"My upbringing shaped my design philosophy – practicality and function always had to come first. I then looked for ways to make it luxurious and beautiful."
I began this career in 1992 but in truth I believe it has always been in my DNA. My mother instilled in me an appreciation of beautiful things. She had learned this from her mother, as Granny worked as a chatelaine for a wealthy pastoralists home and as such was amongst their fine furniture, china, silverware and fine linens.
We had a modest home and my parents strived to provide the best they could for my brothers, sister and me.
As a child, I noticed the consideration given in decisions for any new purchases for their home and the care and respect for items that made it through the door. My mother was savvy and always kept a comfortable, tidy and fashionable home.
My up-bringing shaped my design philosophy – practicality and function always had to come first - I then looked for ways to make it luxurious and beautiful. This natural inclination has been with me since childhood and practiced in my own homes.
I pursued a career in business, advertising and marketing and after the birth of my daughter, it no longer felt a good fit.
I have an inclination to be creative and curious and decided to study interior design. I loved the discipline of study but loved the topics more - I’d found “my thing”.
I‘ve practiced my maxim of practical luxury & functional beauty for 25 years. Over this time my ideas have evolved, been influenced by trends and adapted to all manner of budgets and lifestyles. Overall though, my approach has not changed – I am known to deliver interiors which are sophisticated, liveable and individually interpreted for each client.
I’ve learned how important it is to create spaces that rejuvenate and support my clients lives physically, emotionally and spiritually. It might be a space to read or quietly reflect on the day, a bathroom sanctuary in which to relax or a communal space where the family can gather and connect.
My goal is to transform spaces within a home which meets my clients’ true desires and enhances their lives.
Founder and Director, Cath Tonkin, began her career in marketing and advertising.
Soon after starting a family, she opened the first Australian recycle interiors store in Melbourne in 1992 whilst studying Interior Decoration at RMIT. Cath sold the business in 1999 and moved to Adelaide where she was employed in several Interior Decoration & Design businesses.
In 2004 Stallard Tonkin Interiors was established, which evolved into Cath Tonkin Interiors.
Cath Tonkin Interiors specialises in Interior Design and Decoration for both the residential and commercial market.
Cath’s business provides bespoke interiors to private homes across Australia and undertakes boutique commercial commissions.
She was shortlisted in the 2014 Eat Drink Design awards for her interior design of Bottega Rotolo’s flagship retail store in Adelaide.
Cath is known for classic contemporary interiors and infusing practical luxury and functional beauty in her designs.
She aims to delight each client with an interior designed to transform the space and enhance their lifestyle. Her designs are imbued with a sense of ease and are comfortably sophisticated. Based in Adelaide, the Cath has a broad scope of projects in Adelaide, coastal and rural locations and interstate developments.
She is a member of the Design Institute of Australia.
