A moment with interior designer Christina Symes on creative spaces and lives filled with beauty and intention
In this exclusive interview, we peel back the layers of Christina Symes, the creative force behind the renowned interior design studio, We Are Triibe. Known for her ambivert nature, Christina has beautifully melded her love for solitude and her vibrant community into a life that resonates with authenticity and creative fervor. Nestled in the Northern Rivers NSW, her life is a testament to the belief that true inspiration stems from a balance of introspection and external exploration.
At the core of Christina's philosophy is the idea that a home extends beyond its physical confines to embody the essence of those who inhabit it. It's a sanctuary where memories are forged, not just through its aesthetic appeal but through the warmth and love shared within its walls.
Join us as Christina shares her journey, her inspirations, and her insights into creating spaces and lives filled with intention, beauty, and genuine connection.
Can you tell us a little about yourself…
I feel as though ‘ambivert’ would be the best word to describe me; despite having an outgoing nature, I feel most at ease when I have adequate time on my own and quality time with loved ones. I live in a converted shed that I recently designed surrounded by bushland; I wake with the sun and to the sound of an array of wildlife. My best friend and business partner lives next door to me, and we have the most beautiful local community and friends that I get to share life with. My home is always one big revolving door for friends and family to come and enjoy this part of the world with me. A standard weekday is a mix of spending time outdoors in nature, quick dips in the ocean, trying new recipes and working on either one of my businesses; an interior design company We Are Triibe that I started with my business partner, Jess, 11 years ago, and a leakproof breastfeeding bra business, Milk Label, that was launched in 2022.
Where are you currently based in the world?
I live in the Northern Rivers NSW in Australia. The region has always been a frequent destination growing up, however, I have travelled and moved a lot (interstate and overseas) in recent years, so it is incredibly grounding to call this place home now.
What led you into the world of interiors?
My Dad is an architect, and I grew up listening to him talk about his projects and love for design, however, it wasn’t until my mid-twenties when Jess approached me to start a business with her. Jess had been working as an exhibition designer for a few years when both her and I were at a career crossroad; she lived with me when studying Interior Architecture at university, so she had observed my interest in design when we were casually discussing her assignments. Having never studied design up until that point, I applied for an interior and furniture design course in Florence, and within 3 months I had been accepted and packed up my life to live in Italy. It is still one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had to date; I was like a sponge, hanging onto every word my lecturers were saying – it was then I realised perhaps my dad’s love for design was always ingrained in me.
What do you believe creates a warm and inviting home environment?
I believe a home is an extension of the people who inhabit it; of course, physical objects help contribute to the overall aesthetic and feel of a space, such as furnishings, ambient lighting, air flow, spatial layout, scent, music and so on, however, it’s the company that you keep that truly makes you feel at home. For example, you could pull up a few milk crates around a table with some candles and your best friends and create some of your most cherished memories.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I take photos of things that catch my eye on my travels, my friends constantly inspire me, I try to read as much as I can, listen to podcasts, and get outside into nature – a lot of inspiration comes to me when I allow myself to pause.
When you are feeling uninspired, how do you pull yourself out of a creative rut?
If I sense I am in a creative rut it is usually an indication that I am a bit burnt out and need rest. For a quick fix, I will step away from whatever I am working on and get outdoors for a walk, do a yoga class or swim in the ocean. And if time allows for it, I will close my laptop for the day to start again with fresh eyes and mind the following day.
Do you have any mentors or people you look to for advice?
Yes, I have a few people in my life who have played a key part in guiding me along the way: Firstly, my old boss Phil; I worked for him in my early twenties and asked him to be my mentor once I started my own business. I knew he saw potential in me, and he has always been such a wealth of knowledge having had multiple businesses of his own. I also admire his outlook on life, relationships, and his willingness to offer help and advice when needed.
Secondly, my esoteric healer, Gabe; I was given her details by a dear friend 8 or so years ago when she told me about this woman who had made such a positive impact on her life. Since then, I’ve seen or spoken to Gabe every 3 to 6 months; and despite this not being the appropriate term to describe an esoteric healer, I call her my spiritual therapist. When I first met with her, she spoke to me about the spirit and the soul, and how the soul is our authentic self, and the spirit is our ego – and although I speak to her about whatever is going on in my life, and she offers general guidance and advice, ultimately she has taught me to better understand myself and others, and given me the tools to navigate back to my soul self if ever my ego takes the wheel.
And lastly; my friends, my life force.
“The more I let go of control, and trust, the better life gets.”
What business lessons have you learnt along the way?
One of the stand-out lessons is to always love or approve of the work you put out into the world. If ever in the past I haven’t felt good about the work I am presenting to a client, often the client won’t love it either.
Do you have any personal daily rituals that you follow?
Most mornings I start the day with a glass of warm lemon water before doing a few gentle stretches in the sun, and then a 15-minute guided breathwork – I use the app Open, and my go-to is Dare To Expand by Crussen. Otherwise, if it’s a nice morning, I’ll jump in the car and head down to the beach for a sunrise swim.
Have you had any epiphanies lately? (big or small?!)
The more I let go of control, and trust, the better life gets.
What book have you read that left a lasting impression and why?
I read The Alchemist at a pivotal point in my life in my mid-twenties, and still refer to it occasionally – we’re all just seeking our Personal Legend.
Do you use any tools or techniques to calm your body and mind?
Any of the following: breathwork, meditation, sauna, ocean swims, baths, yoga, pilates, getting out into nature, walking in the grass with no shoes on, and calling close friends for a chat.
What is your favourite way to relax?
Truthfully, having an orgasm.
If you could escape to anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
It’s a nice feeling knowing there is nowhere I want to escape to right now, I’m enjoying life where I am. However, I do have an international flight credit that I’m leaving as a wild card trip for when the time (and place) feels right.
Do you have any favourite quotes or words of wisdom?
In the book ‘Freedom From The Known’ by Krishnamurti, he talks about how we can react or get triggered in life by past experiences unrelated to what is happening in the present. So often, we can pre-empt a scenario to play out the way it has in the past and react to the situation before allowing people or circumstances to prove us otherwise.
Photography by Jessica d’Abadi & Madeleine Murdoch
Interview by Anna Harding