INTERIOR DESIGNer GOLD COAST

Elizabeth May is a Gold Coast-based interior designer with more than 20 years of experience creating considered residential and commercial interiors. From new builds and renovations to furnishings and complete interior transformations, Elizabeth works directly with clients to create calm, refined spaces grounded in natural materials, texture and the way they live.

Design with Depth. Style with substance

We draw on a natural, textural palette and a refined eye for detail to create homes and spaces that are timeless, tactile, and full of quiet character.

Personalised to your life, your flow

From the way the morning light moves through your kitchen to how your family gathers at the end of the day, every decision is intentional.

Guided from vision to completion

Our full-service interior design process is collaborative and considered, with clear steps and open communication at every stage.

Coastal living room interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

Coastal living room furnishings interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

Happy dog coastal living room interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

Coastal living room coffee table interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

Coastal dining interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

Coastal kitchen interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

tallebudgera_outdoor_modern_elizabeth_may_design

Coastal bedroom interior design Tallebudgera by Elizabeth May Design

Interior Design Services

Every space tells a story, and the right design brings it to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a full-home transformation, choosing colours for a new build, or refreshing a single room, we work closely with you to shape spaces that feel grounded, intentional and beautifully personal.

Full Service Interior Design

Concept-to-completion design, sourcing and installation that layers organic textures with clean lines for a move-in-ready, whole-home transformation.

Renovation & New Build Planning

Build-ready floor plans, joinery drawings and curated material schedules that keep architects, trades and timelines perfectly in sync.

Furniture & Styling Package

Custom-curated furniture, art and décor delivered and styled on site to give every room an effortlessly lived-in, earthy elegance.

Colour + Material Consultation

A focused on-site session to pinpoint eco-friendly paints, tiles and timbers that anchor your palette and elevate the entire design.

E-Design / Remote Room Refresh

Digital mood board, scaled layout and clickable shopping list—everything you need to revitalise a space, no matter where you live.

Commercial Fit-out & Workplace Design

Brand-aligned interiors for offices, cafés and boutique retail that welcome customers, inspire teams and stand out along Australia’s East Coast

Our experience & expertise saves you time and money

Designing a space involves hundreds of decisions, and without a clear plan, it’s easy to lose time, money, and momentum. With our experience, industry insight, and supplier relationships, we streamline the process, reduce costs, and ensure every detail is thoughtfully considered from the start.

We Know Where To Look

With the endless range of furniture and furnishing options out there, we know where to look for the perfect fit piece for your design and can help you save weeks and months sourcing the pieces for your project.

We Deal With Suppliers

We take the hassle out of sourcing and selecting interior pieces for your project by dealing directly with suppliers on item options, availabilities and in coordinating delivery schedules.

We Lead and have a Plan

Doing this DIY can be a costly exercise. As your design lead, we can help you create a design concept and execute smoothly on the plan that comes together beautifully and on budget.

We Reduce Project Costs

We maintain relationships with a large network of suppliers often able to secure trade discounts on your behalf with pricing far below the standard retail offering.

Our experience & expertise saves you time and money

We Know Where To Look

We Deal With Suppliers

We Lead and have a Plan

We Reduce Project Costs

Elizabeth May

Lead Designer

AT A VERY YOUNG AGE, I FELL IN LOVE WITH FABRIC AND TEXTURE WHILST EXPLORING MY NANA’S SEWING ROOM WHICH WAS MY ALADDIN’S CAVE…

From a young age, I found joy in rearranging rooms at friends’ houses, at home, and anywhere I went. I didn’t realise it then, but those early instincts were the first signs of the passion that would shape my career.

I went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design at the TAFE Design Centre Enmore and spent 13 years honing my skills with leading design firms in Sydney before launching my own practice in 2013.

Over time, I’ve developed a signature style that is relaxed, organic, and grounded in earthy tones and textures. I love pairing natural materials with clean, refined lines to create spaces that feel warm, layered, and deeply personal.

My work spans the East Coast of Australia, from Sydney to the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Noosa, and Northern NSW, across hospitality, retail, and residential projects. Each one is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people and stories behind them.

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth May brings over 20 years of experience designing calm, refined interiors across residential and commercial spaces.

Known for her considered, collaborative approach, she creates spaces that feel effortless, cohesive, and deeply personal.

Based on the Gold Coast, working across the East Coast of Australia.

How we work together

When we work with clients on a complete interior design the process outlined below shows the typical phase stages. We also work with clients on on a case by case basis and on individual phase elements. For example, you might just want help selecting items, or with the design concept. Whatever stage you’re at, just reach out to have a chat and we can see how we might add value to your project.

Design Consultation

Every project begins with a design consultation, where we take the time to understand your space, goals, and the full scope of work.

