Wake Up With: Emily Gillis
Wake Up With is a series devoted to the morning practices of our creative peers.
Today, we bring you greater insight into the morning rituals and routines of Interior Designer, Emily Gillis.
Describe your sleeping space
My bedroom is located at the centre of my home, making it a cosy and quiet space. The furnishings are minimal yet tactile, including chunky tuscan sisal carpet, which is made from woven natural fibres, crisp white cotton sheets, woollen blankets and walnut timber furnishings. It is always tidy, and it must be dark, which makes it easier for me to rest.
What time do you wake up?
For the most part, I’m bounding with energy when I wake up. Depending on the seasons in Melbourne, this is at sunrise, between 6am and 7am.
The first thing you do upon waking?
As soon as I open my eyes, Henry, my dog beams at me and I signal him to come up on the bed.. After a good long cuddle I’ll either go for a run or walk around the parks surrounding my house or attend a class at the gym.
What do you need to get a good night's sleep?
To get a good night’s sleep, I need to make sure I’ve exercised during the day and had a slow wind down in the evening. To settle into the night I often cook a meal and watch the television with my partner, then I will read my book for half an hour in bed before drifting off to sleep.
Your AM Skincare / Self Care Routine?
My skincare routine is very simple. In the morning I gently wash my face with warm water and a muslin cloth. After this, I let my skin remain as natural as possible. I don’t wear makeup, however, I put on a small amount of La Roche Vitamin B serum and SPF50+ sunscreen for protection against the sun.
In the evening I dedicate a little more time to my skin. I use Eve Lom balm to cleanse my face. The Eve Lom balm requires a hot muslin cloth to steam your face, and it feels like an at-home facial. Afterwards I apply Retinol face cream from my dermatologist. I love feeling clean.
Morning beverages you can’t go without?
The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is drink a glass of water. Once I’m up I’ll have a coffee. Pre-Covid, I would have made it at home, however, during lockdowns I like going out to get an oat milk cappuccino from around the corner with my dog, Henry.
A typical breakfast might look like?
When I’ve got time I’ll have an egg and some avocado next to rye or sourdough bread (sometimes bacon too, hehe). Otherwise, I love berries, banana and oats with cinnamon and milk. If I'm in a hurry I’ll have a green smoothie with pea protein powder.
On an average day you’ll…
Go on a run, walk my dog and get a coffee in the local village, work in the study at home with my partner from 9-5pm, go for a walk at the end of the day again, cook dinner together… enjoy a glass of wine….
On a more productive day you’ll…
Sufficient sleep (7+ hours) and exercise in the morning are crucial for having a productive day. When I’m feeling productive, I can usually cross off most of my work tasks by midday and get outside at lunchtime for an extended break.
When you’re exhausted, you’ll…
When fatigue hits, I take a nap in the afternoon, and simplify my schedule for that day.
You start work around what time?
I start my working day at either 8am or 9am.
What’s on your morning to-do list on an average day?
My first task is to exercise. This helps clear my mind and energise my body for the day. I usually start work by making phone calls to organise myself and my priorities for the rest of the day!
If your ideal morning had a soundtrack?
Jack Johnson - ‘In Between Dreams’ - It’s so happy and relaxing
05 - 10 - 21