IBWZ – Manuela Millan

Meet Manuela Millan

Interior Designer and Founding Editor of Meanwhile in Melbourne

We dropped by her inner city home to see her new Elle Bedhead and hear how her uni side project turned into one of the city’s most followed design platforms today. Between managing projects by day, judging the IDEA Awards and reporting on the Melbourne design scene, it’s no wonder her evening wind-down routine is intentional and restorative.

Tell us the story of Meanwhile in Melbourne and how your design career began?
The story of Meanwhile in Melbourne and my design career are intertwined. I started MIM while I was at university studying interior design as a way to keep track of local makers, designers and other creatives that I was interested in. I fell in love with the Melbourne design scene and the local talent that makes this city so special. That love has only deepened since then!

In your time as Founder of Meanwhile in Melbourne what's been your pinch me moment?
Being chosen as a judge for the 2024 IDEA Awards was a definite pinch me moment. I couldn’t believe I was sitting across from people I look up to like Melissa Bright and Clare Cousins and judging the best of the best that our industry has to offer. After 10 years of being in the interior design world and working really hard to establish myself in the design industry it was an amazing experience.

How do you like to absorb your creative inspiration?
I always love to experience things in person and immerse myself in what people are creating. I go to a lot of gallery exhibitions and design events and I love talking to creators directly about their work. I also spend a lot of time on Instagram and TikTok!

Who is your ultimate design icon?
It’s a tie between my Mum and Charlotte Perriand. Both are incredible, sleek, fearless women with a timeless aesthetic. Getting my hands on an original Perriand Lc7 chair was a dream come true.

Do you lean on custom furniture more for your projects? Is there one custom item you prefer to specify for your projects?
A piece of custom furniture can be the real hero of a room and an anchor point for the rest of the design. It allows you to inject personality into the space and because you’re creating the piece from scratch you can really push the design detail of where you want it to go.

What drew you to the Elle bedhead design?
I was instantly drawn to the contrast of the pinstripe fabric with the Bronze Alpaca Velvet trim which feels both modern and regal. The gentle curve of the Elle softens the room’s straight lines, bringing a sense of balance to the space. Every time I walk into my bedroom, it makes me feel calm and centred.

In another life, if you weren’t a Designer/Curator what would you be doing now?
When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut or a marine biologist, but now I think I would always have ended up doing something creative. I think I would be a photographer or painter or a fashion designer!

How do you practise self care and what sparks joy inside for you?
I like to go for long walks in nature with my husband. I love pilates and sauna sessions too.

Do you have any nighttime rituals or have a process to help you achieve a sense of zenn?
My nighttime routine is quite extensive and starts when I get home from a busy day. I like to turn off all the downlights and leave only the bare minimum of lighting. I do my skincare routine, leave my phone in another room and go to bed with my favourite lamp and whichever book I’m reading. At the moment I’m reading the Glass House by Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion.

What are you coveting right now?
My wishlist is very long! For now I have my eye on a new handbag, a new rug and floor lamp for my home.

Shop the Look
Bed: Elle Bedhead
Fabric: Wells Musk / Border: Alpaca Bronze
Side Tables: Day Sleeper CB X Zenn Side Table in Zenn Whitewash

Image Credits: Elisa Watson
Styling: Zenn Design
Linen: Abode: Dusk Loft Chambray Linen cover, Nova Sateen Blush Flat Sheet, Mulberry Citi Linen Pillowcases, Abode King Hungarian 650 Quilt.
Art: Manuela’s own