Some people seem to have an instinct for creating spaces that just feel right, calm, considered and quietly beautiful. Dixie Mirowski is one of them.
egg caught up with Dixie to learn more about her journey into interiors, her thoughtful approach to design and the lessons she’s gathered along the way. From lighting and colour to texture and the impact of going oversized, she shares the ideas that can transform a space and inspire your next project.
Born in Kenya and raised across Pakistan, Bahrain, Mauritius, Mexico, Canada and London, Dixie’s childhood was anything but ordinary. By the time she settled in Scotland at 11, she had already absorbed a rich mix of cultures, colours and ways of living, something that still subtly shapes her interiors today.
She originally studied Law at Aberdeen University, but creativity had other plans. A move back to Bahrain saw her open a homeware boutique with her mum, while also working alongside an architect. It was there she met her husband, Ralf.
The couple later returned to the UK and settled in Scotland. “I really wanted to move to Edinburgh and it just so happened that a good job came up nearby at Dollar Academy, Ralf used to teach before we decided to go into business together!” she reveals.
Not long after, that move and a shared love of design turned into something bigger. A leap of faith led to the launch of Catalog Interiors, a gorgeous independent design store in Stockbridge celebrating Scandinavian simplicity and timeless European design.
Was it written in the stars you’d run your own business one day?
“I would say yes. My parents were incredibly entrepreneurial, so it’s never felt quite right when I’ve worked for other people. The jobs I had as an adult were always for small, family-owned companies, where you get a degree of independence and have to drive yourself and show initiative. I always thrived in those sorts of roles.”
When did you realise this was the path for you?
“I have always loved the early stages of building a business. The branding, imagining how it will feel, the atmosphere. Once Ralf and I committed to the idea of starting Catalog, we never looked back.”
Tell us about Catalog Interiors.
Catalog is a multi-brand design store. We took a leap of faith and opened it after the company we were working for sadly closed due to a bereavement. We had so much support from the owner, as well as from customers and suppliers, which gave us the confidence to move forward.
In 2011, we registered the company and started out at our dining room table, before opening on St Stephen Street in April 2012. From the beginning, we knew we wanted to showcase mid to high-end European brands and, most importantly, create a super welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Before opening, we visited similar stores in London. In many of them, no one even looked up from their laptop to say hello. We knew we wanted to do things differently.
What were those early years like?
They were really fun, but also a steep learning curve. We were juggling retail, commercial work and staffing. Then we had our daughter in 2014 so that made things a little tricky as I just wanted to nest with her for a while!
You work with your husband. What is that dynamic like?
Someone told me years ago that if you work with family or a partner, the roles and departments have to be clearly defined. That way, you can have “department meetings” and advise each other, but there’s structure, so you’re not interfering with how the other person works too much.
I think we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses well, so we’ve divided the work up accordingly!
What inspires you?
I find a lot of inspiration in travel, architecture, and nature, the way colours sit together in a landscape or how light moves through a space can be incredibly influential.
For advice, I’m very lucky to have a brilliant team around me. Collaborating and sharing ideas is such an important part of the process, and often the best solutions come from talking things through. I also value listening to clients, their perspective and how they live in a space is one of the most important sources of insight.
How would you describe your design style?
Contemporary, soft and natural. I love colour, but when it comes to living with it day to day, I tend to gravitate towards gentle neutrals. I definitely have a weakness for anything rattan, cane or woven. I feel like these textures instantly add warmth and character.
I also prefer a mix of styles rather than anything too “matchy-matchy”. I love the contrast of an antique sideboard or chest paired with a modern lamp, or a beautifully sleek bedroom softened by a four-poster bed. It’s that balance of old and new that makes a space feel layered and personal.
Tell us about your own home.
Our current home has been our biggest project to date, and we are nearly at the end of it now. It is a Victorian semi-detached property in Trinity that was originally divided into two flats. We bought the downstairs first, then the upstairs later, and brought them back together to create one family home.
The renovation involved removing the partitions that had been added over time and completely rethinking the layout. We wanted it to feel open, calm and suited to modern family life.
At first, we thought we might not need an architect, but working with Edinburgh-based Pend turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. They helped us see the space differently and brought ideas we would not have considered on our own.
Your favourite room in the house?
It’s so hard to pick a favourite room, but it’s probably the living room in the main part of the extension. It has a wall that is entirely oak-panelled, with two hidden doors within it. The warmth from the timber and the light from the glazed doors overlooking the garden, especially in the afternoon, make it such a relaxing space to be in.
Your top interior design tips?
Don’t be trend-led. I know this is so hard now, with social media and influencers sharing their picks all the time, but try to figure out what you really love. And take things slowly. Trying to do one whole room at once can be really overwhelming. Get the bones sorted and then enjoy the process. Try creating a mood board, or use Pinterest for gathering images and seeing what works together.
Think about how you use and move around a space. Functioning well on a day-to-day basis is so important.
Lighting is crucial. Try to have multiple sources and layers of light: a ceiling or pendant lamp, floor or wall lamps, and table lamps too.
And lastly, proportion. Items like rugs and pendant lamps are almost always better oversized than undersized.
We know you’ve worked on some amazing commercial projects, including the amazing Canon Mews which is currently on the market with Niksen Property. What makes it special?
Canon Mews, a collaboration with Pend Architects and Gloss Projects, is an incredibly inspiring space. The living areas are beautifully proportioned, with calm, zen-like internal courtyards and terraces that create a real sense of retreat.
For the furnishings, we wanted to keep everything minimal and in keeping with a subtle Japanese–Scandinavian aesthetic. Warm woods run throughout, bringing softness and cohesion. A classic Togo sofa in dusty green sits alongside a woven rope and oak Carl Hansen lounge chair, paired with a sculptural coffee table. We also used rice paper shades for their simplicity and gentle warmth, enhancing the overall sense of calm. It’s on the market with Niksen Property now.
What’s your go-to paint?
I often find myself planning with and talking about Farrow & Ball. I grew up with my parents using it constantly, so it’s always been part of my design process. Their colours are just incredibly beautiful. We tend to use a lot of their neutrals, and I’m especially drawn to their greens, our Snug is painted in Green Smoke. I also love Dead Salmon, despite the name!
Any other favourite brands?
Everything we offer at Catalog Interiors. We’ve built such a wonderful collection of brands, and when you combine those with the expertise of our design team, we’re able to create interiors that feel both natural and beautifully diverse.
Your advice for women or mums in business?
Be flexible. Things evolve. I thought I would have our daughter and come straight back to work full time, with her in tow. But I ended up feeling that I wanted to be with her at home.
Best thing about living in Edinburgh?
It’s beautiful. I love the architecture, the parks, the beaches and that it’s an easily walkable city. We also have so many wonderful friends here. I’d quite like it to be 10 degrees warmer all year round though, please!
If you could live anywhere else…
Somewhere hot and tropical. I would love to rescue animals and create a sanctuary, alongside a boutique resort.
Quick Fire with Dixie:
- Fun fact I refused to pay for a silicone sealant professional (so expensive!) so I learnt how to do it myself. Now I’m an expert!
- Favourite podcast Homing by Matt Gibberd, author and co-founder of The Modern House interviews loads of amazing people. I love the Christopher Kane episode – I giggled all the way home listening to it.
Any exciting plans for the future?
Our Warehouse Sale is back. It will be late May or early June. It is always a great event with beautiful pieces at discounted prices. Keep an eye on Instagram or sign up to our emails for details.