Healthy Home: A Conversation with Armadillo Founders Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst

WLLW spoke to the founders of Armadillo, Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst, two entrepreneurs and promoters of social change. Their effortlessly refined collection of luxurious yet sustainably produced rugs are crafted by artisans from natural fibers and they are made to last for generations.

During our conversation, Jodie and Sally reveal how treasuring the simple things that bring joy and nurturing a connection to family and tradition has led to their healthy, happy homes.

What does a healthy home mean to you?

Jodie Fried: To me, a healthy home is one with a “less is more” approach, curated to feel considered, meaningful and uncluttered so the space can nurture your physical and mental health. I think it’s also important to tend to the interplay of airflow, scent, natural and ambient light.

Sally Pottharst: I am a complete disciple of having natural materials in the home, which is one of the reasons why we founded Armadillo and brought our handcrafted rugs to life in the first place. As much as possible, I avoid anything with harsh chemicals in the household and opt for simple, clean, honest products.

What is your most coveted item that you use day in and day out?

JF: Nothing gives me greater joy than my handmade collection. Whether it’s a ceramic bowl that I’ve thrown on my pottery wheel or a hand-carved wooden spoon acquired on my travels – there’s something about the tactile interaction that feels like such a simple luxury. At the same time, I’m not precious about these pieces if they wear or break. I prefer them to be used and enjoyed every day, rather than put on a shelf or kept in a box.

SP: I don’t really covet material objects, but I get immense joy from the ritual of having my morning coffee in a beautiful handmade, handle-less ceramic cup – it’s the perfect size and I love to cradle it while slowly drinking my coffee and easing into the day.

What has traveled with you from home to home?

JF: I was handed down a beautiful set of British milk jugs in a traditional stripe that has accompanied me from house to house and country to country. The other items I treasure are the pieces of art and photography that I’ve collected along the way or that have been captured by my husband over the years.

SP: Not much, actually! My family has lived in our current home for 20 years, and had to start in this house from scratch as almost all our belongings were lost in a fire just before we moved in. It was devastating at the time, but it did give me perspective that people and relationships are so much more valuable than possessions.

Is there an item that has been passed down from generation to generation?

JF: My uncle recently visited us in the UK bearing the gift of a framed oak leaf. When his mother was a young girl, she traveled with her family by ship from Australia to London. During their stay, she picked a leaf that she took home and tucked into the pages of her diary. That leaf is now 86 years old and has returned three generations later, preserved in a frame handmade by my uncle. That full-circle story is just so beautiful to me.

SP: We have some portraits from my husband’s family of his great-great-great-great grandparents, taken in Germany in the 1800s. It was a generous gift from my mother-in-law after the fire where we lost most of our furnishings.

Can you share a particular space or item in your home that significantly contributes to your wellbeing?

JF: My studio is special as it’s purely my own space. I like to make myself a cup of tea and retreat here, soaking in the lovely light, spring breeze and treetop views through the curtains. It’s the perfect calming environment to take a moment for myself, frame the day without distraction and get creatively in tune with what I need to accomplish.

SP: Our kitchen is absolutely the heart of our home. It’s a welcoming space and there is always something to do in it! I love cooking, and having family and friends over for shared meals, and because it feels big and open, everyone can get involved, which brings me a huge amount of joy.

What is your morning routine, and how does the design of your home support it?

JF: I am up early, with the hustle and bustle of morning activity centering around the kitchen. With three young kids, there’s a buzz of energy as everyone has breakfast and gets ready for their day. Once they’ve all embarked, I might get some fresh air with a stroll through the nearby parkland or head straight into my studio.

SP: On waking, I have a hot lemon drink and take my pair of Jack Russell dogs for a morning walk around our sprawling Adelaide property. Even if I wasn't compelled to take them outside I’d choose to start my day in the garden rather than being inside. In an ideal world I’d also find a quiet place to practice some yoga, as mindful exercise is a very important part of who I am.

Photography: Armadillo