Founded in 2000, Aura by Tracie Ellis has consistently led the way in contemporary bed linen and homewares, and Tracie recently received the Life Instyle Lifetime Achievement Award. We took the opportunity to talk to Tracie about trends, colour and inspiration.

Bold colour and pattern is a signature for Aura. Where did you find inspiration for this range?

My inspiration is always both global and local. I find my trips to Scandinavia and India very inspiring, whether it's the icy streets of Copenhagen & Stockholm in January or the sizzling heat of Jaipur and Delhi in summer. Inspiration comes from all over – and it's just as likely to come from the architecture in these cities as the colourful local markets. I am also constantly inspired by nature on my Sunday walks in Kyneton and my garden at Ellis House - an ongoing project, but one that brings me much joy.



Orange Poppy Corner Stripe Quilt Cover

You have established yourself as a leader in the industry, rather than a follower. How important do you think trends are for interiors?
I don't really follow trends now. I did when I first started designing but given I've been in the industry for 20 plus years, I feel that I have a clear understanding of what I want to design and which looks and styles work well for the Aura brand.  My team and I look at colour trends for our accessories especially when we are discussing the longevity of a particular colour eg: shall we continue with fiery coral or move to a more orange hue this season.  In terms of following trends, my advice is always to buy what you love and that way you'll never be disappointed!



Squares Quilt Cover

While distinctly new, your range ties in with prior collections. Is the ability to continue to layer Aura linen over time a conscious decision?
Absolutely! We are mindful that our customers don't always have endless amounts to spend on updating their homes. For that reason, we try to ensure that our ranges will complement one another and that the accessories from the newer ranges will work back with previous ranges. My own AURA team have styled their homes with Aura products gathered over many collections and the results are sensational!



Gold Dots Quilt Cover

You describe Aura as "a little bit Scandinavian, a little bit Indian and a whole lot Melbourne". What does your Australian sensibility bring to the range?
Despite our global influences, Aura is definitely an Australian brand.  Our use of bold colour is quintessentially Australian and our distinctive style is often described by international media as being very Australian. We've just launched at Hudson's Bay in Canada and Chatelaine (the number one selling magazine in Canada) has described Aura as "Australia's Aura homewares collection is all about bold patterns and colours — we love their graphic bed, bath and table linens." I'd also add that Aura's brand values are pretty closely aligned with those of Brand Australia as expressed by Tourism Australia for example; High spirited, down to earth, irreverent and welcoming. Many of our designs evoke these exact characteristics.

You use a mix of linen and cotton. What do you like about this combination?
I've always loved natural fibres and linen and cotton are two of my favourites. I love the look and feel of linen and the way that the fibres relax as it ages – it just gets better with time. When we decided to introduce our Maison range in Linen/Cotton it was to give the Australian market a new and affordable linen blend. This range has the look & feel of pure linen without the higher price tag and it's an amazing fabric that just gets better with time. Each season we add new colours and this year we introduced our 10^th and 11^th colours - graphite and pastel green.



As well as bed linen, the Aura Home range covers cushions, throws, table linen and rugs. Are there any other areas of the home you'd like to cover?
A couple of seasons ago we introduced our brand new kids bed linen range which has been hugely successful - now you can have AURA at all ages! Over the years we have designed and produced candles, kaftans, scarves, Christmas decorations and lanterns amongst other products and we are currently working on a new product range for next season.  I can't say anymore just yet but it will be exciting! watch this space.

Quickfire questions:

Right now I'm inspired by: My garden
The most comfortable bed I've ever slept in was at: Ellis House :-)
My next travel destination is: Sri Lanka
The number of pillows/cushions on my bed is: 5 pillows and 3 cushions
The Autumn 2015 collection design I'm taking home is: Kami in Black