Lisbon-based interior designer Alexandra Coxon (My Habitat Design) is behind all three Studio Bondi spaces. We sat down with Alexandra to talk about creating spaces that feel calm and inspiring, where she finds inspiration, and the small rituals that shape her days.
ON DESIGN
01 // Tell us about your love of interior design and My Habitat Design. How did it all begin?
I think it started quite early on. I remember moving the furniture around my bedroom in the middle of the night when I was young, maybe that’s where it all began. I think if you’re ever questioning your path, it can be helpful to look back at what you enjoyed doing as a child and there are often little clues there.
I went on to study interior design in Brisbane, Australia, where I grew up, and after that I followed my dreams to move to New York City where I started my career. Eventually love brought me to the Netherlands, where I worked in a corporate company for four years before finding the courage to start on my own. It felt like a huge leap at the time, but also one of those decisions where you just know you have to trust yourself, and I’m so happy I did.
Studio Bondi was My Habitat’s first project, which really confirmed that I could do it so it feels extra special to look back on that now.
02 // What feeling did you most want people to have the moment they walked into a Studio Bondi space?
It was important to me that Studio Bondi felt elevated but still really welcoming and easy to be in. I also think that by using mostly natural materials it naturally gives the space a grounding and calming feeling.
03 // Each studio has its own personality. What’s your favourite thing about each one?
That’s been one of my favourite parts of designing all the studios. The architecture and natural light in each location inspired me to give them their own personality, while still staying connected to the Studio Bondi essence.
But my favourite thing in each one would have to be the reception desks. We started with the handmade terracotta tiles at Valeriusstraat, which was a big investment at the time, and from there they evolved into the sculptural stone desks, along side my studio working more with natural stone.
04 // What’s a little detail in the design you’d love members to notice?
As cliché as it sounds, I really believe design is all in the details. So perhaps the balance of materials, like the way stone, steel and glass sit alongside the timbers and natural fibres, or even the softness of the wall lighting. It’s all of those layers working together that shape how a space feels, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why.
ON RITUALS
05 // What does a good morning look like for you? Do you have a morning ritual?
My mornings start slowly, with no screens and no alarm clock (unless I need to get to the airport!).
They used to be much more structured, but I eventually realised that wasn’t really me. These days, I prefer to tune into what feels good in the moment, whether that’s meditation, movement, singing, dancing or journalling.
Then it’s usually a celery juice (I’m hooked!), a smoothie or a yummy breakfast. Often a call with someone I love, and sometimes a dirty matcha.
06 // Do you have an evening ritual? What’s one thing that helps you get a great night’s sleep?
I love having a bath with Epsom salts or going in the sauna, anything that helps me wind down. I try to avoid screens before bed… not always perfectly, but I do my best.
07 // What genuinely keeps you feeling good day to day?
Balance has always been a bit of a challenge for me. I’m learning to step back from working too much, but I feel like I’m finally finding my way with it. I’m much more interested these days in feeling good, not just being productive.
For me, that means nourishing my mind, body and soul through creativity, movement, meaningful connection, good food, nature, and definitely enough rest.
08 // Is there a book you’d recommend to everyone?
Journey of Souls by Michael Newton. Perhaps not for everyone, but it opened my eyes to ideas around our soul’s purpose in this life and what might exist in the spirit world after death. I found it strangely comforting.
And then Man’s Search for Meaning is one for everyone. It’s such a beautiful reminder of how perspective can completely change the way we experience life.
ON ESCAPE
09 // Your favourite place to truly recharge, where is it?
I tend to gravitate towards places that feel removed from everyday life, and I love spaces that are beautifully designed without being overly polished. Somewhere in nature is ideal for me, ideally with a body of water.
10 // A retreat, hotel or destination you’d recommend to everyone?
I would highly recommend a Panchakarma retreat to everyone. It’s an ancient Ayurvedic detox therapy that deeply cleanses the body and mind. I felt so balanced and clear afterwards.
I did mine at Surya Lanka Ayurveda Beach Resort in Sri Lanka, and I can highly recommend it. Wow, just thinking about it makes me want to go back.