In residence with

Phoebe Holden

We visit writer, stylist, editor and creative director Phoebe Holden at her central Auckland home.


Phoebe Holden is the epitome of a creative - a writer, creative director, stylist and editor. With years spent in publishing across fashion, design and food, she lives with her partner Conor, their dog, Fish and cat, Sabi, in central Auckland, just a stone’s throw from the bustling strip of Dominion Road.

Her home reflects both her creative eye and everyday life, layered with considered textures, well-loved objects and pieces by local artists. It’s a space that balances function with feeling - relaxed yet intentional, expressive without feeling overworked.

Phoebe's central Auckland home reflects her creativity: layered with tactile textures, treasured objects, and works by local artists.

Working across different creative fields, how does your multi-disciplinary background shape the way you approach interiors and the spaces you live in?

I suppose in a lot of ways, similar to my work, our home is a bit of a melting pot. I like being surrounded by objects that inspire me or hold significant memories. There’s no specific era or theme, though I’m certainly not known for being colourful! I approach interiors the same way I do fashion. We have bits and bobs we’ve collected during our travels. We also have pieces sourced from local opshops. Both the house and a lot of its contents have lived many lives before we came across them.

I like taking something vintage and layering in modern accents, for example we have leather pieces I’ve dyed and original Aotearoa-made Morgan sofas that we’ve reupholstered in new fabrics. 

"Our home is a bit of a melting pot. I like being surrounded by objects that inspire me or hold significant memories".

As a writer, how important is your physical environment to your creative process? What does your ideal creative space look like?

I probably shouldn’t say this, but I love working from bed. We have a big tree outside our window that casts beautiful light, and I have a bit of an affinity for fancy sheets and pyjama sets. I tend to move between our room and the dining table when I’m working.

My ideal creative space is really anywhere that’s comfortable, quiet, and within walking distance of a good coffee. Our go-to is Cazador. 

Your home feels layered and lived-in, with pieces from local artists sitting alongside everyday essentials. What draws you to certain objects, textures or materials when you’re designing a space?

I think it varies, but usually it’s a mix of practicality, feel, and fun. Our space is pretty compact, and we have a very large German Shepherd, so tried-and-true everyday essentials like the HAY storage crates and side tables with drawers for stashing clutter are a must. But I also love anything that makes me think or brings a smile.

I enjoy supporting local, and we’re spoilt for choice here in Aotearoa. Some pieces are chosen because they’re sturdy and more forgiving to little paws, but we also have ceramics, clay candle holders, and flimsy paintings dotted around. If I love something, I can usually find a way to make it work.

Are there particular pieces in your home that hold special meaning or reflect a moment in your creative journey?

A lot! It’s hard to choose. Books come to mind first, each one is significant for different reasons. My mum has been giving me a book for every birthday and Christmas since I was little. Shirley Barber’s ‘The Tooth Fairy’ is actually tucked into a corner somewhere. We also have lots of small French accents, Paris and Chaussy are very special to us, so it’s nice to have a piece of both here at home.

The first proper piece of art I purchased was a horse painting by Matt Sinclair, he’s amazing and it’s relocated with us more times than we can count. 

I keep a copy of every magazine I’ve worked on, from recent issues of dish and RUSSH down to my VOGUE intern days and even the Massey University student paper where my first (very poorly written) think piece was published.

On our dining table is a Ludwig candle holder by Kirsten Dryburgh, which one of my best friends, Julianna, gave me for my 30th. It’s such a 'me' gift, I feel very seen whenever it’s lit.

Conor is an incredible woodworker, he hand-framed most of our prints, paintings and a few menus from special meals over the years. Those feel like little treasures. 

You selected the Marlow Chocolate Floor Rug for your living area, what drew you to this style and how does it set the tone for the room?

I’ve already mentioned the practicality of brown, and colour was definitely a big factor here. We host friends often, and even though we’re a shoes-off household, the lounge is a thoroughfare.

Our Marlow Rug gets a lot of use, but you wouldn’t know it. We really love its lush texture, and we often find ourselves perched on the floor rather than the sofa. (It also makes for a great yoga mat).

What are you currently reading, and do books play a role in shaping your creative or interior world?

Books are a huge source of inspiration for me. I love flicking through works by architects and designers like Eileen Gray, John Pawson, Albert Frey, and Ryue Nishizawa (there are too many to list!). A few years ago, Mum gave me The World of Apartamento, which is now in very loved condition and constantly serves as a physical Pinterest board.

And don’t get me started on kitchen design inspo or we’ll be here all day…

Phoebe's Selects

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