Retaining and reintroducing period specific detailing in the interior design delivery was a priority for the clients of this extensive Auckland renovation. A desire to revive the elegance of their Arts and Crafts period home with whimsical formality and to emit an architectural weightiness, appropriate to the residence's architectural heritage through the exploration of a braver and more creative design response. Reinstating period detailing and spatial purpose while introducing modern flow and convenience were essential required elements, to be worked on closely with both the clients and the architectural team. The creation of an emotional response, one very different to the previous underwhelming interior was important on this project. The clients desired an analysis of which major material changes need to be implemented which implied careful consideration of the design elements that would elevate this home and deliver an authentic design outcome. One that would honour the home's provenance, breath in a little modern functionality, showcase a treasured New Zealand art collection and ultimately feel like a live-in and loved family home.

Previous developers had stripped the grand elegance of this Arts & Crafts residence, homogenising the interiors with inappropriate materials and a lifeless colour palette. A new FLWright inspired staircase crafted locally & stained to complement the walnut parquet flooring appears to be an original fixture of the home. Geometric ornateness is continued into the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry detailing, creating a subtle connection throughout the home. All cabinetry stained or painted in muted, moody tones is combined with high patterned natural stone, adding layers of texturality. Lighting & wall finishes become additional artistic elements enhancing the client’s art collection.

The most abundant material – flooring, all needed to be refined, replacing wide rustic floor boards with elegant European walnut herringbone parquet & nylon carpets with luxurious felted wool pile. The horizontal surface became the anchor from which other design elements could evolve. A considered colour palette from layered moody hues to fresh energising tones, paired with luxurious materials – were chosen to honour the client request for green & woven through the home. Natural stone benchtops, fireplaces & skirting detail , exquisitely painted grass cloths, linens drapes with custom shaped edges, textured velvet furniture, burnished brass mesh & textured glass adorning cabinetry.

This project became an artisanal experience woven from room to room from unique handprinted wall paper, to unexpected intense colour saturation of textural bathroom tiles. A hand crafted feature pendant with its organic forms complements the choice of a Pollack-esque wallpaper on the dining room ceiling, views from all other living spaces becomes a visual link to dark stained timber framed door openings and adjacent lighting. The centralised floor to ceiling back lit cabinetry creates a subtle distinction between kitchen & scullery creating an epicentre to the home's new floorpan while retaining the feel of a large elegant kitchen space – essential in delivering a grand elegant residence.

Kelly Gammie- Lead Designer Rarebirds Interiors
Sean Monk – Kitchen Designer Rarebirds Interiors
Nerissa Sowerby – Project coordinator & procurement Rarebirds Interiors

Ronaki Residence #1- Kitchen to dining
Ronaki Residence # 2 Butler sink detail
Ronaki Residence #3 Powder room
Ronaki Residence # 4 Master bathroom
Ronaki Residence # 5 Kitchen
Ronaki Residence #6 Master bedroom
Ronaki Residence # 7 Bathroom detail
Ronaki Residence # 8 Bar Robe
Ronaki Residence #9 Staircase detail
Ronaki Residence #10 Dining experience

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