interior decorator darwin
LEIGH PHILLIPS-BROWN
I’m an Interior Decorator driven by a passion for creativity, individuality, and a deep connection to the natural environment. With over 30 years of living in Darwin, NT, I draw inspiration from the region’s rich diversity, incorporating storytelling, personality, and a sense of belonging into every project. My approach is about more than design—it’s about translating your lifestyle, passions, and history into a space that truly feels like home.
While creativity fuels my work, I’m equally dedicated to the logistics that keep your project running smoothly. My strengths lie in planning, coordination, and attention to detail, ensuring that every project stays on schedule, within budget, and is executed to the highest standard. I take a thoughtful approach to materials and finishes—prioritising quality, longevity, and options that contribute to a healthier home. Whether it’s selecting durable, low-toxic finishes or sourcing well-crafted furnishings built to last, I believe great design should be both beautiful and considered.
I work only with skilled, reliable tradespeople who share my commitment to quality and professionalism, ensuring that every detail is handled with care.
In addition to my work as an Interior Decorator, I am also a Director and the Business Manager of Dave Brown All Round, a Darwin-based carpentry and maintenance business. This dual role allows me to seamlessly blend creativity with practical project management, ensuring that both design and construction are handled with expertise and precision.
Whether I’m on-site working alongside tradespeople or in the studio developing a design concept, I bring a grounded, personable, and unpretentious approach to every project. My goal is to create spaces that are not only visually beautiful but also feel effortless to live in—functional, timeless, and designed with care.
sustainable & healthy design
A Thoughtful Approach to Design
I’m committed to creating beautiful, functional spaces with a mindful approach to sustainability. Thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making choices that minimise waste, support ethical practices, and contribute to a healthier home and planet.
This means considering:
Deconstruction, not just demolition – preserving quality fixtures so they can be sold, repurposed, or recycled instead of going to landfill.
Recycled, upcycled, and repurposed elements – incorporating these where possible and suitable for your space.
Sustainably certified materials – choosing products that meet quality environmental accreditation standards.
Materials with a circular life – opting for resources designed for longevity and reuse.
Quality over quantity – investing in well-made items that stand the test of time.
Ethical partnerships – working with brands that are genuinely committed to social and environmental responsibility.
Making the most of what you have – refreshing and reimagining instead of replacing for the sake of it.
Healthier choices – selecting products that are better for you and the environment.
Supporting remote Australia – contributing to sustainable construction practices in regional areas.
Embracing ‘enoughness’ – focusing on thoughtful, purposeful design rather than the pursuit of more.
This doesn’t mean your project has to be a showcase of best-practice sustainability. Every small step makes a difference. Whether you’re looking for simple, cost-effective ways to add eco-conscious elements to your space or want to go all in, I can tailor my approach to suit your project and lifestyle goals.
I am an early adopter, and advocate of, Circular Design in the Interior Design Industry, participating in the 3 day intensive
Select & Source: A ReEvolution course by Circular Design Thinking in February 2024.
Skills Attained
Circular Design Thinking / Circular Economy Principles / Project Strategy
Process Implementation / Stakeholder Engagement / Local and global regulations
These skills positively assist the transformation of the Interior Design Industry from a linear to circular model by:
Navigating Circular Design
Knowledge is power. I know how to get the right information to cut through greenwashing to make good choices.
Articulating Circular Design Principles
Assessing and adjusting my design processes to align with circular design principles enables me to eliminate waste and evaluate materials and their lifecycles.
Activating Circular Design in my projects
I design with integrity by designing projects with circular principles and quantify the project’s environmental impact. Sustainability is top of my mind and I make a positive environmental impact through my project selections.