My MUSE | Camilla Temple

Hi everyone, Michele here to introduce this week’s My MUSE: the endlessly warm, always poised, and brilliantly creative Camilla Temple.

I first met Camilla walking down Jervois Road, her two gorgeous children and black Labrador in tow. She had the most beautiful smile and a warmth that immediately drew you in, the kind of presence that makes you feel like you’ve known her for years.

Born in New Zealand but having spent much of her life between Hong Kong and the UK, Camilla brings a worldly perspective to her design. Drawing on the places she has called home, Camilla blends international influences with a distinctly Kiwi approach, creating interiors that are unmistakably her own.

A mother of two and the driving force behind her own studio, she balances beauty and functionality with ease. Her interiors are the perfect blend of quiet luxury, layered with personality and designed to be truly lived in. Her personal style mirrors this philosophy: refined, relaxed, and intentional, built on strong tailoring, classic shirting, and investment pieces that endure beyond trends.

I caught up with Camilla to talk about designing across continents, motherhood and home life, her approach to timeless style, and the pieces she’s currently coveting.

 

 

You’re New Zealand born but have spent much of your life between Hong Kong and the UK. How has living and working internationally shaped your eye and approach to design?

Living and working in different countries has shaped both who I am and how I design. Hong Kong made me acutely aware of space (or the lack of it!) and how to create calm within intensity. The UK instilled a love of history, imperfection and pieces that carry a story. New Zealand has deepened my appreciation for light and landscape, and the quiet way they shape how we live.
 

You’re a mum of two beautiful children. Has motherhood changed the way you think about designing a home and the balance between beauty and functionality?

Completely. Before children, I probably leaned more toward aesthetics first. Now I design for real life. I understand the need for effortless flow, smart storage, durability, and how a space feels at 6pm when everyone is tired and hungry. That doesn’t mean compromising on beauty; it means designing intelligently. A home has to hold the chaos gracefully. Letting go of the mess and allowing sticky fingers to wander without freaking out.

 

 

How would you describe your personal aesthetic, both in your interiors and in the way you dress? Have the two always influenced each other?

Both my clothing and interiors reflect me as a person, they are layered but considered. I'm a lover of beautiful objects, whether it's to wear or for the home. You never regret buying something you love.

 

What has been your favourite project to date, and what made it so special?

I recently completed a lakeside home with someone who is not only a client but also my best friend. It's amazing to watch a project unfold with complete trust, mutual understanding and a lot of fun. 

 

 

How would you describe your personal style day-to-day? Are you a uniform dresser or do you like to experiment?

I lean towards a uniform. Good tailoring, relaxed shirting, plenty of denim, and strong outerwear. I’d rather invest in fewer, beautiful pieces than chase trends.

 

For you, what makes a space or an outfit feel timeless rather than trend-led?

Trends are often exaggerated; timelessness is more refined. 

 

 

You have such a beautifully grounded energy. What helps you stay centred and balanced day to day?

Routine. Running a studio alongside family life requires a lot of organisation, so routine helps with this. I also try to be as present as possible, especially with my children. When I'm with my kids, putting my phone away really helps with this. 

 

 

What's currently on your MUSE wish list?

Oh, so many things! I'm loving all the Khaite jeans, Tom Ford sunglasses and will be getting ready to splurge on some cashmere for winter.

 

And finally, finish this sentence... A woman is most powerful when she....

Trusts her instincts and stands firmly in them, while smiling.