At home with Bree McCann

Step inside Bree McCann’s beautifully styled home in Noosa as she shares her journey of creating a space that blends coastal simplicity with timeless design. Bree’s vision comes to life with the Franca Dining Chairs, which perfectly complement her home’s light and tonal aesthetic. Discover her insights on balancing family life, comfort, and style while bringing her dream home to reality.

How would you describe your interior style in three words?
Minimal, relaxed, tonal.

What was your vision for creating your dream home in Noosa, and how did Merci Maison’s pieces, like the Franca Dining Chairs, help bring that vision to life?
Our vision was always coastal simplicity. We wanted our home to be light, bright and open with neutral tones and natural materials but also quite strong with a very slight brutalist influence. I would say my husband Mitch and I are drawn to clean lines and minimal finishes but we were also very conscious of making the spaces comfortable and liveable.

What initially drew you to Merci Maison’s collection, and why did you choose the Franca Dining Chairs for your new space?
I loved the Franca since their very first release! We were in such early stages of our renovation when they first came out but they were so unique. I love asymmetrical objects and organic shapes so knew they would be perfect!

Your career in fashion is so influential. How has it shaped your approach to interior design, and do you find any parallels between styling your home and curating fashion looks?
I would say they have both evolved together almost simultaneously. With age and maturity, I have become quite uniform in both clothing and home style. I like to keep things strong but simple. Bold but natural. I feel most comfortable with a certain colour palette – neutral, warm tones both in my wardrobe and in my home. I love bright bold colours on other people and in other spaces but it just doesn’t feel right for myself. This was our very first home, after spending almost a decade based overseas (6 years in New York and 3 in London) so it was an entirely new process of discovering what we liked and what our interior style even was. Overseas our lifestyle was very transient so we didn’t have a lot of attachment or sentimental value to anything and I think the same can be said for my wardrobe. Moving back to Australia after so long overseas, my fashion style also had to kind of be reshaped so I think for me the two are very fluid.

Now that you have children, how has your approach to designing a home changed? Are there specific elements you prioritise more now than before?
In hindsight, definitely a few things I would change now with a toddler running around! However I also truly believe that you can make it work and still have a home with beautiful pieces that you love. Yes things are a lot messier these days and home is a little more chaotic but I’ve learnt to be relaxed about it and I would say I actually enjoy it! Things might get broken or maybe you have to put it away for a period of time, but it wouldn’t stop me from buying something I loved - I just go with it.

Can you share a photo of your favourite space or corner featuring the Franca Dining Chairs? What makes this area special to you?
The living area and dining table is the heart of our home. Our Franca chairs are perfectly matched with our dining table and I love that they bring bold, dark, organic shapes to the space. Everything was very creamy so we wanted to bring something heavier her

What is your advice for anyone starting to design or decorate a new room from scratch?
Start with the pieces you absolutely love first and then work around them. Occasionally you can be proven wrong, but generally I think your first instinct is probably the best!

Is there a specific décor piece or accessory that you rely on to tie a room together? What’s your styling go-to?
I am currently banned from buying anymore vases Haha! I just love the way vases tie everything together and add a new texture, shape or colour to an area. You can never have too many in my opinion.

Comfort is key in a family home. How important is comfort when choosing furniture, and how does it play into the style of your space?
Comfort is key. We have actually made some very uncomfortable choices in the past and spent a number of years being uncomfortable during the renovations so this is something we often deliberate over now. It’s absolutely crucial for a family home.

Is there a particular time of day when your home feels the most magical? Why is that moment special to you?
I love morning summer light at home! So much of the way we designed the home was to let light in so I love seeing the shadows and warm, golden colours in the morning.

Can you share any behind-the-scenes insights you’ve gained from designing this home? Any styling advice for others looking to create their dream space?
We have learnt SO much during this renovation process. We underestimated the size and magnitude of the project but looking back now, I realise just how far we have come and how much valuable knowledge we will take away from it. My advice to anyone else would be that everything takes longer
and is much more expensive than you envisage so always allow for that in every aspect. Then secondly don’t be afraid to go outside of what some people might think is possible. There are often so many different ways to achieve a certain look or style, so persevere until you are happy.

What role does natural light play in your home’s design, and how do you use it to enhance certain rooms or areas?
I am all about the light! I think having modelled for almost 15 years, I couldn’t help but think about light at all times haha. We added a lot of huge glass windows and skylights wherever we could, I think it brings the space to life and makes it more warm, calming and liveable.

Finally, what do you love most about Merci Maison’s design philosophy, and what pieces are currently on your wish list?
I love that Merci Mason is so unique. The pieces are interesting yet refined. I have my eye on the Klaxon Side Table, La Lumeire Pendants and also the beautiful natural stone – Moris and the Marcel Tables are stunning. And of course – I can’t go past Keiko Vase and the Tullio Pot. They will be my next purchase no doubt.

Featured collection

Franca Chair