A Certain Style

Interview with Deb Bartlett
Originally published in NZ House & Garden #165, page 218

Photographs by Kevin Emirali



'Having three children under the age of five definitely dominates my style at home these days. Lily is almost five, George is three and a half, and Scarlett is just eighteen months. I realise that a happy home is a family-friendly home so I don't have things around that I need to worry about.

Colour has always been important to me; I couldn't live in a totally neutral space. I always measure the comfort of a room by the light and space within, though lately I've noticed our house becomes cluttered much more easily than it used to. It's a good thing to have a clear out now and then and start again with a new space."

1 This scarf was a gift from my mother and I really love it. I use it in summer and winter. It's a great little accessory and is perfect, dressed up or down.

2 My grandmother gave me this heart-shaped pencil sharpener when I was five. I used to wear it on a chain around my neck and sharpen my pencils as I walked around.

3 I began making ceramics in the early 1990s and this vase was one of a series I did for Corso De' Fiori. I kept it and use it for flowers.

4 This little hen and pear were the first objects I made when I got into making pottery in 1990. I still think they're sweet and keep them in our bedroom.

5 Living in Africa for seven months was a wonderful experience. I painted this zebra picture when I got home and it hangs in the kitchen as a reminder of a special time.

6 My favourite thing is daughter Scarlett's sleeping bag, a Go Go Bag from our range. It got her sleeping through the night and changed my life.