Our story — Meet Monika
I grew up in Brisbane, surrounded by a big, bustling family where the dining table was the heart of everything. After finishing university, I moved to London in 2010 and spent nearly a decade working in interior design studios across London, New York, and Berlin. What always struck me was how design there felt so connected to people’s lives — not just about how something looked, but how it worked day-to-day. It was during those years I developed a real knack for functional, versatile pieces that didn’t skimp on practicality.
Before coming back home, I spent my last three years in Berlin working on small-space solutions for apartments. It was one of those jobs where you notice every millimetre counts. I’d also developed a habit of scouring European markets — there’s something about walking through a place like the Mauerpark flea market and thinking, 'How can I make this work in an Australian context?' But I also realised I missed home. The beaches, the light, even how laid-back people are when it comes to how we live.
I moved back to Australia in 2019, setting up in Goolwa, SA. My first piece came out of sheer necessity. I had all my samples and papers sprawled across my rented flat, so I made a storage ottoman that doubled as a coffee table. One thing led to another, and by mid-2020 I’d sold my first 50 pieces. I was working with a small upholstery workshop in Adelaide to keep things local. Every step made me realise this wasn’t just a side project anymore — it had legs.
These days, Ainslie Bridge Home is still based in Goolwa. We work with Australian suppliers wherever possible, like sourcing our cotton throws from a mill near Geelong. We’re a small team focused on making things for people like us — who want objects that look good but are easy to live with. Everything still gets tested right here in our own spaces before we put it out into yours.
— Thanks for letting us into your space — Monika, Monika Sharma
Journal
Why Our Ottomans Start in Port Elliot
The Luxe Storage Ottoman begins as timber frames crafted by a fourth-generation family business in Port Elliot.
Ainslie Luxe Storage Ottomans might look sleek and polished now, but they start their lives in a small workshop just 15 minutes from my home in Goolwa. There’s a family in Port Elliot—four generations of woodworkers—who build the timber frames for us. They’ve been working with blue gum and radiata pine for decades, and they’re particular about every joint and curve. I’ve spent a few too many afternoons in their workshop drinking instant coffee while they explain why wood grain direction matters. They’re not wrong, but my tea-loving brain is still adjusting to so much Nescafé.
The ottoman frames don’t stay in Port Elliot for long. Once they’re sanded and sealed, I pick them up in my (very scratched) ute and bring them back to a local upholsterer in Victor Harbor. She’s got a tiny operation, just two full-time staff and herself, but they work fast. They add layers of foam cushioning, stitching, and finally the fabric covering. The fabric is a whole other story—none of it is printed here in South Australia, but I have a few leads I’m chasing for future designs.
By the time the ottoman makes it to our storage space, it’s been through at least six pairs of hands. A lot of small brands say ‘local’ and mean the country, but for us, most of this process doesn’t leave the Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s a slower way to work, and more expensive if I’m being honest, but it’s one area where I’ve stuck to my gut. The few cheaper overseas options I trialled just didn’t feel right.
I sometimes wonder what it would be like to get things made in one big factory overseas—everything streamlined and on pallets. When I lived in London, I visited a warehouse in Dorset that churned out pieces for half the furniture brands in the UK. It looked very efficient but also a bit soulless. Here, I know everyone who works on every piece. That doesn’t make it ‘better,’ just different. And it’s a difference I’m comfortable with.
If you ever sit on one of our ottomans, remember there’s a lot more to them than storage space and fabric. There’s tea-stained woodworkers, a busy upholsterer in Victor, and my poor ute taking yet another hit from moving frames across the Fleurieu.
How I Use Throws During Goolwa’s Autumn
When the temperature dips below 12°C, I pull out my Coastal Breeze Quilted Throw — it’s basically a ritual now.
Autumn in Goolwa doesn’t really hit until late April, sometimes May if it’s been a warm year. But once it does, the temperature drop is sharp—one day you’re barefoot on the deck, the next you’re looking for socks and a heater. For me, this is throw season. I’ve got one of our Coastal Breeze throws draped over the arm of the couch from April until October. It’s lighter than a wool blanket but heavier than your average cotton throw, which makes it perfect for the in-between months.
