Thoughtful interiors designed for longevity.
MARG. Studio is an interior design practice based in Orange, NSW, working on residential projects throughout Central West NSW and beyond. Founded by interior designer Emily MacAlpine, the studio creates considered interiors that balance beauty with function. Each space is shaped through thoughtful spatial planning, carefully selected materials, and a layered approach that supports the way people truly live.
Our work is not defined by a single aesthetic. Some homes feel quiet and restrained, others expressive and full of colour. What unites them is a sense of intention—spaces that feel resolved, personal, and reflective of the people who live within them.
We believe good design should feel as good as it looks, working seamlessly for everyday life while holding its visual integrity over time. Rather than designing for trends, we prioritise longevity— designing once, and designing well.
Many of our projects involve homes with history. We take care to retain what is worth keeping, while thoughtfully adapting each space for contemporary life. Wherever possible, we layer in the stories of the home and its people—furniture passed down, meaningful objects, and artworks that bring depth and individuality. The result is a home that feels established, not assembled.
Our Approach
At MARG. Studio, we believe good design begins with understanding how people live.
Our process is grounded in careful listening and a close reading of each home—its context, its orientation, and the way it is used day to day. We consider how a space needs to perform, ensuring it supports both practical requirements and the lifestyle of those who live there.
From the flow of a floor plan to the way natural light is drawn into a space, each decision is made with intention. We are meticulous in resolving layouts so they function exactly as they should, creating homes that feel intuitive and work effortlessly over time.
Materiality plays a central role in our work. We prioritise quality, longevity and tactility, selecting finishes and furnishings that will endure and develop character. Layering is key—bringing together old and new, refined and relaxed, to create spaces with depth and a sense of permanence.
We work collaboratively with other designers, builders, trades and local makers to ensure each project is realised with care and precision. Attention to detail carries through every stage, from early concept planning to the final layers of furnishing and decoration.
The result is a home that feels considered in its entirety— designed not just for how it looks, but for how it is lived in over time.
Meet Emily
A country girl obsessed with floor plans, the smell of SAW DUST and homes with historical charm.
Emily MacAlpine, founder of MARG. Studio, grew up on a sheep farm in far west New South Wales. She established the studio in Melbourne in 2016 before returning to regional NSW in 2020, and is now based in Orange.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration from ISCD. Her professional experience includes working with a leading architecture practice in Sydney, along with time spent in a respected art consultancy—shaping her understanding of both spatial design and the role of art within interiors.
This combined experience informs a considered and holistic approach to design, where proportion, materiality and atmosphere are carefully balanced.
Earlier in her career, Emily also spent time teaching design, sharing her knowledge with emerging designers—an experience that continues to influence the clarity and intention behind the studio's work today.
Outside the studio, Emily enjoys painting, drawing and sourcing unique pieces—whether from a small maker on the other side of the world or a local second-hand shop. Travel has shaped her interiors, inspiring her love of the experiences spaces can create in both homes and hospitality, and she delights in discussing design and materials with local makers.
The Story Behind the Name
The studio takes its name from Emily's grandmother, Margaret.
Margaret belonged to a generation that valued craftsmanship, resourcefulness and the idea of buying well rather than buying often. Their philosophy of "waste not, want not" continues to shape the way the studio approaches design.
From a young age, Margaret encouraged Emily to paint, draw, cook, explore and create—instilling a strong appreciation for making, collecting and appreciating the little things in life. That influence remains central to the studio today.
These values are reflected in every project. Materials are chosen with care, pieces are selected for their longevity, and spaces are designed to evolve over time rather than be replaced.
MARG. Studio is, in many ways, a continuation of this way of thinking—creating interiors that feel personal, layered and enduring, shaped by both the home's history and the people who live within it.
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What MARG.Clients Are Saying
We love coming home! Emily worked wonders on our compact and challenging 1BR. She maximised the layout with practical solutions and now it feels bigger, brighter and the custom joinery works so well for us. Emily worked consistently to meet our design, space and fiscal requests. She was a great sounding board and easy to work with. The detail in her concept presentations, drawings and schedule documents were so practical and helpful throughout the process. Absolutely fabulous!
Without hesitation we highly recommend MARG.Studio.