Discovering the art of calm with Baina’s Bailey Meredith

Step inside the serene world of Bailey Meredith, the co-founder of the towelling brand Baina. In her charming 1930s Art Deco apartment, Bailey shares how her passion for timeless design and mindful craftsmanship shapes not just Baina’s beautiful bathroom textiles, but also her own home.

BAINA ISN'T JUST A TOWEL BRAND; it’s a celebration of the everyday. Founded in 2019 by friends Bailey Meredith and Anna Fahey, the Australian company infuses their New Zealand roots and expertise from many fields of design into bathroom textiles that make even a quick shower feel like a luxurious escape.

Design Stories had the opportunity to interview Bailey, who lives in Sydney in a charming 1930s Art Deco apartment surrounded by lush gardens. Bailey's keen eye for detail and an appreciation for refined design can also be seen in this two-bedroom apartment where she has lived for over a year. We encourage you to pay special attention to the bathroom!

Hello Bailey! Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
“Sure! I live in Sydney, Australia, and I’m the co-founder and creative director of Baina, an Antipodean brand of organic cotton towelling.”

Tell us more about how you decided to start Baina. What’s the brand’s design philosophy?
“Before Anna and I launched Baina, we felt the towelling category had been somewhat overlooked in design and quality. It was an afterthought – a purchase given very little consideration. With a mutual affinity for bathing, using it as a way to decompress and reset, we wanted to provide a more considered offering in the towelling space. Elevating this everyday object through modern design, mindful craftsmanship and a seasonless approach.”

“We try to design with permanence in mind to promote longevity over seasonal trends.”

The Baina textiles have a timeless aesthetic, some might say that they resemble the Nordic style as well. You’re based in Australia – how do you see the Nordic interior style from there?
“From the outset, we wanted Baina to be a seasonless brand and avoid the cyclical pressures we had experienced back when we worked in the fashion industry. We try to design the collection with permanence in mind to promote longevity over seasonal trends.

Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to the Nordic style. The refinement – spaces that prioritise simplicity and functionality. I love the use of natural materials and the emphasis on natural light you often see in Nordic design.”

How has your profession influenced the décor in your own home – or has it at all?
“I think my profession has certainly played a role in shaping the décor in my home. I chose pieces that reflect my values regarding simplicity and craftsmanship. I believe in creating spaces that feel both timeless and personal. My home is a curated collection of objects and artworks that resonate with me. Homes are places of nostalgia, so I like to have a connection to pieces in my house. I’m always collecting things when I travel, trinkets that hold memories.”

“I believe in creating spaces that feel both timeless and personal.”

How has your design style changed over the years?
“I would say my style has evolved. I’ve moved into more conscious buying and thoughtfully considering what I put in the space. It’s an ongoing process of curation. An evolution of things coming in and coming out.”

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Styling the bathroom: Bailey Meredith’s best tips

1. Create a feeling of calm

“The bathroom is a place where we can slow down, find stillness and reset. For some it might be embracing minimalist design and minimising clutter, for others it might be creating a complimentary or unexpected colour palette that promotes relaxation.”

2. Texture and tactility

“Layer a variety of textures to create warmth and depth. Incorporate natural, high-quality materials that feel good to the touch, emphasising comfort. Combine soft towels, plush bath mats or a textured shower curtain.”

3. Thoughtful lighting

“Maximise natural light. Where limited, use soft, warm lighting to create a feeling of relaxation and calm.”

4. Personal touches

“The bathing space can be an extension of your aesthetic. Incorporate a single piece of art, or sculpture that resonates with you. This can add character without overwhelming the space, allowing for personal expression.”

5. Functionality

“Choose fixtures and fittings that are both beautiful and functional. The bathroom is a vital space that serves multiple purposes and needs to function effectively for your daily routine.”

6. Add scent

“The practice of bathing encompasses physiological, cognitive and experiential benefits. Adding scent, whether a candle, incense or diffuser, can elevate this experience.”

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What is your favorite room in your home and why?
“Our bathroom. It’s the one room we have intentionally chosen not to renovate. We love its Art Deco style. It still features the original porcelain enamel tub and pedestal vanity. It’s the perfect place to retreat after a long day.”

Do you have any vintage furniture in your home?
“Our dining table is a cherished vintage piece that’s been a part of our home for many years – even when we lived in New Zealand. It holds sentimental value. We’ve hosted countless gatherings with friends and family around that table. I think we chose pieces that transcend trends, and emit a timeless quality. Design that prioritises craftsmanship and quality.”

Do you have any hobbies?
“Ocean swimming. We’re so spoilt here in Sydney, there’s an abundance of beaches and ocean pools on our doorstep. My favourite pastime is to visit Clovelly – a small and tranquil beach at the end of a narrow bay. Concrete platforms and promenades have been constructed on both sides, providing ample space for sunbathing. On a day off I can often be found oscillating between a cold plunge in the saltwater pool and soaking up the warmth of the sun on the concrete.”

Finally: we fell in love with the dog in the images! What’s he called, and how did you find each other?
“That’s Gruff! We’ve had him since he was a puppy. He came into our lives during the pandemic in 2020. Although, it feels like he’s always been with us.”

Bailey Meredith’s TOP 3 favourites:

• 1. Restaurant? “Sean’s in Bondi. It’s a bit of a Sydney institution, but it’s homely, relaxed and unpretentious. As you dine in the sun-bathed room, Bondi’s crashing waves are audible from within.”
• 2. Scent? “I know it’s universal, but Santal 33 by Le Labo. I love its warm, woody profile.”
• 3. Movie? “Lost in Translation. Actually, anything with Bill Murray in it.”

See also:

• All products by Baina >
• Read also: Introducing: Baina >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Samantha Totty