the brief
The brief for the MARG. Studio Studio was to transform the upstairs residence of a historic Orange building into a highly functional workspace for a growing interior design team. Practicality was key: space for an ever-expanding library of samples, books and design paraphernalia, alongside zones that support focused work, collaboration and client meetings. While a more substantial renovation is planned for the future, this phase focused on a thoughtful cosmetic refresh — one that balanced efficiency with character and allowed the space to evolve naturally over time.
The office space is the perfect spot for the team to come together.
The client
Emily MacAlpine, founder of MARG. Studio, purchased the property in late 2020 as her home. Over time, it organically transformed into a hybrid space — part design studio, part Airbnb — allowing the building to continue its long tradition of adaptation. Being both client and designer offered a rare opportunity to trial ideas freely, layer in personal history and gradually leave her mark. This dual role allowed the project to unfold intuitively, with moments of play and experimentation woven throughout.
The living space at Dover House is filled with natural light.
The space
Originally built around 1910, the building has lived many lives — from boarding house to shop — before becoming its current iteration. The upstairs unit comprises two bedrooms, a small kitchen, living, dining area, each opening via double French doors to narrow Juliet balconies. Having lost its original wrap-around timber verandah — once typical of Australian architecture from the era — the two storey home now feels accidentally (and happily) European.
The space is bathed in natural light throughout the day, and with doors thrown open, captures a beautiful cross-breeze for much of the year. Carefully selected existing furniture anchors the interiors, including a timber cabinet hand made by Emily’s great-grandfather (likely older than the house itself), a marble table from her earliest design years, and practical, hardworking desks that support daily studio life.
A cosy spot to sit and relax at Dover House.
The result
The result is a studio that sits comfortably between formality and ease — an office that feels professional yet unmistakably lived-in. Subtle gestures, like hand-painted ceiling stripes in the dining room, speak to the freedom of designing for oneself and the joy of gradual transformation. While future plans include a full interior repaint, kitchen updates, new flooring, window replacements and restoration of the French doors, the current iteration is intentionally imperfect — layered, functional and full of personality.
In parallel, the Airbnb offering shares this special slice of Orange with visitors, inviting them into a space that feels quietly unique — as though they’ve stumbled upon something rare.
Explore Dover House here.
The perfect spot for a cup of tea.
Photography: Monique Lovick Photography
Interior Design: MARG. Studio