In Conversation with Cantilever + CO Interiors

How do you design interiors around movement, interaction and everyday rituals?
The discovery of our design language through our heritage in joinery design and manufacture has given us a deep understanding of what clients need in practical terms, across different scales and spaces. Joinery is the touchpoint of every home, providing structure and helping define how people move through and engage with a space. Expanding into interior design has allowed us to consider the architectural dynamics of a space with greater intent, including light, outlook, and the home’s daily rhythm.

Cantilever’s work is defined by precision and restraint. Why does subtlety matter in high-end interiors, and how do you keep craftsmanship present without overpowering the design?
High-end interiors can easily become bombastic, risking a focal point for the sake of a statement. For us, subtlety comes from focus, and that focus is a celebration of materiality. We have always prioritised quality through joinery with lasting integrity. Craftsmanship lives within constraints because every material has its own boundaries, and understanding them is part of the maker’s journey. The designer’s role is to balance materials so each one has presence without competing.

Luxury today is more about individuality than excess. How do you translate a client’s lifestyle into bespoke interiors that feel distinctive and timeless?
I agree; time, attention and care are the new luxury. Our client-centred process creates space to explore, listen and respond. Wellbeing in a home looks different for everyone, so we stay open to what resonates with each client and find their place within our design language. Working within defined, material-led boundaries supports confident decisions, sustains aesthetic diversity, and elevates the experience.

Where do you see premium interior design heading next, and how is Cantilever shaping refined, Australian-made living?
Ultimately, I believe the lived experience of the home should remain the focus, allowing wellbeing to emerge naturally. But what is wellbeing, and how do we design for it? I have found that many of the decisions clients make are motivated by a sense of care they’re seeking in their lives. There is always a story, a memory, guiding those choices and connecting them to the journey ahead. Connection to place, and what it evokes, is a vital part of our design process and something clients increasingly value. It helps them regain a sense of purpose, clarity and joy.

LEARN MORE: https://www.cantileverinteriors.com/