This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who shape our worlds, the quiet strength, the everyday grace, the beauty in the details.
Creative director, mother, and founder of The Inarra, Courtney McIntosh embodies this spirit with ease. Known for her refined eye and emotive storytelling, Courtney opens the doors to her home… a sanctuary layered with warmth, restraint, and soul.
How would you describe your personal approach to interiors?
I’d say it’s relaxed, layered, and a little sentimental. I love mixing old and new, there’s nothing better than giving something a second life. I’m drawn to natural textures, imperfect shapes, and anything with a story behind it. My approach is all about balance, making spaces feel calm but lived-in, thoughtful but not too precious.
What does a considered home mean to you, especially as a mother?
For me, a considered home isn’t about having everything perfect, it’s about creating a space that supports how we live. With two little boys, it has to function well (i.e survive flying toast and Lego underfoot) but still feel beautiful. I think it’s about rhythm, little zones for calm, chaos, and connection.
What rituals or objects help anchor your day?
Coffee, always. Preferably in a nice mug that feels good to hold. I’m also big on lighting such as flicking on a lamp, lighting incense or a candle instantly shifts the mood. And fresh flowers or greenery. It doesn’t need to be fancy, sometimes it’s a handful of whatever the boys have picked from the garden.
You’ve created such a serene atmosphere in your home. How do you balance softness and structure in your styling?
Textures do all the heavy lifting; linens, brushed woods, ceramics, steel framed doors and stair handrail. I love a soft throw thrown over something with clean lines, or a sculptural light next to a vintage side table. I don’t follow rules, I go with what feels good together.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
It’s a moment to pause (ideally with brekky in bed). I don’t need grand plans, just a slow morning, cuddles from the boys, and maybe a walk or lunch somewhere we all love. It’s one of the few days where I actually stop and think, “Wow, I’m their mum.” Which just makes me smile; on the inside and out.
What’s inspiring you right now in design, in life, or in motherhood?
Honestly? Less. I’m inspired by people and spaces that don’t try too hard. I’m loving tactile materials, earthy tones, and design that makes you feel something... even if you can’t explain why. In motherhood, I’m always inspired by honesty - the messy, magic, mundane bits of it.
What pieces in your home hold the most meaning to you and why?
I have a few vintage furniture pieces that we’ve had refurbished and brought back to life, they’re completely one-of-a-kind. I also love anything the boys have made (especially if it’s framed and looks a bit abstract!). And my grandmother’s vase that somehow survived many moves and toddlers - it’s always on display with beautiful florals.
How has your style evolved since becoming a mother?
I think it’s become softer, more intuitive. I’m more focused on how things feel than how they look. I’ve also gotten really good at hiding clutter in beautiful baskets or cupboards.
As the founder of THE INARRA, how do you translate your creative values into everyday living?
THE INARRA is all about thoughtful, real storytelling and that definitely spills into how I style and live. I don’t want spaces that just look good on Instagram. I want them to feel like us.... layered, meaningful, evolving.
Do you have a favourite corner or moment in your home right now?
Yes! Since renovating, our kitchen has become the heart of our home and I just adore it. Topped off with our beautiful Ce'cile Stools from Merci Maison, it's the perfect spot for me to look out to the garden and just breathe. The kitchen island catches the afternoon sun and has become my unofficial 10-minute tea break zone.
How do you approach creating emotional resonance in a space?
I think it’s about the layers and the pieces that have a backstory, or that bring you joy every time you walk past them. It’s also about creating room for pause....a little space to exhale.
What advice would you give to someone curating a slower, more intentional home?
Don’t rush it. Homes are meant to grow with you. Collect pieces over time, choose things you really love, and embrace the oddities. The beauty is often in the imperfect corners.
As a mother of two, she gracefully balances the demands of family life with the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, embodying the essence of modern-day superwomen everywhere.
