Mosey Loves: Sophie Panton

For the latest edition of our Mosey Loves series, we caught up with Sophie Panton, stylist and one half of the podcast Talking in Common, to talk all things home, work and life! Cutting her styling teeth in the wedding industry, Sophie splits her time between private styling projects, podcast hosting and running after two bubs under 3. She was gracious enough to host us at her beautiful South Yarra rental which she shares with her partner and two kids.

Read on to tour her gorgeous, eclectic home and find out why Mosey Loves Sophie Panton!

1. What star sign are you? How do you feel it relates to your personality?

I’m a Gemini – I can’t say I know a lot about star signs, I would like to learn more but the two things that resonate most with me from Gemini traits are being inquisitive and curious. I am most definitely those things. They also say Geminis are indecisive and I’m also very much that, some of the time.. Well, am I? See…

2. Where do you live and why do you call this place home?

Currently inner city Melbourne, but headed for a sea change soon to the coast! We have loved the location we live in but it was the charm of this particular house that has kept us here for so long. I love a bit of character, even if it comes with its quirks.

Sophie's light-filled dining area featuring the Maypole Stripe tablecloth, placemats and napkins

 

3. What were you like growing up? What were your interests and hobbies?

Pretty well rounded really, I grew up in the country with 5 brothers but was obsessed with ballet and dance so in a nutshell I was a tomboy ballerina.

4. How did you become a stylist?

My Mum had beautiful retail stores when I was growing up and I worked in them from a young age. I was given a lot of creative freedom working there and I was just naturally drawn to merchandising and styling the stock. I’d theme the windows, rearrange the displays, helped with the buying. I just loved it. Working there also gave me a huge appreciation for local and international goods and the craft that went with creating beautiful things.

5. Where do you draw inspiration from in your work, home and life in general?

I always find this a tricky question to answer. I don’t always feel inspired and sometimes I find inspiration in that. Forcing myself to slow down, be a little more present, look and appreciate the small things in life and often something beautiful and new will come from that, which inspires me! My endless curiosity (the Gemini in me) helps me to find inspiration also. 

6. What is your favourite aspect of being a stylist? What’s the hardest part?

I love working with my hands and physically putting things together, my brain and I just get along well when I use my hands. But it’s such an unglamorous job; the reality is a car full of random things, always. Forever hunting for strange props, on my hands and knees scrubbing something, heavy lifting, failed attempts and late nights packing or painting something. My partner will happily tell you ;)

7. Tell us about your latest project, the Talking in Common podcast. What inspired you and your co-founder Kate to start the podcast?

Oh yes, the podcast! I love it so much. Kate and I started it in 2020. So it was originally a bit of a covid project but it’s become something much bigger than that. We found ourselves talking so much about our new life with little babies and at the time there wasn’t a whole heap of motherhood/ parenthood/ lifestyle podcasts around so we just jumped in the deep end and gave it a shot! We have had so many amazing experiences with it and connected with some amazing people!

8. Which of your guests to date has been the most inspiring / memorable? What has been your favourite chat in your first three seasons?

Oooh tough question, we’ve been lucky to interview some amazing people. Some that stick out are Clementine Ford, Jayneen Sanders, Mick Fanning , Vincent Fantauzzo and of course your Mosey Me Founder and dear friend of mine, Eliza!

Sophie's retro bathroom featuring Mosey towels and bathmats coming soon

9. What has been a career highlight for you so far on your journey?

I’ve been lucky enough to work on some of Melbourne’s best corporate and private events in my event design days. Some truly spectacular parties! But honestly, connecting and working with my own clients, suppliers, and friends when I went out on my own has been deeply satisfying.

10. Who makes up your home? And where do your family gravitate most to in the home?

Myself, my partner Ayden and our two mini’s, Honey and Ren. We gravitate to the kitchen. A lot. The pantry is a revolving door with kids. But also, our bedroom. We read books, snuggle, sleep, drink tea, eat breakfast sometimes, give birthday presents and just make really simple, special family memories in our bedroom.

11. What does a typical day in your life look like at the moment?

Right now it’s very domestic. I’m in full mum mode most of the time. The rest of the time I’m juggling the podcast. Researching, planning, brainstorming, meeting, recording, releasing etc. It’s a lot of work and a real juggle but we love it. I do take on jobs here and there when I can fit it in, it just keeps me in the loop and gets my creative juices flowing.

12. What is your favourite room in your home and why?

Probably my bedroom, for the above memory making reasons but it’s also a very grounding and calm room in this house. We have huge windows that look out onto a beautiful old oak tree and the light filters in just right.

 

Sophie's bedding and tablecloth from the Poppy collection

13. What’s your most treasured piece in your home and why?

There are some special pieces that I love, hand made pottery, an old Indian chest and some precious artwork but honestly my children are without a doubt the most precious things in my home. As long as we’re all together we can make any home beautiful.

14. What are the specific things you look for when purchasing pieces for your home?

I don’t purchase a lot for my home to be honest. A lot of what we own has been collected, passed down or even gifted. But if I do buy something new, locally made is always a priority and if not local, ethically made and high quality so it lasts!

15. And lastly, what is your favourite piece from the Mosey Me range & why?

Oooh another tough question because it’s all so much fun. But, the versatility of the new quilt is a winner for me. So many uses for it, the bed, couch, picnics, kids rooms…endless! Love a versatile piece!

Rapid Fire Round
 
Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise.
Ocean or Country? Both together.
Good Movie or Good Book? I’d like to say book but I never finish them so I think its movie.
Silver or Gold? Gold.
Pink or Purple? Maybe purple these days. Never thought I would say that.
Wine or Cocktail? Wine