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.
Revealing our new studio is a moment of quiet pride for me. I took on most of the project myself over my Christmas holidays—drawing on a mix of creativity, determination, 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, like installing electrical and masonry drilling.
Styling by Wholehearted Studio and 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 striking 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 lowered the price to $50, 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 little care 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 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 call our own.
