The Flower Room Book: https://cooteandco.myshopify.com/products/the-flower-room
The Art of Living Well Masterclass: @theartoflivingwell_
If you’re interested in joining a future Masterclass held at Suzie Anderson Home, click here to email us and register your interest.
We’ll be in touch with upcoming dates and details — we’d love to welcome you.
Enter the Giveaway on our Instagram: @suzieandersonhome
Explore More Images
