At home with. . . Cathy Penton
From the restoration of an 1880s railway cottage to the layered revival of an old courthouse, Cathy Penton’s spaces are warm, textural and filled with the philosophy that guides her creative life: “Simple Things, Small Joys.”
Published 04 September 2025
Photography: @CathyPenton & @Morgan Smith
Step inside Cathy Penton’s world and you’ll find more than a home - you’ll find a life woven with family, history and handmade detail. For over two decades, Cathy has made a living as a creator of gorgeous things, designing for magazines, running a retail store, and creating her own range from her home in Meringandan. From the restoration of an 1880s railway cottage to the layered revival of an old courthouse, her spaces are warm, textural and filled with the philosophy that guides her creative life: “Simple Things, Small Joys.”
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm a Mumma of two, and a Nonna of two, wife, designer, dreamer, artist and maker. My son, grandson and daughter-in-law are my neighbours, and it is the best {they live in the little house attached to our courthouse studio}. My daughter lives in Brisbane + has a 4-month-old little girl so heaps of trips to Brisbane to visit my loves.
HOW DID YOU COME TO BE IN TOOWOOMBA?
I grew up on a small dairy farm 20 minutes from the ocean in northern NSW, and moved to Richmond with my high school sweetheart where we lived for three and a half years. He secured his dream job in Toowoomba and I remember us both looking at each other as we got out of our car on a very brisk seven degree day, thinking “where have we moved to?!” A year later we found a little timber railway cottage that needed a lot of love. Now married, we’ve raised two beautiful children and this year will make 35 years here.
WHAT WERE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A HOME?
We knew we didn’t want a new brick building. At that time, we were in our early twenties with minimal budget and did not want to spend money on renting. When we walked in the front doors of that 1880's cottage, we felt an instant connection, there was a warmth to it. If I were house-hunting today, I'd want plenty of natural light and I dream of one day building a small barn or shed-style home.
AS WELL AS THE RAILWAY COTTAGE YOU ALSO RESTORED AN OLD COURTHOUSE?
I think the courthouse studio renovation was such a beautiful blank canvas [and holds so many special memories]. We removed the ceiling and exposed the beams as a family and then my daughter initially lived there. It’s where we gather now as a family, for Christmases and birthdays. It feels like home. My style has always leaned towards warm neutral minimalism — lovely textures, natural elements, open spaces with a touch of history — and the courthouse reflects that. I think a home truly is about the people you get to share it with.
Q. WHAT IS THE CATHY PENTON ATELIER?
It’s an online store selling products that I love plus my creations, which consist of custom soldered charms and hand-embroidered soft furnishings. I have been designing and making for most of my adult life, from designing bespoke pieces of jewellery to doing sewing projects for print publications. I think what I love the most is making people feel special. I want my customers to feel like they are getting a present in the mail that is just for them, so always handwritten notes and pretty packaging is a must. All the little details are so important.
Q. YOUR HOME IS FILLED WITH SO MANY AMAZING PIECES, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE?
The white table in the studio. It was made from a door from my Nan's house {it was the original schoolhouse for the area}. She raised six children in that tiny 3-bedroom house. I lost my Nan when I was 12 but I can still visualise the rooms, the colours and scents of that cottage, forever etched on my heart.
Q. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT AS AN ARTIST, OR IN A CREATIVE FIELD?
Just start where you are, don’t be afraid to ask or to put yourself out there + collaborations are good for your soul. Don't wait for it to be perfect just give it a go where you are now. Sometimes I think we get scared to ask for what we want or for help and it makes such a difference when we do. Being a creative can sometimes feel isolating so working with other creatives on a joint project can be a great way to stimulate creativity.
Q. WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Early start with replying to emails and a social media post. Brekky, usually in bed whilst writing my to-do list for the day ahead. Then I walk next door to my studio where I could be making soldered charms all day or filling my online orders for my store. Today, I am working on a custom order of a hand stitched tablecloth for a wedding present. No two days look exactly the same, which is one of things I love about it.
Q. WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL TOOWOOMBA WEEKEND LOOK LIKE?
Always a long, slow breakfast on a Saturday at Ortem, whether it’s with family, friends or just the two of us. A movie at the Strand Cinema or enjoying a production or a concert at the Empire Theatre. Sundays are for slow drives in the countryside, maybe even a walk or picnic at Ravensbourne.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
PERK UP: getting in the car, winding the windows down and exploring some of the country roads around Toowoomba with your camera.
RELAX: A walk through Queen's Park with my son + grandson.
EAT: a yummy treat at Baker's Duck.
INDULGE: the movies, popcorn and something chocolatey.
SHOP: I adore flowers, so Toowoomba Flower Market.
CATCH UP: Ortem, Ground Up and Parkhouse Café are our go to places for meeting up with family and friends.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU: Oh gosh so much. Words, quotes, drawing, interiors, pretty light, nature.
cathypentonatelier.com | @cathypentonatelier
