MÆGEN: Your style is instantly recognisable; how would you describe it in three words?
EJP: Modern retro, tonal, playful (sorry, I can never do three!)
MÆGEN: We’re always fascinated by where designers draw their ideas from. What inspires you most when you’re dreaming up new concepts for the home?
EJP: I'm heavily inspired by music and fashion, so much of my inspiration comes from old records and books. I'm also looking more to nature and the natural colour combinations - they're always the most beautiful.
MÆGEN: Before we dive into the collection, we’d love to talk about Our Curated Abode. How has running your own store shaped the way you think about design and the kinds of pieces you want to bring into people’s homes?
EJP: I only stock items that I'd happily have in my own home, and many of them I do. I try to bring an element of practicality to everything we stock, but with beautiful design at the forefront. For instance, you might consider a beautiful dustpan and brush, colourful salt and pepper pots, or statement watering cans. They're beautiful products, but all useful too.
MÆGEN: How did the partnership with MAEGEN come about?
EJP: I started stocking MAEGEN at Christmas last year and quickly saw that there was a lot of alignment with our brands. The products were also extremely popular with customers. I knew that I wanted to create some exclusive collaborations with other small businesses, but it was actually the MAEGEN team that reached out to me first, thinking exactly the same, so clearly the idea was meant to be.
MÆGEN: What was the mood or story you wanted to tell through this collection?
EJP: As a designer, I'm known for my colour combinations, and this collection really captures the OCA palette. It's a lot of interesting colour combinations that somehow just work. There's a nod to retro, but the collection still feels like it would fit in most homes. With the shop also being based in Ramsgate, I'm always looking to tap into the seaside feeling. We have a lot of fish and shell motifs on our decor!
MÆGEN: We know it’s hard to pick favourites but if you had to pick one piece that feels most you, which would it be?
EJP: I think it's actually the Atina Candle in Cedarwood Vetiver. I'm such a scent fanatic - I think it actually makes a home - and I love that we've managed to capture the woody scent of the shop with a little sweetness. I'll be buying all these candles for myself as I never want to run out.
MÆGEN: Colour is such a big part of your identity, how did you decide on the palette?
EJP: The shop is decorated in my own range for COAT Paints, and I knew I wanted to bring some of that palette to the products, as so many people comment on it. They've also directly fed back that they'd love to see some of the MAEGEN products in those colours (probably so they can access the palette without painting!), and I love to respond directly to what my customers are asking for. I weaved in a little bit of pink and red too, as that's one of my favourite colour combos.
MÆGEN: We love thinking about how people will live with these pieces. How do you hope our community will use and style the collection in their own homes?
EJP: I like to think all of these products are for everyday use. They're statement pieces, but they're all well-made. The linen napkins wash well, the candle burns evenly, and the salt and pepper grinders can always be on display. The pouch can be used for so many things, and I know I'll enjoy seeing it used in different ways, whether that's for tools, make-up, or stationery. Similarly, the Atina Tumbler can be used as a toothbrush holder, cup, or pen pot!
MÆGEN: Finally, if you could sum up what you want people to feel when they bring these designs into their space, what would it be?
EJP: I guess it's just an element of joy. I like people to buy with longevity in mind and because they really love something. Hopefully, these pieces will be sticking around in homes for a long time!
