Healthy Home: A Conversation with Rosemary Hallgarten
Textile artist Rosemary Hallgarten shares with WLLW her commitment to simplicity, tradition and the everyday comforts that define her home.
WORDS Lisa Sternfeld
WLLW spoke to Rosemary Hallgarten, a textile artist whose work evokes ideas of luxury and craftsmanship. Rosemary’s brand works with teams of textile artisans in communities across Peru, Brazil and Nepal, producing beautiful products in a sustainable and ethical way. As someone whose pieces enrich homes, we wanted to know more about her own.
Throughout our conversation, Rosemary reveals how simplicity, tradition and cherished everyday items form the essence of her healthy and comforting home environment.
What does a healthy home mean to you?
To me, a healthy home revolves around surrounding myself with as many natural elements as I can. From what I put in my fridge to feed myself and my family, to the soft, indulgent alpaca textures around us. It’s a large part of what initially drew me to alpaca fibers which come in many natural shades and have a strong sustainability story. A healthy home is also very much about how it makes me feel when I walk into each room – a sense of comfort and refuge.
What is your most coveted item that you use day in and day out?
Many people may think of something luxurious or expensive when they think of something coveted, but mine is so simple – it’s a ceramic basket with perforated holes that I use to wash berries. We eat a lot of berries in my house, which makes this simple basket such a daily staple.
What has traveled with you from home to home?
My most treasured item that comes with me from home to home is a keepsake box filled with reminders of my mother. Inside, I place the hook she used to craft rugs, her jewelry, handwritten notes and articles highlighting her achievements. One particularly memorable photo shows the Anni Albers rug she made which was displayed at the Tate Modern. Having all these mementos in one place keeps her spirit close to me, no matter where I am.
Is there an item that has been passed down from generation to generation?
I'm fortunate enough to possess several items passed down from my parents; my most treasured include 16th-century chairs and a Jacobean wooden table. The table once served as our dining table during my childhood. Back then it felt so big, but now I use it as a decorative piece in my entryway.
Can you share a particular space or item in your home that significantly contributes to your wellbeing?
I’ve intentionally designed my bedroom as my sanctuary. I like to keep everything white for a clear mind while waking up and winding down. My bedroom and bath share the space so it feels like a spa and has a very calming effect.
What is your morning routine, and how does the design of your home support it?
I like to start the day before everyone is awake with green tea (I keep teabags and a small kettle in my bathroom so I don’t have to go downstairs and disturb the dogs) and I do 10 minutes of yoga in my bedroom to get grounded for whatever the day brings, be it client meetings, time in the office, traveling or events.
Feature Image: Rosemary Hallgarten
Photography: Sissela Johansson
Further Info
Rosemary Hallgarten
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