Most evenings, I fold the throw into thirds and layer it across the end of the bed. A friend of mine in Brisbane laughs when I say it gets cold enough here for throws in bed, but she’s never spent a winter near the Southern Ocean. Some mornings, it’s under 8°C when we wake up, and our house isn’t exactly insulated like a London flat.
The other thing I like about using throws this time of year is that they’re versatile. If we have people over for dinner and it gets chilly outside, I’ll grab the throw from the bed and toss it out on the deck chairs. It’s big enough for two people to share and somehow still folds back into shape nicely. I wish I could say that was planned design, but it’s more luck of the stitching and batting.
Someone once asked whether throws are more decorative or functional. I’m not sure there’s a clear answer. The Coastal Breeze Quilted Throw is obviously warm—that’s the functional part—but the design and colours are where the magic is for me. It’s got an earthy coastal palette that blends with everything else we sell, and it doesn’t scream ‘seasonal décor.’ It’s subtle, maybe too subtle for some tastes, but just right for a house like ours.
I’m curious to hear how other people use their throws in autumn. I only know my own rituals—bed, couch, occasionally the deck—and I suspect there are more creative ways to make use of something so simple.
A Long Hunt for the Right Ceramics
The Sunset Ridge Ceramic Vase wasn’t our first ceramic piece, but it was definitely the trickiest to source.
Finding the right ceramics for Ainslie Bridge Home has been a saga. When I first started the brand, I thought sourcing ceramics would be simple. It’s not like Australia is short on potters, after all. But the first few pieces I commissioned didn’t quite fit the vision. Either the clay was too heavy, the glazes weren’t consistent, or they looked a bit too rustic for what I had in mind.
The Sunset Ridge Ceramic Vase was a turning point. It’s made in partnership with a small studio on the Mornington Peninsula. They work with local clay blends and fire everything at high temps, which means the finish is smooth but durable. I loved their attention to detail from the start—every piece is slightly different, but the differences are subtle enough to feel deliberate rather than accidental. We’ve been working together since late 2023, and it’s been one of my favourite collaborations so far.
One thing I didn’t expect was how much the process of making vases would influence their design. For instance, the first drafts of the Sunset Ridge Vase were cylindrical and narrow. Beautiful, but terrible for actually holding flowers. The studio suggested tapering the mouth and widening the base, and it completely changed the piece. Now it’s functional for everything from dried gum leaves to fresh proteas.
We only produce 50 vases at a time, which might sound like a lot, but they tend to move quickly. A lot of our customers tell me they use theirs as much for décor as for flowers. One woman in Adelaide emailed to say hers is permanently stationed on her kitchen bench, holding cutlery instead of plants. I kind of love that—it’s always nice when something finds its own use.
I’m still learning what works when it comes to ceramics. The material is unpredictable, and every kiln firing feels like a gamble (though thankfully not my gamble—Mornington handles that). But every time I see a finished vase, it’s a nice reminder that sometimes the long hunts are worth it.
Adapting Scents for Autumn Moods
With the Ainslie Electric Aroma Diffuser, I always swap to sandalwood and mandarin blends the moment autumn arrives.
I don’t know if it’s a Goolwa thing or just a me thing, but autumn always feels like a season for different scents. In summer, I’m all about fresh and beachy smells—eucalyptus, lemon myrtle, anything that feels like a salty breeze. But once the days start cooling, I reach for warmer blends. Sandalwood and mandarin is my go-to for the Ainslie Electric Aroma Diffuser. It’s earthy but not heavy, with just enough brightness from the citrus to stop it feeling overly rich.
A few people have asked why I chose electric diffusers over traditional oil burners. The answer’s pretty simple: I was living in Sydney during a heatwave when someone’s oil burner tipped over and set part of their deck on fire. No one was hurt, but it stuck with me. When we started designing these diffusers, safety was at the top of my list. Plus, the electric version diffuses more consistently, which makes it feel like less effort to use.
