Lucy Coote’s world is built on texture, tactility, and thoughtful design. As the ceramicist behind Salad Days Ceramics, she creates beautifully functional pieces designed for everyday rituals. Her home in Berhampore, Wellington—one of the historic Five Sisters—is an extension of that ethos. A blend of old and new, crafted and considered, it’s a space that reflects both her artistry and family life. We caught up with Lucy to talk about creating, collecting, and the little details that make a house feel like yours.
Tell us a bit about Salad Days Ceramics—where did it all begin?
About 15 years ago, I started pottery night classes as a creative outlet outside my 9–5 job. I wasn’t good at throwing at first, but I was determined to improve. I joined a local pottery club and practiced whenever I could. Over the years, while living and working overseas in Hong Kong and Sydney, I continued learning from different teachers, refining my skills. After about five years in Sydney, I began selling my pieces and slowly transitioned to making Salad Days my full-time focus. It’s been around eight years now. We moved back to Wellington, NZ, in 2018, where I’ve continued my pottery practice.
Your home is such a beautiful blend of history and modern design. How does your space influence your work?
Thank you! I feel so lucky to live and work here. The Salad Days studio is attached to our home, so life and work feel very connected. I also work in my husband Mark’s architecture practice, Studio Myla, one to two days a week doing interior design, so we’re constantly discussing both businesses, and there’s a lot of overlap. Having a purpose-built studio after years of makeshift spaces has been really grounding—I can focus more. And having my studio at home means I can pop in during the evenings or early mornings to finish pieces or turn on kilns.
What’s one thing you think every great space needs?
A functional layout, paired with objects and furniture that reflect the lives and personalities of the people who live there.
Texture is a big part of your work. How do you bring that same tactility into your interiors?
We’ve focused on using natural, honest materials throughout our home, which has given it layers of texture. We needed the interior to be robust enough for family life yet still feel cosy and welcoming. There’s a mix of concrete, timber, stainless steel, and terrazzo, balanced with wool, linen, and seagrass matting. Then we’ve layered in the things that mean the most to us—art, ceramics, books, and plenty of treasures collected by our seven-year-old twins, from gems and seeds to leaves and rocks.
What’s the one piece in your home you’ll never part with?
Throughout my childhood, my grandmother and I wrote letters to each other regularly. She recently gifted me back all the letters I had written to her. They’re such a special insight into our relationship and my childhood.
What’s your ideal slow morning at home?
Drinking cups of coffee and tea in the kitchen or courtyard, reading, drawing, and playing cards with our twins, Daisy and Margaux.
You recently added the Slideaway Sofa Bed to your space—how’s it settling in?
We love our new Slideaway Sofa Bed! It’s in a multi-use room—den, guest room, and Lego room all in one. We’ve spent so much time reading, napping, and playing cards on it this summer—we love using it in relax mode.
How do you like to spend your weekends in Wellington? Any favourite local spots?
We live in Berhampore, close to the city but also right on the edge of the town belt, so we love exploring the hills behind our home. Or we’ll jump in the car for a quick five-minute drive to the South Coast for a swim. Our favourite family-friendly spots to eat are Baker Gramercy and Parrotdog Pub, while Margot, Rita, or Graze are our top choices for an adults-only night out.
New Zealand is filled with hidden gems—do you have a go-to place that always inspires you?
We’re lucky to have access to a family beach house in Castlepoint, a rugged but beautiful beach about 2.5 hours from Wellington. We love escaping there for weekends—it always leaves us feeling refreshed and inspired.
What’s next for Salad Days Ceramics? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
I’m looking forward to getting started on the dinner set orders I have lined up for early 2025—I love making these special sets for people to use and enjoy every day. I’m also excited to dive into some new interior projects with Studio Myla. We’ve got a few exciting things on the horizon!
