
Daisy Dagg
Daisy Dagg tends to fill every pocket of spare time. A mother, interior designer, author and lifestyle blogger, her life is a game of tug-of-war. Metropol editor Nina Tucker discovers that despite health issues and a fear of failure, Daisy’s winning.
I’ve always had this little voice in my head saying ‘don’t mess it up’, which has sometimes held me back from going all in on one thing,” says Daisy Dagg. “I tend to spread myself across a few different roles – typical Sagittarius energy,” she laughs. The variety, while exhilarating, “comes with its own set of chaos. I’m learning more how important it is to prioritise my energy, not just my time.” Two of Daisy’s endeavours – interior styling business Curated Style, and recipe platform Everyday Simple, exercise her creative muscle, expressing visual beauty and nurturing her family. “Whether I’m styling a space or cooking a wholesome meal, I’m in the moment – and that’s a rare and special thing in this busy world.” Yet what motivates her success most is simple. “I just want to be a good person. I want to be a good mum, a good wife, a good friend, and someone who puts real value into the work I do.”
A sense of renewed purpose arrived when her children did, now both at school. Transitioning from 14 years immersed in the professional rugby scene alongside husband and All Black Israel Dagg was a big, yet anchoring shift. “Parenthood is the best leveller,” Daisy says. “My kids are my ‘why’ for everything I do.” The best part about being a mother is the unconditional love her children offer, she adds. “There’s something so grounding about being loved by your little humans, no matter what kind of day you’re having.” That unconditional love is critical, especially as she prepares for a long-awaited hysterectomy. Daisy hopes the procedure will provide some relief and clarity to a “debilitating” experience with endometriosis and digestion.
Keeping up with her journey online are more than 50,000 invested Instagram followers. Daisy was late to the social media game – it didn’t matter. “Look, I’m not naive – I know that being Israel’s wife definitely helped me get noticed early on, and I’ll always acknowledge that. But I hope what’s kept people around is more than just that – I like to think I’ve shared something real and relatable.”
The pair will call Christchurch home for a few more months before trading it in for Tauranga come the New Year. Daisy says it’s “time” to leave the dream home they built together. “It’s bittersweet, but it feels right.”
Social butterfly
Daisy, alongside local stylist Lou Heller, saw “a real need for connection and community” in Canterbury’s network of women. Together, they’re changing that. Hosting events crafted to uplift, inspire and value women, Daisy and Lou give women permission to take up space, dress up, have a laugh, and “feel bloody fabulous”.
Next on the calendar, Daisy and Lou bring back their signature mix of style, fun, and connection, with a Ballantynes shopping experience followed by cocktails and dinner at OGB on 5 September. “We’re also in the planning phase for a potential Melbourne Cup package, which we’re super excited about – fingers crossed we can pull it together,” Daisy exclaims.
A day with Daisy
Beginning: The school run!
During: Work on the following projects: Curated Style; marketing for Izzy’s hair transplant company Identity; Pilates instructor study; recipes for Everyday Simple; content for social media; promoting her new children’s book Magnificent Me; and women’s events with Lou Heller.
End: Finally land in bed!
In between it all? “A gym session, a walk, or a round of golf.”
Quick fire questions:
Your favourite holiday to celebrate?
Christmas, hands down! I’m one of those people who puts the tree up in November so the magic lasts longer.
Your idea of a perfect date?
Something simple and outdoorsy, a walk followed by wine, or a staycay somewhere cute. Otherwise, I love a great restaurant with good vibes.
Describe your go-to outfit of the day!
I’m happiest in a bikini and beach dress on a tropical island. If we’re talking a Christchurch outfit – definitely jeans, a knit, a coat, and boots. It’s freezing down here!
Your most cherished spot in your home?
The kitchen is my happy place for sure – I love cooking and it’s the heart of the home. I also adore our outdoor room with the fire crackling and a glass of red wine… and honestly, because I don’t sit down all day, I truly love my bed and bedroom too!
The only spot you’ll trust for a perfect drink every time?
I love a good cuppa at a café like Brigittes in Merivale… or anywhere that knows how to brew a weak and milky English Breakfast (yup I’m one of those!)
Daisy Dagg’s top interior tips
Daisy shares her top three styling tips to refresh a space:
- Start with a neutral base – it gives you flexibility and longevity.
- Add layers through texture, lighting and personal touches like art or collected objects.
- Don’t follow trends too hard – focus on how a space feels over how it looks. Your home should feel like you.