Self-taught homeware designer Larissa Haddad has an innate eye for sculptural lines. This is evident in the pieces she creates for CoTheory, the Melbourne–based homeware brand she launched in 2022, and in every aspect of her personal style – from the books she reads and the lounge she dreams of reading them on to the art on her walls.

For our ongoing Designer Selects series, Haddad shares the elegant, sometimes whimsical and always form-led pieces that inspire her creative process and practice. 

Melbourne-based founder and creative director of CoTheory, Larissa Haddad, believes a thoughtfully designed space can transform the way we live and work. With a refined yet functional approach, she creates elevated and versatile homeware pieces that blend beauty with purpose, ensuring that every detail enhances daily life. Haddad’s talent lies in her passion for merging form and function, crafting pieces that are as visually inspiring as they are practical. Her vision for CoTheory stems from a deep appreciation for design and a passion for creating spaces that spark creativity and productivity.

Interiors by Alyssa Kapito 

As a self-taught designer, my education has been built on a windy path of visual content, podcasts, books and more social media rabbit holes than I’d care to admit. I came across the work of New York-based Alyssa Kapito through Athena Calderone not long after I started CoTheory, and her book came with me everywhere this summer holidays. Her approach is young, fresh and intuitive, blending contemporary flair with timeless elegance – an approach I always try to take in my own work, too, particularly as I’ve been creating our next homewares collection.

Bonnie Gray’s artwork ‘Wild Greens’

I met Bonnie at an industry event last year and fell in love with her work at first sight. We’re currently renovating our new home, and a Bonnie Gray piece is now on the wish list. I absolutely love her ‘Wild Greens’ collection but I find all her pieces so joyful. Her rich colour palette and pattern-infused expressions evoke a sense of freedom and vibrant nostalgia.  They feel like a gentle reminder to cherish those small, whimsical details both in our personal lives and creative work. 

The Architect Footed Letter Tray in beige travertine

This is one of the original CoTheory pieces from our first collection in 2022 – The Architect Footed Letter Tray – and a constant reminder of why I design. I have one in my own hallway at home and love seeing it each day when I come and go. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy, I wanted to design something that follows the natural beauty of the world, is sophisticated yet practical, endlessly versatile and simple. It is our most popular piece and has been selected in numerous commercial projects – by Lisa Madigan for the recent Sofitel Wentworth redevelopment project in Sydney, as well as by Coco Republic’s commercial team for the Sheraton Mirage in Brisbane. It’s also popped up on The Block and we’ve seen it in content shoots from several of our favourite designers. I always want to keep creating pieces that are loved as much as The Architect is.

MCM House Elio Modular in Chocci Cuddlelux

During our recent work in Sydney providing pieces for the Sofitel Wentworth project, I was invited to celebrate MCM House’s new Balgowlah store opening on the Northern Beaches. When I sat on the Elio Modular, it went straight on my wish list for our own home once we complete our renovation. It both looks and feels structured, deep, durable and timeless, and really draws the eye – even in a large showroom scattered with dozens of other MCM pieces. 

The Chocci Cuddlelux variant feels like an ode to Pantone’s colour of the year for 2025, Mocha Mousse. I love how this piece balances both style and practicality, something that resonates with me deeply when I consider a well-curated living space.

Rachel Donath Tautau Bench

When I recently began ideating our next collection, I was deeply drawn to the romantic and the desire to create heirlooms that celebrate exceptional craftsmanship, as well as a particular moment in time. 

Rachel Donath’s Tautau Bench popped up in my feed early in that process. It definitely inspired me. It’s the perfect balance between form and function, together with the contrast of the rich, tan leather and an elegant, hourglass iron frame. The way these elements combine to exude a sense of refined, historical charm becomes richer the more you experience it. 

For me, Rachel’s work reiterates the importance of creating pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are also capable of telling a story through their materiality, their wear, and their journey with the people who use them. Another item on the post-renovation wish list.

In Good Company Anders Pendant 

Lighting is everything – both as we renovate our new home for our family and in my work. When we’re shooting, whether for content or in space, it always makes or breaks a room. 

Seeing beautiful lighting become the focal piece of the room, in harmony with its other elements, in the way the Anders Pendant achieves this, is permanently etched in my mind. 

Its handmade, organic design, combined with its sculptural qualities, strikes the perfect balance between a natural, earthy aesthetic and a sense of refinement. I love its ability to transform a room and make a statement – whether on or off.

Discover even more pieces selected by some of Australia’s leading and emerging interior designers and stylists on ADR.