For years, I worked out of a modest 3m x 3m room tucked at the front of my house. It served its purpose well, but as our team and vision expanded, so did the need for a space that could grow with us. Eventually, the time came to create a larger studio, one that would not only accommodate our evolving needs but also reflect the heart and soul of the work we do and who we are.
I took on most of the project myself over my Christmas holidays, drawing on a mix of creativity, determination, a few tears (if you know, you know!), and a few helping hands. My 11-year-old son and his friends were enthusiastic assistants, and I called in a couple of trusted tradespeople for the more technical tasks. So revealing our new studio is a special moment for me!
Styling by Wholehearted Studio | Photography by Creative Media House
Nearly every piece in the studio has a story. I sourced most of it second-hand, repurposed items from home, or discovered hidden treasures in unexpected places.
It all began with a New Zealand-made antique table I found on Marketplace. It was beautifully crafted, incredibly heavy, and not the easiest thing to transport — but the kind-hearted couple who owned it had lowered the price to $50 (which was too good to miss price), and with the help of my Dad and his ute, it became the first piece in what would soon become a homely space.
From there, I followed my instincts — choosing pieces that I loved at first glance. Slowly but surely, the space began to take shape. One day, my Mum spotted an antique console table discarded on the roadside. With a light sand and some leftover timber oil, I restored it, and it came up like new.
Throughout my holidays, I made it my mission to hunt for unique finds; trawling through second-hand stores, markets, and local listings, always with an eye out for character and craftsmanship.
Over time, I collected an eclectic and beautiful mix: hand-thrown ceramics, sculptural vases, vintage objects, a rich Persian rug, black leather office chairs, rush dining chairs, and more. Each piece adds depth and character to the space, contributing to the layered, lived-in feel I love.
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Perhaps the most rewarding part is that the new studio still sits on my property — just a short walk down from the house. It gives me the best of both worlds: the structure and separation I need for work, with the ease and comfort of being close to home.
What I love most is that while it’s very much a functional studio, it still feels like an extension of my home. It’s a space with things I love, filled with objects that have lived lives before they came to me, all brought together to tell a new story.
One that I’m incredibly proud to now call my own.
