The Simple Joys of Elise Pioch

“We like imperfection, we like to feel the soul of a place then we fill it with our playfulness and taste for design. Above all, we always look to make a home feel welcoming, warm, relaxed and one of a kind.”

In conversation with Elise Pioch

As a mum and a businesswoman, what are the best hacks you've learned that have helped you juggle everyday life?

“From the first day Loulou came into my life, I've prioritised practicality and ease of use for everything. No more white clothes, no more 'hand wash only' — everything needs to be compatible with everyday use while still being beautiful, of course. For instance, all my glassware (from my personal collection, naturally) is dishwasher safe, and my Double rug is machine washable too. There's simply no time in the day to dedicate to cleaning these items!”

Your home reflects your creativity and your family's unique personalities. How would you describe your aesthetic? Were there any requirements to ensure it was design-forward yet family and child-friendly?

“We love finding old properties in need of love and care; so far we've renovated an 1880s Anglican church on the Hawkesbury River, an 1800s manor house in the South of France, and our current home is a 1950s deep waterfront property on the Northern Beaches (Elvina Bay on the Pittwater). This, in itself, says a lot about our family's personal aesthetic and way of living! We like imperfection, we like to feel the soul of a place, then we fill it with our playfulness and taste for design. Above all, we always look to make a home feel welcoming, warm, relaxed, and one of a kind (driven by the house's unique history). I've actually never decorated a home in a kid-friendly manner. I've had fragile antique pieces around Loulou since she was a baby, and not only did she not break them, but it developed her understanding of preciousness.”

Share with us your most special memory or moment from motherhood so far.

“There are so many! Every day comes with multiple special moments, and I try to verbalise it on the spot to make sure Loulou notices how important they are. Yesterday we made waffles together; the simple fact of seeing her two little hands breaking an egg, whisking the dough, and climbing on the stool to watch the waffles grow in the mould was heaven on earth! Last weekend we took our tiny turquoise blue boat in the afternoon and had a swim in Morning Bay in crystal clear waters. I said to Loulou, 'This is a gold nugget moment that you need to store in your heart, to bring light on darker days (if any).' Motherhood is hard, so finding these bubbles of happiness is helpful to get through the everyday.”

Do you have a daily ritual you share with Loulou that is non-negotiable, and the day would not be the same without it?

“Pretty much every evening before bed, I give Loulou a tiny facial. She lies down, I play calm music, I wash her skin with the Chanel Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser (it has become the perfume of a good night's sleep), then I rinse it off with a hot cloth, and I finish by applying Mon Huilette Night (the best face oil I know).”

What does your perfect Mother's Day look like?

“The three of us would load up the boat with seafood, mayonnaise, a French baguette, champagne, white chocolate, and we would head off to Morning Bay for a picnic and swim. Simple and immersed in nature!”

Forget the grand gestures, for Elise, the perfect celebration is a spur-of-the-moment family escape. It reflects her spirit – a woman who finds beauty in the unexpected, the imperfect. Just like restoring a cherished old house, she sees potential in every twist and turn, embracing life's glorious messes with open arms. This philosophy extends to Elise’s approach to motherhood, where she inspires Loulou to find joy in the simple moments that make up life, flaws and all.

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