Upon stepping inside Tali Roth’s home for the first time, for the Margot photoshoot… we all collectively gasped. For us interior lovers at Sage x Clare, it felt almost euphoric walking into a home with so much beauty. It was comparable to that feeling when you’re on holidays and you finally get to tick off a bucket list wonder of the world. Tali Roth’s home was our bucket list home of Melbourne, and it was MADE for our beloved Margot.
From the Gucci wallpaper in the bathroom covered in lilies, to the dreamy boucle curtains, to the unexpected colour palette across the home and the thing that most blew our minds? The carefully curated mass of art that adorned the walls.
After spending the day with Tali for this interview, we learned how passionate she is about art but also, how down-to-earth and easy to chat to she is. We hope you love this interview full of interior design wisdom…
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Tali Roth and I am an interior designer based in Melbourne Australia with projects locally and abroad.
You moved to New York the week after you finished university, tell us about your career journey from the very beginning until now... How did it all transpire?
Once I got to New York I had a few interviews at large firms but felt like I was truly not suited to sit behind a screen 24/7 and I didn’t really have connections to figure out smaller firms where I may have been utilised better. I heard about a start up called Homepolish which was commoditising interior design and that we were essentially sold in 5 hours increments… it was for sole traders and young graduates etc. I was one of the first recruits and then was connected to clients all over NY. It was a huge learning curve as I was so green but I did around 70 small jobs over a couple of years! Whilst being apart of that agency and in the era of social media – I was able to capitalize on Homepolish’s one million followers and I built my own small following and then began taking jobs outside of the company which led me to work for myself and break away from Homepolish which was how Tali Roth Designs emerged. I still continue to run jobs in the US with a colleague of mine who has a small firm studio in August Brooklyn. I have re-launched my Aussie studio with new branding a new look as of last year.
Shop resin here and bathe here.
Many people dream of living in New York but only few take the plunge… what was it like living there for so long? What did you love most about your life there?
It was wonderful. New Yorkers really work super hard and love to build up creatives and the word of mouth tool is super powerful there. There is a huge market so there is lots of space to succeed. I just loved the culture and felt very at home. My cup was filled day to day and so I never felt I had to do too much to get that culture injection… living there was plenty.
The world you work in seems so glamorous… What does your average working week look like?
It's really not! The week is peppered with client meetings, drawing, modelling in 3D, sourcing materials, driving out to vendors to see new products, visiting building sites and lots of client communication. It's busy and there is certainly a synergy with the art world and there are plenty of events to attend but you can opt in and opt out depending on where you are in your personal life.
After being in this industry for years, how do you stay creative and unique? Where do you find your inspiration?
It's not super easy. Particularly the years I am childbearing!! Travelling is a huge cup filler and inspiration for me. It can be anywhere but just leaving my routine is inspiring. Nature inspires me for sure. It opens and calms my mind. My trips to Europe are so packed with inspiration, it lasts for years. It's difficult to find the time, money and resources for overseas travel so I turn to books, other designers and honestly my clients provide me with so much inspiration from their personal stories and journeys.
Shop kids + baby here.
What is your proudest moment in your career to date… if you had to pick just one?
Having clients use me for consecutive jobs – there has been many and it's not lost on me.
The Sage x Clare team actually GASPED when we stepped inside your home for the Margot photoshoot. What was the thought process behind styling your own home?
I put a lot of effort into making decisions that fit into the following criteria – the spirit of the home, our life stage and reflecting on what I have always loved instead of following or subscribing to trends. I checked every decision and let each thought sit to ensure it wasn’t a fleeting phase or inclination.
What are your best pieces of interior wisdom for someone building their dream home or moving into a new home with a fresh slate?
I have a couple of things to share –
1. Create a one page mood board. Let it encapsulate everything you love (could be images of interiors you like, hotels, scenic nature images or art). Each decision you make – try and see if it relates back to the theme and intention.
2. Think about if a decision you are making is based on a new idea or style you are liking or is it something you have liked always? Try not to include too many ideas that are new fan favourites.
3. Try to furnish or complete each space. The spaces you do well, do it all well and the ones you can't do – just finish them cheaply but finish them so you can still capatilize on that space. I think people who leave rooms empty don’t end up using them to their full potential. Better to fill a room with all IKEA and use it for 5 years every day then to leave it as a dumping ground that collects dust.
There’s art everywhere in your beautiful home. In your expert opinion, how do you know if a piece of art is right for your home?
There is no science!! You shouldn’t get hung up on scale. Just consistently try to acquire pieces over a long period of time so that you have a nice mixture of pieces (high end vs affordable. Large vs small. Textured vs flat).
You’re passionate about art… for those that know nothing about it but want to start their journey, how can they get educated and begin entering the world of art?
If you want to get into art – it's super important that you start visiting galleries. Australia has incredible art. Go to Melbourne Art Fair and start taking note at what you gravitate towards. There are awesome smaller galleries where you can dip your toe in. DO NOT worry about what other people have or if it’s a good enough piece or a big enough piece, just start somewhere. Great art reflects the person who has acquired it and often it's how it all comes together instead of the individual piece.
I recommend checking out this link below as well:
https://thedesignfiles.net/2024/10/shopping-affordable-art-galleries
Shop kids + baby here and all bedding here.
What are your favourite pieces of furniture in your home?
There are way too many to choose from! The pieces that work well for us are the main mustard sofa as it's comfortable and practical and comfort is key! The two-seater vintage Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa we reupholstered in an Italian purple wool. It's amazing.
There’s a whole psychology around colour for interiors and fashion… what is your personal relationship with colour?
I think now that I have lived in my own spaces for 15 years or so – I think colour ages well. Colour evokes emotion and feeling. It's surprising and delightful and for me, I have learnt that it is important for my personal space. You can dial it up or down and I think it's all about balance!
Aside from work… what makes you really happy? If you had one day left to live… how would you spend it?
Easy. With my family and extended family sitting around, hanging out drinking wine or coffee.
Follow Tali Roth on Instagram here.
Find her website and browse her projects here.
With a whole lotta love xx