Juliet Souter

Our friend Juliet Souter is the Founder and Creative Director of Marle, a womenswear label made exclusively from natural fibres and fabrics.

Designing out of Mount Maunganui, the family-owned business has a tight-knit team who focus on creating pieces connected to nature, as well as caring for each other - the people who make the garments and the people who wear them.

We visited Juliet's home which she shares with her husband Justin and two children, Vita and Nero, and chatted about five Everyday Needs pieces that she uses and loves.

1. Grant Bailey Brass & Walnut Doorstop

There isn’t a more beautiful doorstop, the walnut expresses rich texture and colour perfectly along with the unexpected brass inlay.

2. Hemp Twine

What I continually turn to Everyday Needs for, turning the everyday utility into an object of beauty that is timeless, the twine has all sorts of household uses but my favourite is to wrap gifts with a fresh cutting tied into the knot or bow - lovely, biodegradable and sustainable.

3. Claude Megson: Counter Constructions

I was introduced to Claude Megson’s work when I was a teenager and my mum sold the Norris House for a client. Having the opportunity to wander through that house moved me and expanded my appreciation and love of architecture. This book has sketches and technical drawings along with detailed, inspiring imagery, it's fascinating.

4. Pepper Mill

I really enjoy cooking, I’m no master but love the process of learning and having a home cooked meal with family and friends. This pepper mill gives the perfect grind and gets more and more beautiful with age.

5. Woven Placemats

These are used everyday in our house, soft texture and the different tones of the Pathi Grass make each one special.