Dani Dean’s Creative Approach to Design and Life

Featured: Soothe Light Gray Vegan Wool Rug

Dani Dean’s life is a balancing act, woven together by her roles as both a mother and the founder of The Make Haus. With three young children and a thriving design business, Dani has honed the art of juggling daily chaos while staying grounded in her purpose — both at home and in her work. Her design ethos revolves around a deep understanding of how a space should feel — not just look — and she draws on her experiences as a mother to guide her creative process. In this conversation, Dani invites us into her world, sharing how she navigates the intersection of family life and her career, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the rituals and philosophies that help her stay connected, purposeful, and inspired.

"Kids are very strong-willed, curious, and obviously don't care about the bigger things we have to worry about. They have no concept of time, which means they live totally in the moment."

Featured: Aligned Bone Chenille Rug

Featured: Checks Sage New Jute Runner

The Dance of Motherhood and Work

Managing a thriving design studio while raising three young children is no small feat, but Dani has found a rhythm that allows her to blend both worlds with intention. While her days are often a flurry of school runs, client meetings, and juggling activities, she’s created rituals that keep her grounded. Her children’s fleeting moments of affection are sacred — kisses, cuddles, and a bedtime story with her youngest have become non-negotiable parts of her routine. These seemingly small acts aren’t just about family bonding — they’re anchors in her fast-paced life, helping her remain present amidst the whirlwind of work and motherhood.

“Managing 3 young children is forever an obstacle course. Most days are managed by a stroke of luck! There is very limited time to have downtime during the week with school and activities. However we just always make sure we always do kisses and cuddles as much as we can. My youngest loves a bedtime book without fail.”

Featured: Carrel Gray Chenille Rug

Designing a Home that Feels as Good as It Looks

Dani’s home is a beautiful reflection of her unique design philosophy, one that embraces the joy of blending various styles, eras, and materials to create something made to last. Nestled in a one-story bungalow, her home balances a neutral foundation with bold joinery, offering both a sense of calm and an eclectic feel. The space is playful and relaxed, welcoming creativity without sacrificing comfort. Dani loves experimenting with colour and scale, but each decision is made with an eye toward harmony, ensuring the space feels inviting and serene. 

For Dani, design is never about creating a showroom — it’s about crafting spaces that feel right. Her home is a canvas where personal touches, vintage finds, and meaningful pieces converge to tell a unique story. One key element in Dani's approach to functional beauty are Double rugs, which perfectly align with her ethos of combining style with practicality. Featuring a patented two-layer system and machine washable construction, these rugs are as easy to maintain as they are to love. With a design-focused ethos, Double provides the perfect blend of practicality and beauty, doing "life" with you while remaining effortlessly stylish.

“Storage in every corner is essential for keeping a house styled with kiddies. I attempt to put it everywhere to quickly pack away all the little objects when I'm feeling over stimulated. I also love really big area rugs which can create a large-scale zone in the area, help you style your furniture on the rug and then the space feels contained and neat.”

Featured: Checks Sage New Jute Runner

Featured: Spots Beige Chenille Rug

Channeling Creative Vision Into Your Home

Dani has built her career on helping clients create spaces that are deeply personal and uniquely suited to their lives. She encourages anyone looking to design their own home to start with an authentic mood board, one that truly reflects their lifestyle and personality. Whether a person leans towards a minimalist aesthetic or enjoys layering textures and colours, Dani believes in creating a space that feels true to the individual. She advises against following trends blindly, as they often fail to stand the test of time. Instead, she suggests incorporating trends that resonate personally, using them in moderation so that they don’t overwhelm the overall design.

The key to designing a timeless space is quality — investing in pieces that not only stand the test of time but also complement the way you live. According to Dani, these pieces, whether they’re vintage finds or modern classics, always work in your environment and add to the home’s story. It's this approach that ensures a home remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

“I think it's really important to create an authentic mood board and style which reflects you, how you live is important too. I advise to not go too heavy handed on trends as they will date. Opt for injecting trends you’re drawn to when needed. But overtime quality pieces which just work in your environment will always stand the test of time.”

Featured: Soothe Light Gray Vegan Wool Rug

Featured: Mosaic Light Gray Cotton Feel Rug

Dani Dean’s approach to design beautifully marries creativity with practicality. As both a mother and a designer, she understands that a great home is not just about aesthetics — it’s about how a space functions for the people who live there. Her work exemplifies the balance between beauty and usability, creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Through her emphasis on authenticity, thoughtful design, and personal expression, Dani shows that a home can be both a sanctuary and a canvas for creativity. In her world, design isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how it makes you feel.