The Maker's Touch: Inside Designer Alex Johnson’s Personal Space

In a world where mass-produced furniture dominates our spaces, there's something refreshingly authentic about a home where almost every piece tells a story. Welcome to the Avalon Beach apartment of Alex Johnson, interior designer and co-founder of Knot Studio, where thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary style naturally align.

Nestled in Sydney's Northern Beaches, Alex's two-bedroom apartment is a testament to the beauty of intentional design. Together with her partner, a skilled joiner, they've created a space that celebrates their shared love for timber and custom craftsmanship. "Both of us have a love for timber, so this drove the look of our space," Alex explains. "Everything could be made custom to us, our style and how we live”, an idea that emphasises how we can mould our personal spaces to suit us rather than the other way around.

“Everything could be made custom to us,
our style and how we live.”

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The Art of Authentic Sourcing

When it comes to furnishing a space, Alex takes an unconventional approach. Rather than hunting through showrooms, she and her partner crafted nearly every piece in their home. "To be honest, all of our furniture, except for two armchairs, is custom-made!" she shares. Discovered on Curated Spaces, these vintage chairs add the perfect touch of character to their unique space.

For those looking to blend contemporary pieces with other styles, Alex offers a surprisingly simple approach. "It can come down to the materials and finishes of the pieces," she notes. Her pro tip? "Having a beautiful timber mid-century sofa, paired with an edgy, contemporary stainless steel coffee table collides the two worlds perfectly!"

“We are lucky to work in trades that allow us to design and make our own pieces.”

Function meets beauty

One might think that a designer's home prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, but Alex proves you can have both. "You can have both!" she enthusiastically shares. Her secret lies in thoughtful design that considers both form and function from the start. Whether custom-making pieces or sourcing them, each item in her home serves a purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic.

In an era where Instagram-worthy homes often sacrifice livability for looks, Alex's method brings a grounded solution. "I choose or design furniture pieces that will cater to my needs of storage or display that aesthetically suit the style of my home," she explains.

The advantage of custom pieces becomes clear in her design process - each furniture piece is conceived with a dual purpose: to solve a specific need while maintaining the home's cohesive design language. Alex simply proves that when thoughtfully designed, every element can contribute to both the utility and beauty of a home.

"The perks of custom-making items mean they can be made to look how I want them and work how I need them to."

Living legacy

Alex's home is more than just a space—it's a living showcase of Knot Studio's philosophy. Founded with partner Joel Taylor, their studio embraces minimalist aesthetics with Japanese influences, reminding us to slow down and appreciate every detail. Each piece in their Sydney-made collection is meticulously crafted to celebrate the distinctive character of artisanal workmanship, just like the furniture in Alex's home.

Her philosophy to contemporary modern living offers more than just design inspiration - it presents a blueprint for creating spaces that are both deeply personal and genuinely functional. Her home reminds us that great design isn't about following trends or creating showrooms; it's about understanding how we live and crafting spaces that enhance our daily experiences.

“I am looking for pieces that work for me functionally, which I can then style the way I want.”

Alex's interpretation of modern living offers an attainable perspective: contemporary spaces can be built on the foundation of timeless materials. From rich timber grains to weathered leather, she’s proven that modern design doesn't mean abandoning warmth and character. These enduring materials can become your guide for blending new pieces with vintage treasures, creating spaces that feel both current and grounded.

Her home reveals how natural elements can elevate modern design without overshadowing it. The living space demonstrates a thoughtful interplay between contemporary lines and traditional textures, suggesting how we might incorporate both in our own spaces. It's an approach that invites us to explore how classic materials - whether in statement pieces or subtle details - can add rich character to contemporary living while leaving room for personal interpretation.