The diffuser itself comes in a soft matte finish, either white or charcoal grey, to blend into whatever space it’s in. I wanted something that wouldn’t scream ‘tech,’ even though that’s what it is at its core. Most days, I set mine to run for two hours in the morning while I’m working, then three hours in the evening after dinner. It gives the house a mood shift without me having to think about it too much.
I’m not a scent expert by any stretch, but I’ve learnt a bit over the years about how people respond to certain smells. Apparently, warmer blends like cedarwood or vanilla tend to make people feel calm. I stick to mandarin and sandalwood because they remind me of the cooler months in Sydney when I’d walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. There was always this mix of citrus trees and damp earth—it’s nostalgic in a way I can’t quite put into words.
If you’re in the mood to experiment with diffusers this autumn, I’d recommend starting with scents that feel familiar to you. They don’t need to be trendy or complex—a good memory in the form of a smell is worth more than anything else anyway.
Customer reviews
Emily R. — Newtown, NSW — 2024-01-15 — 5/5
Love the ottoman
Ordered the Ainslie Luxe Storage Ottoman, and it arrived faster than expected. Looks great in my living room and hides all my kids' toys perfectly.
Matt T. — Fitzroy, VIC — 2024-03-07 — 4/5
Nice diffuser
The Ainslie Electric Aroma Diffuser works well and looks stylish. It’s a bit smaller than I imagined, but it fits nicely on my bedside table.
Sophie M. — Paddington, QLD — 2024-04-12 — 5/5
Beautiful vase
I bought the Sunset Ridge Ceramic Vase, and I keep getting compliments on it. The colours are exactly as shown online. Very happy with it.
James K. — Subiaco, WA — 2025-02-22 — 5/5
Perfect throw for winter
The Coastal Breeze Quilted Throw is soft and warm, ideal for my couch during chilly evenings. Delivery was smooth, and the fabric feels great.
Claire B. — Hobart, TAS — 2024-09-10 — 4/5
Dinner set feedback
The Bamboo Fiber Dinner Set is lovely, lightweight, and easy to clean. Just wish it came in more colour options.
Liam S. — Glenelg, SA — 2025-05-19 — 5/5
Stylish and functional
I bought the ottoman for extra seating and storage in the guest room. It’s well-made and arrived in perfect condition.
Amelia H. — Manly, NSW — 2025-03-03 — 4/5
Nice but a bit noisy
The electric diffuser is great for creating a calming atmosphere but makes a slight humming noise when running. Otherwise, it's great!
Nick W. — South Melbourne, VIC — 2024-11-26 — 5/5
Throw blanket is amazing
The Coastal Breeze Quilted Throw exceeded my expectations. The stitching is solid, and it’s perfect for layering without being heavy.
Shipping
We use Australia Post for standard shipping and StarTrack for express shipping across Australia. Standard delivery typically takes 3-7 business days, while express orders arrive within 1-3 business days depending on your location. Orders placed before 12pm AEST on business days are dispatched on the same day.
Shipping is free for orders over $150. For orders below this amount, standard shipping starts at $9.95, and express shipping costs vary based on your location. All orders are tracked, and tracking details will be emailed to you once your order is on its way.
If your item arrives damaged in transit, please contact us immediately at hello@ainsliebridgehome.com with photos of the damage. We will work with you to resolve the issue by either reshipping the item or processing a refund.
Returns
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery, following Australian Consumer Law guidelines. Items must be unused, in original condition, and returned with all tags and packaging intact. To start a return, email us at returns@ainsliebridgehome.com with your order number.
Please note that customised or clearance items cannot be returned unless they are faulty. For hygiene reasons, some items like dinnerware cannot be returned if they’ve been used. If your item is faulty, we will cover the return postage costs.
Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days of receiving the return. The refund will go back to your original payment method. If you have questions about your return, don’t hesitate to contact us at the email above.