Rachel Donath is a globally celebrated Australian furniture designer and collector, known for her carefully curated inventory and eponymous furniture collections. Established in 2020, her inventory, a mixture of timeless antique and contemporary design pieces, has quickly become highly sought after by the industry’s most respected and successful professionals.
With a discerning eye, she understands objects as art – the ethos at the heart of her elevated aesthetic – and creates unexpected pairing of form, tone and texture to ignite curiosity and inspire some of Australia’s most unique homes and recognised interiors.
In the production of her bespoke collections, she is also proud of having a sustainable and ethical practice. By collaborating with local and globally based craftsmen alike, she not only supports artisan communities but ensures the highest quality manufacturing to make every experience of Rachel Donath, synonymous with excellence.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 5 WORDS…
Creative, entrepreneurial, strategic, driven, passionate.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN FURNITURE COLLECTION IN 2020, AND HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR UNIQUE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
I wasn’t as much inspired as called by necessity to start my business when, during COVID, I had little work and needed to be resourceful in finding my niche. For me, it had to be interiors, art, furniture. That’s where my heart is!
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT TRENDS OR DIRECTIONS DO YOU SEE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FURNITURE DESIGN, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO INCORPORATE OR RESPOND TO THESE TRENDS IN YOUR WORK?
I am probably the wrong person to ask this question to as I have no interest whatsoever in trends or what others are or aren’t doing. I guess it’s my hope, that by creating pieces that are not trend led but are beautiful, timeless and personality filled, that I will encourage others to find their own unique style and to feel confident in making design choices for their homes that feel aligned with who they are and what they want in life.
YOUR WORK IS KNOWN FOR ITS ELEVATED AESTHETIC AND THE WAY YOU PAIR FORM, TONE, AND TEXTURE. CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF A PIECE OR COLLECTION THAT EXEMPLIFIES THIS APPROACH?
My second collection, called FORME, which launched in 2022, was all about shapes and mixing materials in unusual ways. This collection saw the birth of the Bohan Lamp, the Allard Ottoman, the Leroy Coffee Table and the Archae Mirror – all off which are very unique in their shapeliness and construction.
FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?
The more I travel the more I realise that what we have at home, in Australia, is some of the best ’travel’ you’ll ever do and some of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. I love the Northern NSW for its beaches and climate. I love the Red Hill Region in Victoria for fresh produce markets, thermal springs and beautiful walks. I am hoping to travel to Western Australia later this year to see Broome, Cable Beach, The Kimberley. I’ve never been before would you believe!
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE…
I like to think that I’m not a trend girl but rather someone who can identify special pieces that are classic and flatter my body and colouring. I like to have fun with clothing - half my wardrobe is sequins and prints, the other half is black, tailored pieces - there's no in between for me!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHOES FROM THE SAMBAG COLLECTION?
I love the Lola Black Suede Loafer. Suede just elevates the shoe and makes it more trans-seasonal which I love. I adore a classic shoe that goes with everything!
AND OUR SIGNATURE QUESTION, IF YOU WERE A SHOE, WHAT KIND WOULD YOU BE?
It would have to be comfortable (medium heel or a platform even) but have great shape. I have 2 pairs of the Chanel classic slingback which hit the brief, they are perfectly timeless and classy.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
You can find me on Instagram @racheldonath_ or visit my website www.racheldonath.com.au