Interior Design Concept

Once we’ve defined the project scope, we develop a considered design concept to guide every stage of the project.

Sourcing & Selection

With the concept in place, we begin sourcing and selecting interior items from key furniture to decorative details.

Fit-Out & Styling

We coordinate with suppliers and manage delivery schedules to ensure everything arrives on time and in order.

How we work together

Design Consultation

Interior Design Concept

Sourcing & Selection

Fit-Out & Styling

Sovereign Islands, Gold Coast

The Sovereign Islands home was a new build working alongside Enclave Constructions situated on the water in an exclusive residential precinct. Initially, the client came only with a simple set of architectural black and white drawings and needed all the finishes selected including the external facade.

Tallebudgera, Gold Coast

A captivating exploration of playful elegance and edgy sophistication, nestled in the heart of Tallebudgera. The project’s essence was to furnish and decorate the space, ensuring each element resonated with the home’s vibrant aesthetic and the client’s dynamic persona.

Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

This full refurbishment transformed a tired, dark apartment into a light-filled coastal retreat. Equal parts relaxed Airbnb and personal holiday escape for the owners.

Client Testimonials

If you're looking for an interior designer who can transform your space into a beautiful and functional haven, Elizabeth May Interior Designer is the perfect choice. Her exceptional skills and customer service will exceed your expectations and leave you with a space you'll love for years to come.

Sarina Thompson

Elizabeth is exactly what I was looking for in an interior designer! I had ideas of what I wanted, just didn't know where to start. The professional brief from her at the start was exactly what I was after - something other designers didn't even do! Her ability to pull everything together and present options helped us immensely; she does all the hard work for you! I would definitely recommend Elizabeth!

Cindy Cloete

I contacted Elizabeth May to advise me on choices to redecorate and modernise our Gold Coast apartment. I could not be happier. She is a delight to work with, reliable, calm and contactable, and has magnificent taste. I am so happy with the result. I found that we could get a great result with a moderate budget.

Mike & Noisie Pelly

Liz was amazing from start to finish. I find home decorating quite overwhelming, but she presented me with enough ideas to get my creative juices flowing. She stuck to the brief but added her own personal flair to them which really brought the house to life, and worked seamlessly with my builder which was such a relief!

Stefanie Slater

Elizabeth was an absolute pleasure to work with. Creative, attentive to the brief, and professional from start to finish. She has an eye for detail, is adaptive and never short of ideas to address the difficult or challenging aspects of the design. Could not have achieved the overall look and feel of my home without her involvement

Greg Smith

Elizabeth May is such a talented interior designer, I had the pleasure of working with her on our recent house in Tallebudgera. Her eye for detail and texture does not go un noticed in our interiors and soft furnishings. Lizzy is such a delightful lady and always responds promptly! I love all of our furniture choices and could not be happier with how our house has turned out.

Ash Pennel

Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design on the Gold Coast

How much does an interior designer cost on the Gold Coast?

Interior design fees depend on the size and complexity of the project and the level of support required. A consultation or single-room project will naturally cost less than a complete renovation or whole-home design. Elizabeth works with clients across different project sizes and scopes, from initial design direction through to full-service interiors. Read more about interior design costs on the Gold Coast.

What does an interior designer help with?

An interior designer can help with space planning, layouts, materials and finishes, colours, lighting, joinery, furniture, sourcing and styling. For renovations and new builds, Elizabeth can also work alongside builders and other project professionals so the interior is considered as one cohesive design.

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior design generally reaches further into the planning and function of a space, including layouts, renovations, finishes, joinery and coordination with builders. Interior decoration focuses more on furniture, colour, textiles, artwork and the final styling of an existing space. Elizabeth offers both, so the right service depends on where your project is up to.

Does Elizabeth May Design work on renovations and new builds?

Yes. Elizabeth works on renovations and new homes, helping clients make design decisions before and during construction, including layouts, materials, finishes, lighting, joinery and furnishings. Sovereign Islands new build project.

Can Elizabeth help with furniture and styling only?

Yes. You do not need to undertake a full renovation to work with Elizabeth. She can help with furniture layouts and sourcing, rugs, lighting, artwork, soft furnishings, colour and final interior decoration & styling for a single room or an entire home.

What is the first step in working with Elizabeth?

The first step is a Design Direction consultation. Elizabeth spends time understanding your home, how you live, what you want to change and where you need help. From there she can recommend the most appropriate next step and project scope.

Which areas does Elizabeth May Design service?

Elizabeth is based on the Gold Coast and works throughout the entire Gold Coast, from Coomera to Currumbin, as well as selected projects across Northern NSW and the East Coast of Australia.

WHat clients say

Let's talk about your project

Share your details and tell us a little about your project and Elizabeth will guide you on the best next step. No pressure, no obligation.