At Home With Margot

Our lovely Marketing Co-Ordinator Margot invited us into her sun filled Inner City Apartment and although she lives overlooking the busy Ponsonby Road, inside is a peaceful, minimal oasis from the hustle and bustle.

We loved Margot’s home and how she mixed her vintage furniture with purposeful design pieces to create a warm and calming space.

Tell us a little about you and your home and the people who live with you? 

I live in a two bedroom studio apartment in Ponsonby. We saw it on the market a year ago and jumped at the opportunity to live in the sun-filled retro studio. It has a little balcony that overlooks Ponsonby’s busy road. We like to host friends while we cook dinner and drink wine on the balcony.

What’s the last thing you brought for your home?

An Akari rice lamp, imported from Japan. It has a warm glow of light that casts through handmade paper on a bamboo frame. It’s become an evening ritual to turn it on and enjoy the soft glow with a cup of tea while I wind-down before bed.

How would you describe your design style?

I like to keep minimal with a love for mid-century and Japanese styles. For me, less is more. I find peace in surrounding myself with a select few furniture and decor pieces. I’m a bit of a homebody, and I love coming home to a space that is calm and warm and inviting.

I love delving into the world of design, especially when I stumble upon ordinary, practical items that are an integral part of our daily lives. Take, for instance, a coffee maker— a seemingly simple appliance that can be transformed into an innovative and exquisitely crafted version, such as the Alessi Pulcina Espresso Coffee Maker. While it remains functional, it also doubles as a striking display piece. Such items have the power to elevate our everyday experiences. I always feel an appreciation for my coffee ritual every morning. It sets the tone for a good day ahead.

Any advice for creating a home you love?

Creating a home you love is a personal and transformative process, and using simple pieces to form special moments can be a powerful approach.

Personally, I embrace minimalism through selecting meaningful pieces, and curate with intention. Rather than filling space with random items, curate a collection of simple pieces that complement each other. Consider the visual harmony, balance, and cohesion of the objects in a room. Each piece should have a purpose and contribute to the overall aesthetic you desire.

Fill the blanks:

Proudest DIY:

I'm not realllly the artsy DIY type, to be honest. My work revolves around digital production. That's probably why I landed the role of Digital Marketing Coordinator! But I do enjoy taking the lead and organizing shoots in our studio. I love putting products together and bringing a shoot to life. It's always a satisfying feeling. 

The coolest place you’ve been to:

Sicily. It was a dream to visit since I was just a kid and I was lucky enough to spend two weeks there a few years back. The people, the culture, the beautiful buildings, and pebble beaches – it’s a lifestyle I fell in love with at first sight.

Best cup of coffee/tea is at:

Daily Bread, a forever favourite. Also my local, Five Loaves. They do a great Oat Flatty.

Your go-to local eatery:

Daily Bread again. You can catch me spending way too much money there any day. Also, Beau for their truffle fries and roast cauliflower salad. They have a great pet nat selection too. 

Favourite interior account to follow:

I love to follow Frama, a multidisciplinary design brand creating lifestyle objects that inspire the senses and encourage mindful living.

I also draw inspiration from Ark Journal - Scandinavian magazine of interiors, design, architecture and art. I love reading their journal, and flicking through pages of beautiful spaces filled with stone floors, clay textures, and modern, mid-century furniture.

If you could bring back a fashion or home trend what would it be:

Steel Finishings. I love it seen on taps, handles and other kitchen and bathroom hardware. I dream of having a metal, upholstered mid-century chair in my living room. I have a real thing for chairs. On my Wishlist is the Frama Richard Chair, designed by Kim Richardt.