In partnership with MCM House

To step into Charles Hinckfuss’ world is to slip into a space where design is not just decoration, but dialogue. It’s a conversation between past and present, nature and nurture, form and feeling. Here, restraint is balanced with rebellion, and every piece – s a weathered timber armchair or a stone-topped dining table – tells a story about home as both haven and canvas.

As the founder of MCM House, Hinckfuss’ philosophy is etched into each corner of his living space. It’s a living blueprint for the brand itself, where clean lines and comfort find common ground. His approach is one of contrasts – light and shadow, hard and soft, bold and subtle – all calibrated to create spaces that feel instinctive rather than imposed. There’s an intuitive layering of light, colour, and texture – a tactile rhythm that draws you in and keeps you there – and the brand's latest collection, Sunkiss, channels the golden glow of Sydney's Tamarama Beach into furniture that feels like an endless summer afternoon. Think warm timbers, sunlit neutrals, and a playful formality that’s as at home in the city as it is by the coast.

But Hinckfuss' home isn’t just a gallery of MCM House’s greatest hits. It’s also a testing ground – a place where new designs are dreamed, lived with, and sometimes reimagined. “Daily,” he admits, his personal space has becoming a “living lab” for the ideas that shape each collection.

Beyond aesthetics, there’s a pulse of humanity in his approach. His design ethos revolves around how we actually live. Functionality isn’t an afterthought – it’s the foundation. Comfort, ease, and a touch of the unexpected (like a 1920s jigsaw puzzle tucked away) lend his home a sense of soul. Hinckfuss spoke with RUSSH about how he balances a room, the starting points of design, and the inspirations behind the brand's latest collection.

What are some of the most important elements of a room for you? Is it lighting, space, colour, texture?

A carefully balanced sense of design and comfort is key. The thoughtful placement of unique and intriguing objects can transform a room into both a sanctuary and a space for shared moments of connection.

Your home redesign feels like an extension of your creative philosophy at MCM House. What was the guiding vision for your space?

The vision evolves daily, guided by an exploration of contrasts. I seek out pieces that spark inspiration and weave them into our signature palette – rooted in an Australian lifestyle aesthetic, yet versatile enough to feel timeless and fresh.

What’s the starting point of a redesign for you? What elements do you address first?

Proportions are everything. Whether it’s playing with scale – oversized or understated – or balancing contrasting colours and textures, it begins with creating harmony. Layering lighting and adding personal elements ensures the space reflects not just who you are, but also who you aspire to be.

How do you balance functionality with style in your home when redesigning?

Much like MCM House pieces, my home prioritises comfort and ease of use while staying rooted in thoughtful design. It’s about achieving a seamless blend of practicality and personality, allowing the space to become an extension of yourself.

Does your home ever function as a testing ground for MCM House designs? Were any elements of the recent Sunkiss collection born from your personal living space or ethos?

Daily. My home is constantly evolving, serving as a living lab for new ideas. Whether a design precedes or follows a collection, it’s about pushing boundaries and ensuring each piece resonates in a range of settings, moods, and environments.

The Sunkiss collection has a warm, inviting energy. How did the name inspire the pieces, and what emotions or memories are you hoping to evoke?

Living by Tamarama Beach, the daily interplay of sun and sea felt like the perfect reflection of summer’s essence. The collection captures that balance – formal yet lighthearted – evoking a dream-like state of being sun-kissed. From sunrise to sunset, it invites those fleeting, sun-drenched moments into the home, making them a part of everyday life.

Were there any specific challenges or surprises during your home redesign?

Luckily, I have an incredible team that not only embraces my vision but also indulges my creative chaos.

What is one of the more unexpected items you have in your home?

A 1920s jigsaw puzzle!

How does the Sunkiss collection set the tone for the future of MCM House? Are there hints of what we can expect in the next collection?

Sunkiss represents a pivotal moment for MCM House, expanding our collection without losing the focus on functionality or timeless design. It showcases our ability to harmonise interiors and exteriors while elevating the overall experience. This direction hints at an even broader exploration of materials, forms, and ways to enhance the everyday lifestyle.

You can shop the MCM House Sunkiss collection now on the MCM House website and in stores.