In The Kitchen With… Jessika Swarbrick (@jessikabutwithak)

A colour-loving creator bringing joy, personality & practical magic into small-space living.

Jessika Swarbrick is one of those creators whose world instantly makes you smile, a bright, playful blend of colour, creativity, and clever small-space living. Based in Naarm/Melbourne with her partner Drew and their Bichon Frise, Brioche, Jess has cultivated a community who adore her iconic “Non-Basic Home Basics,” her uniquely expressive style, and her talent for turning everyday routines into aesthetic little rituals.

We spent the morning chatting all things style, apartment living, festive traditions, and of course, her thoughts on the Crumble Chocolate Air Fryer (spoiler: Brioche approves).

Here’s our conversation… 

Let’s start with you! You’re such a colourful gal in Naarm, always wearing, making and doing the most lovely things. How would you describe your personal style and the way you bring colour into your home and everyday life?

Hi! I’m Jess, a fashion designer based in Naarm/Melbourne. I’ve always loved getting dressed and styling my apartment, so I started making content on socials sharing my fashion and space a year and a half ago. I live in a one-bedroom apartment with my partner, Drew, and our Bichon Frise, Brioche.

Colourful is definitely the right adjective to describe my style, I love to bring joy through the use of colour, whether that’s in my décor or my clothing.

As much as I love colour, practicality also shapes what I wear and how I decorate. I gravitate towards comfortable silhouettes, easy-care fabrics and home pieces that are beautiful but still serve a purpose. Whatever I bring into my life must be versatile and functional.

The final word I’d use to describe my personal style is unique. I’m an Aquarius, so wanting to do things a little differently has been a lifelong personality trait. My parents still laugh about how opinionated I was about outfits in daycare. I’m always seeking out a style that feels the most ‘me,’ rather than chasing trends.

That sense of “practical but joyful” really comes through in your content, especially your iconic “Non-Basic Home Basics” series…

As I live in a one-bedroom apartment, space is limited. Because of this I try to focus on bringing in items that are visually pleasing but also practical, as I find most things are constantly on display in my space.

A non-basic basic is something practical that also brings joy and is well designed. A priority or necessity item, made special. I realised I can only have so many things in a small space, so sourcing pieces that are functional but also aesthetic is my top priority, which is why I started the series to showcase my finds.

Apartment living means every piece has to earn its place…

The number one thing I recommend is my Hay Design Colour Storage Boxes. They come in a range of colours and sizes and are perfect for storing things you want to hide. They also look amazing styled on shelves and cabinets as an added pop of colour.

My favourite new apartment addition this year has been my Mustard Made locker. Storage is key in a small space, and I recently upgraded from the Skinny to the Twinny to store all my bags, knitwear and, maybe most importantly, Brioche’s extensive winter wardrobe. Lockers are another practical way to add colour to your space; I have the Poppy colour in my bedroom.

Something that isn’t a necessity but makes me smile whenever I see it is my Snail Butter Dish from Third Drawer Down. She is the star of my kitchen, and life is made better by having easily spreadable butter.

Speaking of home heroes… welcome to the Crumble Chocolate Air Fryer era!

I was impressed by how cute it was! I vowed never to have an air fryer on my bench again because I was over how bulky, black and boring they always are. I love how the Crumble Air Fryer is streamlined, well designed, and comes in the most stunning array of colours.

I chose Chocolate because I have so many colourful accessories in my kitchen that it works perfectly as a neutral, without being boring or basic. It’s been such a perfect addition.

And functionality-wise, what’s something you’ve made recently that surprised you?

I made a single chocolate chip cookie I found online when I was having a craving the other night. I was worried the air fryer would dry it out, but it was the perfect warm and gooey evening treat. I paired it with vanilla ice cream and, most importantly, it only took five minutes.

Christmas is just around the corner… what festive traditions or rituals do you look forward to?

I’m from Western Australia, so Christmas is a special time because I take a few weeks off to spend with family and friends. Christmas in Perth is bacon and eggs for breakfast (courtesy of Dad), opening presents under the tree, a few hours at the beach, and a big dinner with family and friends in the evening.

The menu this year is Chicken, Porchetta and Lamb. My dad loves cooking, so I think we may need to try the Porchetta in the air fryer this year for extra crunchy crackle.

If you had to create a “Non-Basic Holiday Basics” list… what would make the cut?

DIY and personalised decorations!

My mum collects decorations of characters and things my sister and I loved as kids to decorate her “nostalgia” tree, which my inner child loves.

Last year I made the Christmas bonbons for our dinner with personalised jokes and prizes, it was as fun to make as it was to watch everyone open them.

I’ve also seen rainbow paper chains on social media, and I want to try them this year. I think they’ll complement my space perfectly. I’ll pair them with silver tinsel for nostalgia, and it’s a great way to reuse things I already have at home.

Tiny but important question… does Brioche the Bichon approve of the Chocolate Air Fryer aesthetic?

Absolutely. She has specifically requested I make some dog biscuits, that’ll be my next recipe to trial.

Finally, hosting in an apartment can be a whole operation. What are your tips for making Christmas entertaining feel cosy, colourful and doable without a huge kitchen?

Hosting in an apartment requires strategy, but it can make things even cosier.

I keep food simple and prepped ahead of time so my tiny kitchen isn’t overwhelmed. I make salads, grazing boards and a hero dish that can go straight in the oven or now, the Crumble Air Fryer.

Colour is also my best friend. A bright table setting, mismatched glassware or a fun DIY decoration instantly makes things feel festive without needing storage. I decorate using items I already have and add Christmas colour through napkins, candles and flowers.

What I love most is the intimacy. Small-space entertaining encourages everyone to gather, relax and enjoy the moment, which is exactly the spirit of Christmas.

From colour-coded storage to cosy air-fried cookies, Jessika brings a sense of joy, personality and practicality to everything she does. Her approach to small-space living, choosing pieces that work hard but still spark joy, is exactly why we loved welcoming her into our In The Kitchen With series.

Whether she’s styling her latest “non-basic basic,” crafting personalised bonbons, or dreaming up dog biscuits for Brioche, Jess reminds us that home isn’t about size, it’s about style, intention, and the magic you make inside it.

Stay tuned for more creators, more conversations, and more Crumble moments to come.