Mi Casa | Chloe Mackie – Pampa Journal

We spent a sunny afternoon visiting Chloe Mackie at her hinterland home. Open and welcoming, the house is bathed in natural light – a space that beautifully embodies family, connection, and the gentle rhythm of a slower pace of life. Over cups of tea, we wandered the property, meeting her adopted baby calves and chickens, with her children proudly introducing each one by name.

The neutral tones of the home provide the perfect backdrop for her choice of FORMA rugs, which seamlessly blend with the thoughtful design and make a refined statement in every room.

SHOP THE LOOK

1/ Forma Rug #3 2/ Eclipse Mini Rug Bone & Olive 3/ Pom Pom Cushion #1 Large |Sand 4/ Monte Throw | Sand 5/ Luz Rug Sand & Latte 6/Classica Cushion #8 | Sand 7/Classica Cushion #12 | Sand

Can you tell us about the journey that led you to settle in the stunning hinterland of the Gold Coast? What do you love most about your location and the lifestyle it offers your family?

Our journey to settle in the beautiful hinterland of the Gold Coast is a blend of both mine and my husband’s backgrounds and a shared desire for a balanced lifestyle. I’m originally from New Zealand and my husband hails from South Africa. We both moved to the Gold Coast when we were younger and met nearly 16 years ago, as we began building our life we found ourselves longing for more space and tranquility, which led us to the hinterland.

We noticed your home is filled with a beautiful blend of family, nature, and animals! Can you share what a typical day looks like at your home, and how your animals play a role in your daily routine?

Our days start early with the cows needing to be fed. The kids are usually up to help—whether it’s feeding the calves, collecting eggs, or just spending time as a family. The cows are calm and steady, and they teach the kids responsibility and patience. After breakfast, we go about our day—school, work, play, but always enjoying the peace of being outdoors. The animals are a constant presence, grounding us and reminding us to slow down and appreciate the simple things. It’s a balanced rhythm of work and family life.

You mentioned fostering calves as part of your home’s unique charm. Can you tell us more about that? What has the experience of raising foster calves been like, and how do they fit into your family life?

Raising calves has been a special part of our family life. They are nearly a year old now and it’s been a unique hands-on experience that brings us closer together. The kids love feeding them, watching them grow, and learning about responsibility. The calves are part of our daily routine, from morning feeds to evening cuddles and grooming, they fit in like any other member of the family. It’s rewarding for all of us to see them thrive, it’s been a simple, authentic way to connect with nature and teach our children the value of care and hard work.

We love how Forma rugs have become a beautiful addition to your home. What was it about the collection that drew you in, and how do you feel the pieces complement your lifestyle and surroundings?

What drew me in about the Forma collection was the combination of classic design and timeless craftsmanship. The textures and natural materials used in the rugs create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the earthy tones and minimalist patterns effortlessly blend with my Home. The pieces really complement my lifestyle by adding both comfort and character to my living space. They’re not just functional but serve as statement pieces that enhance the overall aesthetic of my surroundings. Whether it’s the subtle, handmade quality or the natural dyes, the rugs bring a sense of calm and grounding, which fits perfectly with how I like to curate my home — with an emphasis on sustainability and intentionality.

Can you tell us about your design process when it comes to curating your home? Do you have any tips for people starting fresh with their interiors?

When it comes to curating my home, I focus on creating a space that is both functional and calming, with a style that reflects simplicity and durability, which is especially important with young children around. I’ve always been innately drawn to minimalism, so I tend to lean towards natural materials and earth imbuing tones, which are not only timeless but also easy to maintain. I think the key is balancing practicality with aesthetic appeal, without overcomplicating things.

Sustainability and natural materials are a big part of Pampa’s ethos. How do Pampa’s values align with your own, especially when it comes to creating a home that feels both beautiful and connected to nature?

Pampa’s focus on sustainability and natural materials deeply resonates with my own values, particularly when it comes to creating a home that feels beautiful, grounded, and in harmony with the natural world. The brand’s commitment to using ethically sourced, sustainable materials and their emphasis on slow design speaks to a larger ethos of mindful living, where the spaces we inhabit reflect a sense of care, respect, and connection to the environment. I believe that creating a home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about cultivating a space that nurtures our well-being and connects us to the earth. By incorporating natural materials like wool and dyes extracted from flowers and plants, Pampa elevates the beauty of the simple, organic textures that we often find in nature itself. This helps create interiors that feel timeless, authentic, and intimately tied to the land.

What’s the most treasured piece in your home, and what makes it so special to you?

The most treasured piece in my home is a hand-painted artwork that hangs in my living room. It’s based on a photo I took the first time we visited our local rockpools. What makes it so special to me is the deep connection it represents—both to my family and to a place that holds so many cherished memories. The process of painting it was a beautiful experience, and every time I look at it, I’m reminded not just of the beauty of that moment, but also of the deep love I feel for my husband and children. It’s a piece of art, but it’s a piece of me.

Do you have a favourite room in your home? What is it about that space that makes it stand out, and how do you like to spend time there?

My favourite room in my home is the living room, which is also open to the kitchen. Our home is small and cozy, so I love that this space becomes the heart of our house. It's loud, full of love, and holds so many different moods and experiences. Whether we’re cooking, laughing, relaxing, or having deep conversations, it always feels like the center of everything. There’s something about the way this room evolves with us, and how it brings everyone together, that makes it feel so special.

With your home filled with such life and energy, how do you ensure that it remains a peaceful haven where you and your family can unwind and recharge?

Creating a peaceful haven at home, especially with a busy and energetic household, is all about balance. I try to carve out spaces and times where we can all reconnect with ourselves and each other. For us, it’s about finding moments of quiet, whether it’s a cozy cuddle on the couch or just enjoying a cup of coffee in silence before the day starts. We also focus on keeping our home organized and free of clutter, because that helps create a calmer environment. Having a routine helps too—there’s a rhythm to our days that gives everyone a sense of structure, but with flexibility built in for spontaneity and connection. Most importantly, I make sure to nurture the relationships within the family. We talk openly about our needs, check in with each other regularly, and make time to unwind together, whether it’s through shared meals, walks, or simply being present in the same space. It’s definitely a constant practice, but at the core, it’s about staying mindful of what helps us feel connected and balanced.

What has been the most rewarding part of living in the hinterland?

The most rewarding part of living in the hinterland has been the deep connection to nature and the sense of community. Out here, you’re surrounded by raw, unspoiled landscapes—rolling hills, dense forests, clear streams—everything feels more vivid and real. It’s a pace of life that encourages slowing down and appreciating the small, everyday moments, like the sound of rain on the roof or the way the light changes at sunset. Living in a more remote area also fosters a strong sense of belonging within a tight-knit community. People look out for one another in ways that are rare in larger towns or cities. There’s an authenticity to the relationships here—you’re not just neighbours, but part of something bigger, something that feels grounded and meaningful. It’s this combination of natural beauty and human connection that has made living in the hinterland so fulfilling.

Finally, what does home mean to you?

Home, to me, is more than just a place—it’s a feeling of belonging, comfort, and safety. It’s where I can let my guard down, be myself, and recharge. It’s the people I share it with, the little routines, the spaces that hold memories. It’s the warmth of a familiar corner, the sound of laughter echoing through the halls, the quiet moments of solitude that bring clarity. Home isn’t defined by four walls; it’s the emotional anchor that keeps me grounded, no matter where I am.