Grounded in a philosophy of joyful, mindful living
At its core, interior decoration and design are about enriching the everyday. Tennille works by the philosophy that a home is an extension of its people and design should be personal, mindful, and full of intention. Every detail must be considered not only for its beauty, but for how it supports daily rituals, wellbeing, and the joy of living and connection. This balance of function and refinement creates restorative sanctuaries and timeless beauty.
“For me, intention means designing with purpose. Every decision is considered, never arbitrary, ensuring a home flows with daily life and feels authentic and connected to its owners.”
Tennille Joy, Principal Designer
A life in design
With a reputation built on a family legacy of design, Tennille Joy has spent her life immersed in home styling and design. Inspired by her mother, a nationally recognised interior designer, she grew up attending trade shows, visiting antique markets, and learning to honour the integrity of each design piece. This early foundation sparked a lifelong passion for interiors, blending tradition with innovation.
Her career has spanned more than 25 years, delivering projects that range from holiday homes and penthouses in the Whitsundays to luxury beach houses on the Mornington Peninsula. For a decade, she worked exclusively with one of Australia’s most prominent figures, Harold Mitchell, designing residences that were as ambitious as they were personal, from a helicopter-accessed mountain lodge to a Melbourne penthouse inspired by his private jet.
Tennille’s passion lies in creating homes that nurture wellbeing and support daily rituals. She believes true luxury is found in details that restore balance and integrity, resulting in a home where her clients’ vision is fully realised.
Tennille Burnup, Founder of Tennille Joy Interiors | CKD Au, CBD Au | Advanced Diploma in Interior Decoration & Design | Certified Kitchen & Bathroom Designer | Listed in House & Garden Magazine as one of the BEST of the BEST | As seen in House & Garden Magazine
Recognition and Achievements
Tennille Joy’s work has been celebrated across Australia and internationally. She has been listed in House & Garden’s coveted Little Black Book as one of the “Best of the Best” and is a 14-time Houzz Award winner. Her career includes time with world-renowned studios such as Kelly Hoppen Interiors and Osborne & Little in London, experiences that continue to influence her design perspective today. From five-star retreats to Melbourne penthouses and landmark residences along the Mornington Peninsula, Tennille’s projects are consistently recognised for their refinement, artistry and rare access to acclaimed craftspeople.
Discover Tennille Joy Interiors’ award-winning work as an Interior Decorator
Who Tennille designs for
- Owners of prestigious homes – Clients seeking discretion, trust and exceptional outcomes.
- Time-poor decision makers – Busy professionals who want a seamless experience without the overwhelm.
- Design-savvy clients – Clients with a vision who need the insight of a leading interior stylist and decorator with access to rare artisans.
- Collectors and aesthetes – People who value unique pieces, rare access and lasting quality.
- Wellness-focused estate owners – Clients who want their home to support balance, ritual and restoration.
Access beyond borders
Tennille’s international connections open doors to an exclusive network of makers, creators and craftspeople. Regular travel to Milan, Paris, China, and the USA ensures that her clients benefit from rare pieces, trade-only collections, and global design insights that cannot be found in the mainstream market.
“A home is never just a collection of rooms. True design is the art of connection, ensuring every space feels distinct yet part of a cohesive whole.”
Tennille Joy
The Tennille Joy approach
Interior design and decoration are a visual form of storytelling, and a home is an expression of identity and lifestyle, shaped by how people live and feel. From heritage terraces in Carlton to prestigious residences in Brighton, Toorak and Mornington, Tennile looks beyond surface beauty to map the flow of daily rituals. A place for everything and everything in its place. Every decision is purposeful, balancing function with refinement so that homes feel intuitive and extraordinary.
Tennille’s difference lies in the detail. Intelligent storage, thoughtful zoning, curated textures and layered lighting bring ease and order to daily life. Then comes the artistry: the beauty of natural timbers, the softness of textiles, and the warmth of ambient light layered to create a sense of luxury. Guided by material integrity and an intuitive eye for balance, Tennille designs homes that honour architectural character while creating spaces of timeless distinction.
Colour and contrast are never an unconsidered addition, but a reflection of identity, mood and meaning. Tennille’s palette draws inspiration from each home’s surroundings, favouring tones that evoke warmth and emotion, balanced with moments of cool restraint. Through contrasting colour, light and texture, she brings depth and individuality to every interior, capturing the soft rebellion that defines her approach to design.
Tennille’s philosophy draws on principles of biological design, colour psychology and building health to create interiors that restore balance and support daily life. Guided by her own journey of healing and a deep understanding of biohacking and homeostasis, she designs homes that work in harmony with the nervous system, nurturing comfort, sleep and calm while enriching mood and easing stress.
“As an interior stylist, I am influenced by the joy of life around me, from the stillness of art galleries to the discovery of new flavours, the hum of a busy city and the calm of the beach. Travel opens my mind and I find balance in the grounding presence of family and friends.”
Tennille Joy
Explore Tennilles Interior Decoration, Design and Styling Services
