East Coast Drive's Mags shares her secret to balancing family and business
Superwoman! Mags just launched a new business. She chatted to us about how she manages to do it all.
Margaret 'Mags' Westerhof has added yet another title to her already impressive resume - interior design business owner.
The East Coast Drive presenter has turned her love for home decor into a beautiful venture that will hopefully help scores of homeowners turn their humble abode into something worthy of a 'Top Billing' feature.
Her new business means more hard work for the busy mom, but Mags couldn't be happier doing what she loves.
The interior designer chatted to us about how Margaret Rose Interiors came about and how she juggles her career, business, and family life.
Tell us a bit about your new interior design business and why you started it?
Interior Design has always been something I have just loved, from magazines to installations I adore the process, trends, relationships you form and a style you grow to love. The truth is I was turning 40 and decided I was going to put my mind to something I wanted to do for the rest of my life and could do anywhere in the world – interior design it was. I have this gorgeous radio platform in which I work but I want to put my stamp on the working world.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My style is ‘functional personality’. I work closely with clients to understand their needs, how their family operates from day to day, and trends that match their home setting along with their personalities. I'm obsessed with creating pieces and buying pieces that are multifunctional, they need to have a purpose in the home and it must work.
What is your favourite room in your home and what do you love about its décor?
The lounge. It’s a collection of vintage bottles, to modern contemporary art, but then slowed down with candles, a Persian rug, door cut coffee table from Zanzibar, orchids, family photos and filled with family. I love the conversations that happen there, the memories that are created, and, of course, a good movie night with a giant bowl of popcorn
What are three must-have items that can give your living room an instant makeover?
No! Don’t do that to a designer! Only three things? Okay, let me say, a rug, giant pot plants, ART ART ART in whatever shape or form….
How do you juggle being a mom and wife with your career as a radio presenter and your multiple business ventures?
Planning. Planning. Planning. I know what the school week and month looks like so I can plan. I know what each day looks like for that week on a Sunday night, so I can plan. I have projects with deadlines and a projection board in the office so I can plan.
I know how much I want to weigh and how I want to look so I slot that into the week and I plan my exercise and diet. And, of course, my show is set. It sounds controlled but I know what’s happening so spontaneous getaways and fun weekends are possible. It doesn’t make it easy but it makes it a lot more bearable and gives me time to juggle it all
ALSO READ: "My son is growing up way too fast," says Mags
What is the most money you have spent on an interior design item for your home?
I can't kiss and tell… funny you ask actually, I'm busy custom designing and making my new dining suite and all I can say is I have expensive taste. But I always say when it comes to your home, it's an investment and something that should stick around for 10-15 years.
Which celebrity home do you love?
George Clooney’s villa on Lake Como Villa Oleandra at Lazio… I say no more.
What is an average day in your life like?
Morning gratitude, school run, exercise, office admin, meetings, site visits, ECR Drive Show Prep, ECR Drive 3-6pm, dinner at the table with my son, storytime, and then couch and wine!
What message do you have for women who are starting their own businesses?
I'm going to say this again. Plan, research, know your competitors, and make sure what you are starting is sustainable in any economic state. And a side note - you should be able to start your business and not draw from it in 12 months. That way your business can grow with no pressures but rather have the ability to flourish – Good Luck!
Here's a look at the before and after pictures of one of the homes Margaret Rose Interiors helped redecorate.
If her interior design skills are half as good as her stylish wardrobe, then we see a bright future for Mags' new business venture.
Visit Margaret Rose Interiors' Facebook and Instagram pages for interior design inspiration and business queries. You can also visit the website.
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Catch East Coast Drive with Bongani and Mags - weekdays from 15:00 - 18:00.