Dearne Mills is a graduate of QUT (Bachelor of Built Environment, Interior Design, 2000) and established her boutique design practice Mainichi in 2004. Operating as a sole practitioner, Dearne specialises in the design of high end residential, retail and hospitality interiors. In 2006 she was awarded a commendation in the Dulux Colour Awards for her first major residential project. Dearne's practice is focussed on providing robust, practical interiors with a sustainable edge through their longevity of design.

Dearne has also studied visual arts and industrial design and, since 2008, has been exhibiting her handmade jewellery and three-dimensional objects regularly in group and solo exhibitions throughout Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Her objects are handcrafted using offcuts and recycled materials from the building industry.

Dearne also holds a Third Dan Degree in Taekwondo, is a state and national competitor in the sport and teaches at a local Martial Arts club.