Inside a Family Cottage: How Aimee Winchester Creates a Home That’s Both Beautiful and Practical
Tucked away in the charming village of Bangalow, Aimee Winchester’s cottage is as beautiful as it is lived-in. With five children under one roof, her approach to design is all about balance - creating a home that’s practical and durable, yet still layered with warmth and beauty.
Every corner tells a story of togetherness, rhythm, and intentional living, from family meals at the kitchen table to Friday night movie rituals. Rooted in natural textures, thoughtful choices, and a love of local craft, Aimee’s home is a gentle reminder that beauty and function don’t need to compete - they can exist side by side, shaping a space that feels grounding, joyful, and deeply personal.
With five kids, how do you design a home that feels both beautiful and functional?
I try to keep things simple, practical, and durable while still bringing in warmth and beauty. With five kids, everything needs to be lived in and loved, not precious or untouchable. I lean into natural textures, easy-to-clean surfaces, and timeless pieces that still feel inviting and nurturing.
| Featuring our Byron Jute Rug in Natural 
| Featuring our Kiva Hand Woven Wool Rug in Ivory
What does ‘home’ mean to you beyond just a place to live?
Home is where we exhale. It’s the place where we reconnect as a family, create memories, and slow down. To me, home is about rhythm, rituals, and togetherness… it’s where we feel safe, grounded, and completely ourselves.
| Featuring our Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Olive & Natural
What’s your favourite corner of your home, and why?
My favourite spot is the kitchen table. It’s where so much of our life happens, meals, conversations, homework, celebrations, even quiet cups of tea. It holds our family stories and feels like the heart of our home.
Do you have any special home traditions—Sunday dinners, movie nights, or cosy mornings?
Yes, we do Friday night “family movie night” we do dinner together and then yummy treats while watching a movie together, my younger girls love this particularly. Birthdays that we make as meaningful as possible, and cosy mornings where we all gather slowly, my husband makes delicious French crepes . I love weaving little rituals into everyday life so our children grow up with a strong sense of belonging.
| Featuring Eltham Popcorn Wool Rug in Ivory
How do you encourage your children to appreciate thoughtful, intentional living?
We involve them, whether that’s cooking from scratch, gardening, or choosing quality over excess. I try to show them that life feels richer when you slow down and value the small details, rather than rushing through or filling up with “more.”
| Featuring our Jiva Round Braided Wool Rug in Olive & Ivory Beige
How do you approach shopping for your home—do you focus on quality over quantity?
Always quality. I’d rather save and choose something that will last, or buy second-hand, than bring in items that won’t stand the test of time. I try to make everything in our home both beautiful and useful.
| Featuring our Dharma Braided Jute Doormat in Natural
Are there any local brands, artisans, or makers you love to support?
I love supporting small local makers and artisans, especially those working with natural materials. Whether it’s ceramics, wooden furniture, or textiles, I feel connected knowing someone’s heart and craft went into it.
| Featuring our Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Mustard
What are you reading, listening to, and watching right now?
I’m re-reading The Untethered Soul (a book that always grounds me), listening to nourishing podcasts about slow living and wellness, and watching light-hearted shows with my kids—because laughter is essential.
| Featuring our Eltham Popcorn in Grey & Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Black
Do you have a favourite Rugs for Good rug — what do you love most about it?
Sedona in Sepia - in our teenagers’ loft, it completely transforms the space. It makes it feel cosy and grounded, while still being durable enough to handle plenty of teenage hangouts. I love how it ties the room together and brings warmth without feeling fussy.
| Featuring our Sedona Rug in Sepia
You can find Aimee on Instagram , explore her Facial Therapy work - Lune Therapy via these links.
Shop The Edit -
Byron Jute Rug in Natural
Kiva Hand Woven Wool Rug in Ivory
Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Olive
Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Natural
Eltham Popcorn Wool Rug in Ivory
Jiva Round Braided Wool Rug in Olive
Jiva Round Braided Wool Rug in Ivory Beige
Dharma Braided Jute Doormat in Natural
Sedona Rug in Sepia
Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Mustard
Eltham Popcorn in Grey
Marigold Wavy Jute Rug in Black
