At Pillow Talk, we’re passionate about design that tells a story, and few stories are as inspiring as Steph Brooke’s. A self-taught artist with an innate talent for capturing the soul of the Australian landscape, Steph made a bold leap from the corporate world to pursue her creative calling—and it’s safe to say, she’s never looked back.
Her latest masterpiece, “Bushland Bloom,” embodies everything we love about art and nature. This design is a true celebration of the intricate beauty of native Australia—the seeds, the textures, the flowing patterns, and the striking contrasts of colour. Translating beautifully into the Steph Brooke for Pillow Talk Bushland Bloom homewares collection, Steph’s meticulous eye for detail brings to life the soft eucalyptus greens, the earthy warmth of ochres, and the punchy vibrancy of pinks, layering them together in a way that’s both evocative and profoundly fashion-forward.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Steph to explore her creative process, the inspiration behind “Bushland Bloom,” and how this collaboration brought her vision to life. Read on to discover the story of an artist who brings the beauty of the Australian landscape into our homes, one brushstroke at a time.
Hi! I’m Steph Brooke, an artist and founder of Steph Brooke Studio. I recently relocated from Darwin to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia.
Art has been part of my life since childhood, primarily through illustration. I went on to study a double degree in science and art, focusing on graphic design, decided it wasn’t for me and spent a few years in investment management (shock, also not for me). While I’ve explored many creative avenues, art has always been my outlet—a way to channel my curiosity and connect with the world around me.
As I’ve grown, I’ve realised how essential alone time in nature and the ability to get lost in gardens is for me to feel whole. These moments of curiosity and stillness inspire my work and allow me to thrive as a person. I feel incredibly fortunate to turn this connection with nature into a career that allows me to share that sense of wonder with others.
The Bushland Bloom design is a celebration of the intricate beauty and life found within native Australian landscapes. I love creating immersive compositions that feel like stepping into the landscape itself rather than viewing it from afar. This artwork is all about capturing the tiny details—the seeds, colours, textures, line work, and patterns that make nature so rich and complex. Inspired by bushland blooms and their vivid contrasts of soft eucalyptus greens, warm ochres, and bright pinks, the piece invites you to get lost in the layers and feel a deeper connection to the world around you.
Nature is at the heart of everything I create, and I feel that my artistic process mimics natural life cycles within the environment. As with any natural system, it can be quite complex, but the life source for everything living on Earth starts with water. This is why I begin my pieces with fluid, translucent, and diluted backgrounds that have no specific direction—they represent the organic, flowing nature of water as a foundation for life. I love learning about the science behind ecosystems and native flora, and this is very informative in my process of how I paint.
From there, I build textures that represent soil, creating a grounding layer for the work. Then, I work through illustrating specific species and their unique characteristics—their colours, textures, line work, and the intricate details you might notice if you look really closely when exploring landscapes. Often mark marking will stem from (haha, funny pun) environmental factors such as wind and decay, evidence of critters making their marks on leaves ect. Through this layered approach, I aim to capture not just the look of nature, but the essence of its growth and energy, inviting the viewer to experience that connection.
Absolutely! My creative process often starts long before I touch a canvas. I love traveling to specific destinations and spending time immersed in the landscape. I take my time to study the colours, textures, and native flora of the area, often with a field guide of native plants in hand—it’s a bit dorky, I know, but I embrace it! I always bring along my DSLR camera, a GoPro, my phone, a fine-line pen, and an art sketchbook to document the experience.
I don’t like to paint on location; it usually takes a few months for those ideas to incubate and evolve. There’s something about creating from memory that feels more authentic to me—it’s about remembering how the landscape felt and letting that emotional connection shape the piece, rather than painting what I saw. That space and time apart allow my work to capture something deeper, layered with my own artistic interpretation.
When I’m ready to paint, I clear my schedule and immerse myself completely in the process. I prefer to stay in a creative bubble, uninterrupted, so I can give my full energy and focus to bringing the collection to life. As my career grows, I realise I’m a little fussier about my creative process than I thought – I’m not generally a fuss pot.
My favourite spot is definitely the veggie patch. I’ve always been a huge fan of growing my own food and learning about permaculture. It was challenging to grow food in Darwin because of the relentless climate, but here on the Mornington Peninsula, the microclimate allows for such a wide variety of produce, and I’m loving it.
I really enjoy cooking with homegrown food—it’s so rewarding, and it’s something my 18-month-old son and I can do together, which is wonderful. Right now, my favourite plant in the patch is chamomile. I love picking a few chamomile buds in the evening to make my own tea before bed. It’s a simple, calming ritual that’s a beautiful way to end the day.
I’d say my home has a very collected feel. I love finding vintage furniture and decor pieces, whether in second-hand stores or randomly throughout life, and giving them a second life. There’s something special about curating a home with meaningful, one-of-a-kind items.
I prefer simple, clean lines, lots of texture, and natural colouring. Because my artwork is so transient in colour, I like to keep my home more neutral—it’s my way of resetting and finding balance. I’m deeply affected by my surroundings, so coming home to a calm, neutral base helps me recharge and refocus.
I’m not entirely sure what my style would be called, but I suppose it’s a mix of modern farmhouse vibes with linen, natural textures, lighter oaky wood tones, baskets and weavings, and plenty of books & houseplants. It’s cozy, grounded, and feels like home to me.
I’d tell my younger self to trust the process and focus on enjoying the journey. The creative path isn’t always linear, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
For anyone wanting to pursue art or design, my words are simple: find what feels good and just take the next best step. These words have helped me stay present in my creative process.
When you reflect, you realise that everything is just a series of next best steps. The important thing is to keep taking those steps, one at a time, and trust that they’ll lead you where you need to go. Nobody has been where you are going, and did it the way you do – so your next best step is the right way to go.
Shop the Steph Brooke for Pillow Talk Bushland Bloom collection online or in-store today.