A New Era For McMullin with Founder & Creative Director Alice McMullin
When Alice McMullin reflects on the journey that led her to the creation of her eponymous brand, she speaks with a blend of humility and passion. “I started McMullin and co. by myself” she shares, recalling how she launched the company while seven months pregnant, driven by a steadfast resolve to build something of her own. What started as a modest venture selling Icelandic sheepskins quickly evolved into a household name. Today, with features in VOGUE Living, VOGUE Australia, House and Garden, The Local Project and Russh, McMullin and co. continues to grow, just recently rebranding to the refined ‘McMullin’ to better reflect the company’s evolution and commitment to a lifestyle that values intentional living.
Design has always been an integral part of Alice’s life, a passion nurtured by her family’s love for antiques and the uncommon. “It stemmed from such a young age,” she recalls, sharing how she was first introduced to design through endless visits to vintage stores and auction houses “I was absolutely fascinated!”. Despite initially pursuing a career in law, Alice was creative at heart. A return to studies to pursue spatial design, spurred by determination to do something more aligned with her interests, set Alice on the path that would eventually lead to McMullin.
Upon moving from her homeland of Aotearoa to Sydney, Alice took the first design-focused job she could find which ultimately became the catalyst for her decision to work for herself. At that stage, she was fully immersed in the world of design and determined to forge her own path in the industry. Alice quite quickly recognised that few were operating with the same level of thoughtfulness and consideration she envisioned.
For Alice, home is more than a place–it’s a sanctuary. “Home is something that is built over time,” she explains, “I think this is something that McMullin represents–everything doesn’t need to match. Our collections are designed to be mixed. That’s how I have built my home, piece by piece. I might spend years looking for the perfect object, but when I find it, I just know. I hope that we can be that for someone.” She continues.
“For me, homewares need to have a purpose. They should be something you actually use. It’s all well and good to have a house that looks like a show home, but you want pieces that can be lived with, and they should still look great. In fact, after use, they should look even better. It’s important to embrace mess”
This philosophy is central to McMullin’s identity, a brand that is as much about connection and community as it is about beautiful objects. Sustainability lies at the core of McMullin’s values. From the very beginning, the brand has been committed to creating designs that endure, in both form and function. “At McMullin, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a guiding principle,” she explains. “We’re not perfect, but every decision we make is with the long term in mind.” This commitment is evident in everything from the materials sourced to production. Put simply, McMullin’s collections are designed to stand the test of time, each piece crafted to be handed down for generations to come. Alice’s dedication to sustainable design goes beyond just the products. McMullin’s manufacturing process reflects a deep level of respect for the environment, with a focus on small production runs and ethical partnerships. “We work closely with our makers, ensuring fair working conditions and compliance with certification standards,” Alice shares. “These relationships are built on trust and respect, and we see our partners as an extension of the McMullin family.
Education also plays a critical role in McMullin’s approach to sustainability. The brand empowers its customers to care for, restore, and upcycle their furniture, ensuring longevity and reducing waste. “We want our customers to see the value in every piece, to understand that just because something is damaged doesn’t mean it’s at the end of its life,” Alice explains. This hands-on approach not only fosters a deeper connection but also aligns with McMullin’s mission to challenge the throwaway culture that dominates so much of what we see today. As McMullin continues to grow and evolve, Alice remains faithful to her original vision: to create a brand that is as much about the people who interact with it as it is about the objects it produces.
“McMullin is a lifestyle,” she says. “It’s about more than just homewares—it’s about connection, community, and creating spaces that feel authentic.” This philosophy is clear and it’s reflected in every aspect of the brand.
With an extensive portfolio that now includes everything from furniture and lighting to fine art and tableware, McMullin has established itself as a household name. The brand’s new direction signals a refined focus on its core ethos—craftsmanship, longevity, and pieces for living—while setting the stage for growth. “We’re excited about what’s to come, to give back to our community and foster deeper connections through a series of events we will be hosting,” Alice says. “But no matter where we go, we’ll always stay true to what McMullin stands for.”