It’s been said that a home without art is a home without soul…and we don’t beg to differ! We are delighted that Studio Elwood will be exhibiting at Decor + Design, 16 – 18 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, collaborating with Zebra Home at Stand No. G28- COEX. Led by the talented artist Tory Burke, Studio Elwood has become sought-after for contemporary art that resonates with emotion and timeless appeal.

Known for high-quality original artworks and meticulously crafted limited-edition prints, the studio blends artistic intuition with a commitment to excellence. Tory’s practice, rooted in years of experience with oil painting, draws inspiration from nature, architecture, and personal memories, resulting in striking geometric designs and vibrant compositions.

Zebra Home is a Melbourne-based company that supplies jute and jute/wool rugs of exceptional quality. It’s become popular with designer looking for rugs that provide style, texture, practicality and durability for Australian living.

It also happens to be run by one of Tory’s best friends, Monique Godby (pictured on the left with Tory). It made sense for the two to collaborate for Decor + Design, bringing visitors beautifully symbiotic options for floors and walls in the one stand.

In the lead up to the show, Tory Burke shared insights into her creative process and the techniques that ensure exceptional quality. Read on for some valuable advice for art enthusiasts and interior designers looking for that perfect piece for clients.

Studio Elwood is renowned for producing high-quality original artworks and limited-edition prints. Tory, as the artist behind the studio, can you share some insights into your practice?

My practice is really grounded in intuition and experience. I’ve been working with oil paint for many years, and I love the process of creating big artworks using bold colour, texture and geometric forms. Often my work is inspired by colours in nature, architecture, or even memories of places I’ve travelled. At Studio Elwood, I bring that work to life as one-off original pieces, and also in carefully produced limited-edition prints — all with a strong focus on quality and detail.

Your geometric designs and bold compositions are striking yet timeless. What technologies/techniques do you use to ensure exceptional quality?

Quality is everything to me. When I’m creating originals, I use the best premium oil paints and archival materials, and the highest quality Italian linen for a warm base to start work on. For prints, I work closely with photographers and specialist fine art printers to capture the quality and essence of my artwork. We use a museum grade ‘giclee’ printing process on an archival canvas — the kind that really do justice to the detail and depth of the work. From painting to printing to framing, I’m involved in every step to make sure the final result feels considered and refined.

Your artworks have been featured in prominent publications and are enjoyed in private homes and corporate offices. How do you approach commissions to ensure they align with the client’s vision and space?

A lot of our clients are drawn to our limited-edition prints because they offer a high-quality, more accessible way to bring original art into a space. Even though they’re editions, we still take a personalised approach. We often help clients choose the right piece, size and framing to suit their interiors; whether it’s a home, a commercial setting, or a larger design project. For interior designers, we can also digitally mockup artworks within a photo of their space, which really helps in visualising scale, placement and how the artwork will sit within the room. It’s all about making sure the final piece feels considered and cohesive.

For customers looking to invest in high-quality, timeless art, what advice would you give them when choosing pieces for their home or office?

Go with what resonates. Don’t overthink it — if a piece makes you feel something or draws you in, that’s a great sign. Art isn’t just decorative; it brings emotion and energy into a room. I always encourage people to think about scale, light, their favourite colour and how the work will sit within a space — but at the end of the day, the most powerful pieces are the ones you connect with on a deeper level.

Custom framing is an integral part of Studio Elwood’s offering. How do you approach framing to complement and elevate the artwork?

Good quality framing can really transform a piece. I think of it as the finishing touch — it shouldn’t compete with the artwork, but it should enhance it. We offer only a few choices in frame that we know will work on the artwork. Everyone wants to take the hassle out of art by choosing it online, framed ready to hang and delivered directly to their door.

As an exhibitor at Decor + Design, what do you hope to showcase about Studio Elwood, and what message do you want visitors to take away about your brand?

I’m really looking forward to connecting with people and sharing the heart of what Studio Elwood is about — bold, affordable contemporary art with soul. I’ll be showcasing a mix of original works and limited editions that reflect the textures, shapes and colours that define my practice. I hope people walk away feeling inspired, and with a sense of how art can transform a space and bring it to life.

What’s next for Studio Elwood? Are there any upcoming collections, innovations, or collaborations you’re excited to share?

I am launching an exciting new collection called ‘Ombre’ at Decor + Design. This series explores pushing the boundaries of colour, blending of one tint and tone to the next. I’m also working on a few exciting collaborations with interior designers and boutique spaces, which I love, because I get to work alongside the experts in putting a room together.

Don’t miss seeing Studio Elwood in collaboration with Zebra Home at Decor + Design 2025, 16 – 18 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Australia’s definitive destination for interior design, the 21st edition will feature 200+ exhibitors. Register now to visit – entry to the exhibition is free but limited to trade visitors. Seminar tickets range from $65 – $110.