Some homes tell a story long before a word is spoken. A colourful glass tumbler picked up on a memorable trip. A ceramic lemon displayed on a kitchen shelf. A vase that feels just as beautiful without flowers as it does with them. These are the details that turn a house into a home.
Founded by Stephanie, Marla Primrose is a homeware brand inspired by Mediterranean living, colourful interiors and the objects we collect throughout our lives. From handblown Murano glassware and sculptural ruffle vases to nostalgic fruit and vegetable ceramics, every piece is designed to bring personality, beauty and joy into everyday spaces.
What began as a small trunk show for friends in Primrose Hill has grown into a carefully curated collection of decorative home accessories that celebrate gathering, food, family and the art of living well. At a time when many of us are moving away from perfectly matched interiors in favour of homes that feel layered, personal and collected, Marla Primrose offers pieces that are both functional and decorative, designed to be loved for years to come.
We spoke with Stephanie about the inspiration behind the brand, her Mediterranean heritage, the enduring appeal of Murano glass, and why sometimes a simple ceramic garlic can bring more joy than you might expect.
Marla Primrose feels full of personality and storytelling, where did the idea for the brand first begin?
I've always loved collecting objects and surrounding myself with beautiful things. People may not know this, but it all started with a trunk show at my home in Primrose Hill for close friends in 2023. I began with a small curation of colourful glassware, plates and decorative objects that I had sourced, and the business grew from there.
Your collections have such a strong Mediterranean influence. What draws you to those colours, textures and decorative traditions?
I grew up in London, but I wanted Marla Primrose to reflect my Mediterranean heritage. It's all about celebrating gathering, food, family and beauty in daily life. As with most of our homeware, the key is that each piece is decorative as well as functional. I wanted vases that looked just as beautiful without flowers as they do with them (we all have busy lives, and fresh flowers aren't always at the top of the priority list!). Our ruffle bud vases are perfect for placing on a mantelpiece or bedside table just as they are, and our Sicilian Moor Heads are equally elegant on their own.
The fruit and vegetable ceramics have become incredibly distinctive for the brand. What inspired that playful direction?
Glossy peaches, lemons, figs, aubergines and pears have long had a place in many Mediterranean homes. Growing up, my grandmother had a collection of ceramic fruit and vegetable ornaments scattered throughout her house. Bowls of ceramic lemons sat on sideboards, painted peppers hung in the kitchen, and ceramic grapes rested permanently on the dining table. To me they are nostalgic and had to be part of the collection.
Murano glassware has such a rich history and craftsmanship behind it. What made you want to introduce these pieces into the Marla Primrose world?
The way our tumblers are created is incredible. Every piece feels like a small work of art; no two are alike, each filled with colourful murrine - the intricate multicoloured glass patterns you see within the design. Introducing Murano glassware felt like a natural extension of the brand because it combines beauty, colour and functionality. I love that these pieces can elevate a table or a home while still being useful and enjoyed every day.
For someone wanting to create a more layered and interesting home, where's the best place to start?
I think there's been a shift in the way we collect pieces for our homes. You don't need to buy everything at once; you can layer pieces over time. This was something I thought about when creating the collection.
Like many people who live in London, I live in a small flat. I wanted every object to be beautiful on its own - almost like the start of a collection. That's why everything can be bought individually and mixed and matched.
I have a ceramic garlic on my mantelpiece that brings me so much joy, alongside other objects I've collected from antique fairs and French flea markets. I always recommend a trip to Sunbury Antiques Market if you're looking for inspiration.
What have been some of the biggest lessons or unexpected moments since launching Marla Primrose?
One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of trusting your instincts. Some of our most popular pieces were the ones I initially worried might be too bold or niche.
It has also been incredibly rewarding to see how customers style the pieces in their own homes. Watching people connect with the brand and make it part of their everyday lives has been one of the most unexpected and fulfilling aspects of the journey.
At Mash + Mint, we're always drawn to brands that bring something distinctive to the home, and Marla Primrose does exactly that. Stephanie's approach reminds us that creating a beautiful home isn't about following trends or filling every corner at once. It's about collecting pieces that make you smile, tell a story and reflect your personality.
Whether it's a handblown Murano glass tumbler, a sculptural bud vase or a playful ceramic fruit inspired by generations of Mediterranean homes, Marla Primrose celebrates the beauty of surrounding ourselves with objects that feel meaningful. Each piece is designed to be lived with, enjoyed and collected over time.
As Stephanie's story shows, the most memorable interiors are often built slowly, one treasured object at a time. Shop Marla Primrose.
