Saasha Burns has been fortunate enough to form a deep connection with the place she calls home. The new mother, globe-trotter and co-founder of lifestyle brand BEAR, lives in a beautiful home in the Byron Bay hinterland with husband, Sammy Leetham and their son, Atlas.
Saasha has a longstanding history in the coastal town of northern NSW, and it’s here that both her personal and professional lives have truly blossomed. Her creative mind, profound appreciation for nature and gratitude towards good health have shaped her laidback, yet incredibly enriching lifestyle.
Saasha styled print and colour from our latest collection in her bedroom and chatted to us about family life, staying balanced and making her dream house a home.
What do you love most about your home and location?
We are so grateful to call this part of the world home. We live among nature and wake up with the sun to the sound of kookaburras, surrounded by some of the best stretches of coast in the world. We love the subtropical climate, the strong sense of community and the conscious way of living. On the weekends we will stock up on fruit and vegetables from all the local growers at the farmers market, get a good coffee, and head to the beach for an ocean swim or walk to the lighthouse.
What's your approach to interior styling?
Our house is full of pieces we have collected on our travels, and each one tells a story and adds character to our home. We are quite minimalist in our approach to styling, and are drawn to a neutral colour palette, adding texture though soft furnishings for warmth. Some of our favourite pieces include our custom McTavish surfboard from our BEAR launch in Byron Bay, our colourful ceramic dinner set from our first trip together to Positano, Italy, and our original artwork from Bobby Clark, one of our first purchases for our home.
How are you and Sammy enjoying life as new parents?
It’s been the most incredible journey - our hearts are so full. We can’t believe our beautiful boy is already six months old. Atlas is a little ray of sunshine and brings so much happiness into our lives. Family is everything.
What excites you most about raising a family in Byron Bay?
We have a responsibility to protect our planet and positively influence change, for a brighter future for our children. We are actively raising Atlas to have a deep respect for nature. We spend most of the day outdoors, taking him on long walks in the sunshine, showing him all the plants and trees. He loves looking out at the ocean and is fascinated by the waves.
We have a responsibility to protect our planet and positively influence change, for a brighter future for our children.
How do you maintain a work/life balance with BEAR?
Since having Atlas, we’ve been more conscious of where we invest our time and energy and have tried to find more of a work and life balance. It’s always felt so organic working at all hours, with BEAR very much a part of our lives, but we realise it’s so important for us to find clarity and inspiration away from the studio. Some of our greatest ideas are found when we slow down a little - on a road trip, spending time by the ocean, or going for a long walk together as a family.
Where are some of your favourite spots to hang out in the Byron area?
We always love mornings at Wategos or The Pass, relaxing on the lawn with coffee at The Farm, stopping by Ethel Food Store for lunch, and Halcyon House for a little staycation. For a special occasion, Fleet for dinner is a must.
