Kates 2 step routine to help with pigmentation

You may be familiar with the name Margie Cooney, an accomplished writer and contributor. Margie (now known as Margie Riddiford) has recently taken on two new roles; as Editor at Denizen Magazine, plus the most rewarding role as first time mother to daughter Vera. We visited Margie at her newly-renovated Auckland cottage that she shares with husband Jolyon to hear about the thought process and design inspirations that went into creating her family home.


When do you feel most creative?

I'm always more creative after conversations with close friends or my husband, or after reading or watching a piece of work that makes me feel something. I also need to have time to sit with my thoughts. But I think it's also about being open to it. Having some way of recording when something pops into my head can be enough to spark creativity later on.

Tell us about the inspiration and ideas around your space?

We wanted to create a home that felt like a sanctuary — somewhere that was calm and warm and inviting. Retaining the beautiful essence of the old cottage that it was originally was important, while still making it feel modern, functional and serene.

I love using the skin reset because of texture and feeling on my skin. It has given me so much confidence - I wear this morning and night to receive the best results. "I like to switch to an oil cleanse when the weather cools. My skin is on the dryer side & this cleanser offers a hydrating ritual at the end of my day"

Who are your favourite designers and artists right now? Furniture, art?

I recently read The Candy House by Jennifer Egan and it really made me want to read more from her. Similarly, the hilarious writing of Patricia Lockwood (who wrote Priestdaddy). My husband and I also just bought a piece by Japanese-New Zealand artist Claudia Kogachi (depicting her take on a scene from one of our favourite films, Kill Bill). I had been following her work for a while, so it was a real thrill to get one of her pieces in our home. Jade Townsend is another incredible artist whose work I love. She is doing some beautiful things at the new Auckland gallery she co-founded — Seasons.

Tell us what you love about your Simon James pieces?

The Radice Stools were a natural fit for our space. Their simple, easy elegance and timber finish make them work so seamlessly here. Similarly, the Jiro Chair marries form with function in such an unfussy, beautiful way that when we were looking for chairs to suit working from home, this one stood out immediately. (Its rounded back also makes it really comfortable.) Also, alongside the Mahsa shirts I wear constantly and the Tekla towels and blankets I use at home, I have built a little collection of silver Sophie Buhai pieces that I really treasure. (I even wore a pair of her earrings on my wedding day).

I love using the skin reset because of texture and feeling on my skin. It has given me so much confidence - I wear this morning and night to receive the best results. "I like to switch to an oil cleanse when the weather cools. My skin is on the dryer side & this cleanser offers a hydrating ritual at the end of my day"

You may be familiar with the name Margie Cooney, an accomplished writer and contributor. Margie (now known as Margie Riddiford) has recently taken on two new roles; as Editor at Denizen Magazine, plus the most rewarding role as first time mother to daughter Vera. We visited Margie at her newly-renovated Auckland cottage that she shares with husband Jolyon to hear about the thought process and design inspirations that went into creating her family home.

What is your favourite beauty step and why?

I'm always more creative after conversations with close friends or my husband, or after reading or watching a piece of work that makes me feel something. I also need to have time to sit with my thoughts. But I think it's also about being open to it. Having some way of recording when something pops into my head can be enough to spark creativity later on.


When do you feel most creative?

I'm always more creative after conversations with close friends or my husband, or after reading or watching a piece of work that makes me feel something. I also need to have time to sit with my thoughts. But I think it's also about being open to it. Having some way of recording when something pops into my head can be enough to spark creativity later on.

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