At Home with the mackie’s
For my second in home series I travelled out to the Mackie’s home in QLD Hinterland. It was the kind of space that instantly softens you, beautifully minimal. Nothing felt precious but everything felt considered. We began our session out in the garden, hands in the soil, moving slowly and intentionally through their little pockets of green. It felt grounding - a gentle way to arrive. There was so much conversation, the kind that unfolds easily when you feel comfortable. We chattered, we wandered, and fully immersed ourselves in the rhythm of there beautiful property. The light drifted from room to room, the forest breeze moving through like a slow exhale. It felt calm, connected and deeply lived in, the perfect setting to document this fleeting chapter of Chlo carrying her 4th baby.
Follow Chloe on Instagram to keep up with her creative journey and at-home rituals: @chloejmackie
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THIS HOME?
What I love most is how it holds our family. It’s not perfect and it’s not overly polished, but it feels like us. It’s small in footprint, but it works incredibly hard for our busy family. Every space gets used, nothing is wasted, and somehow it still feels calm. The light moves beautifully through it during the day, the kids have space to run and make mess, and there are little areas where we naturally gather. It feels grounding, especially in this full and noisy season of life.
How do you want people to feel when they walk into your space?
I hope people feel at ease the moment they walk in. Like they can exhale, kick their shoes off, and just be. I never want a home to feel staged or precious. There’s usually noise, kids, something cooking, a bit of life happening in every corner. But I hope beneath that, there’s a softness, the natural materials, the light, the quiet tones, I hope they make it feel grounding and warm. More than anything, I want our home to feel open and welcoming. A home that’s lived and loved in and shared generously
Are there any designers, makers, or brands you’re consistently drawn to when styling your home?
I’m always drawn to Australian designers and makers first, there’s a restraint and honesty to their work that really resonates with me. Brands like Pampa Rugs feel grounded and timeless rather than trend-led. Our home is filled with their pieces, and they bring a real sense of warmth and authenticity to each room. I’m also really drawn to local woodworkers and ceramicists. Kye D’Arcy’s work is meticulous, the finish of his work is glorious. I don’t have one of his pieces yet, but I’m hugely drawn to the care and integrity in what he creates. For larger pieces, Jardan is always a fool-proof option, contemporary but beautifully considered. And for linen, In Bed is my go-to, simple, natural and better with age. And then there’s anything with age and story. I think that mix of thoughtful Australian design, beautiful craft and older finds is what gives each space its own authenticity and soul.
How does your home support the way you want to live as a family
Our home supports the way we want to live because it’s easy. It’s not overly precious, so the kids can be kids. They can run in and out, build forts, make mess, have friends over and we’re not constantly worried about things being perfect. The layout works hard for us. Even though it’s not a big house, every space is used and there’s room to gather. We spend a lot of time around the kitchen and outside, so that connection between inside and out really matters. It means we’re together, but everyone can still find their own corner when they need it. More than anything, it supports a slower, more connected way of living. Shared meals, open doors, music playing, people dropping in. It feels like a home that’s meant to be lived in, not tiptoed around.
Are there any rituals or routines that help bring a sense of ease to your home
Smell is a big one for me. I care so much about how a home smells, it sets the tone before anything else. I’ll diffuse essential oils most mornings, or burn incense in the afternoon when things start to feel busy. Even just opening all the doors and letting fresh air move through makes a huge difference. I love that feeling of the house breathing. I also try to reset the space each evening, a quick tidy, clearing the benches, lighting a lamp instead of the overhead lights. Nothing dramatic, just small things that signal the day is slowing down. It’s not about perfection, it’s about rhythm. Those little rituals help the house feel calm, evenwhen life inside it isn’t.
If you were to dream without limits, what would your dream home look and feel like
It’s funny, my husband Jase and I talk about this a lot. When we dream about a home without limits, it’s never really about size or extravagance. It’s more about feeling. We always imagine a home that becomes the place our family returns to. Somewhere our children and one day, hopefully, their children, gather for long lunches, birthdays, Christmas mornings. A home that holds traditions. One we’ve slowly curated over years, adding to it as life unfolds. It wouldn’t be huge. It would be intentional. Calm. Timeless. Built with natural materials that age beautifully and feel better as the years pass. There’d be spaces to come together, a big table, somewhere to cook and talk and linger. Doors open to the landscape, light moving through the rooms. More than anything, it would feel steady. Like a place that’s grown with us and will keep holding our family long after the noise of little kids becomes something quieter.
Where do you usually find inspiration for your interiors — books, travel, nature, people
Most of my inspiration comes from nature first. The way light moves through trees, the tones in the landscape, the quietness of open space, that always influences how I want a room to feel. I grew up in New Zealand, where architecture often blends seamlessly into its surroundings and the land. Homes there feel connected to nature rather than imposed on it. I’m also really drawn to Australian vernacular homes, simple, climate-responsive spaces that feel honest and unpretentious. Timber, wide eaves, cross-breezes, materials that make sense for where they are. There’s something beautiful about homes that are designed to sit quietly in their environment rather than stand out. At the end of the day, I’m inspired most by how I want our home to feel.. steady, warm and real.