Style Inspirations from Mirth Founder Kylie Platt
Australian designer Kylie Platt is the founder of Mirth, a lifestyle store that with homeware, interior accessories and just about everything in between. She also runs And the Little Dog Laughed, offering children’s clothing. She shares her journey and style tips with us.
What’s the story behind Mirth?
I worked as speech pathologist, and when I had my firstborn, I started toying with the idea of designing a children’s range. Six years ago, when we first started Mirth, there wasn’t a great choice of homewares and children’s products in Hong Kong. I started off with a clothing line, and soon moved into knitted animals and blankets.
Did you always see yourself going down this path?
As a child, I spent many hours in my grandmother’s back room playing around with her fabrics and ribbons, creating anything I could think of.
Tell us about your inspiration, style, and sourcing process.
“Mirth” is an old-fashioned word meaning happiness, laughter and fun. My style is a Nordic-Australian. I love simple clean lines, with a touch of colour. I try to source products that bring fun and happiness into the home – something quirky but functional at the same time. I design some of the Mirth products, and others are sourced from all over the world. I love supporting small designers. There are some many great ones out there who showcase their designs on Instagram.
Describe the Wong Chuk Hang flagship store. Any interiors tips we can steal?
When we opened Mirth in Wong Chuk Hang, there were no restaurants or other businesses in the area. Now the neighbourhood has taken off, and we have become a destination store – a one-stop shop for homewares, quirky finds, children’s presents and decor, and party supplies. We have a large children’s area, featuring everything from items to complete your child’s dream room to birthday presents and educational gifts. I love colour-blocking: a great tip when styling your home. Bringing objects with different textures and sizes together in the same colour hues works really well. It helps to keep the look tidy, but at the same time, you can merge textiles with ceramics for a designer look.
What are your tips for redecorating a home in Hong Kong?
Cushions are an easy and cost-effective way to add an instant update to your interior. Rotate them around each season for a complete change in the look of your living room, or bedroom. For a traditional look, stick to an even number of cushions. Odd numbers are best suited to a more eclectic, or modern style.