happy days

Tell us about your work.

I work as a freelance magazine stylist and writer for leading magazines both locally and internationally, and was resident designer on the TV2 series Trading Houses. I am passionate about design and love to mix interior elements, showcasing everything from recognised designer pieces to vintage and second-hand finds. I also work as an international airline pilot so I love to travel and keep up to date with interior trends both here and overseas.

How would you describe your personal style?

I am mostly recognised for my ‘style on a budget’ mantra. My specialty is challenging the norm by creating designer style at less than most designer price tags. My own home reflects this, and is a place of constant change, as I fall in love with new things and just have to have them. It’s a mix of modern, mid-century and vintage finds. I don’t always have the budget I would like, but by moving things around and re-styling, or by simply changing a wall colour, or making a feature wall of wallpaper it can be quite simple and affordable to get a fresh look.

What is your favourite colour and why?

Difficult question! I love black and white, as it’s a combination that is timeless and can be adapted to work in any style. I also love bold colour. Teal blue, yellow, hot pink and orange are some of my current favourites.

What is your favourite decorating colour or combination of colours and why?

I love the use of black in interiors, highlighted by white, particularly on walls, along with pops of really bold colour.

Have those choices changed during the years? If so, what influenced that?

Absolutely. The longer I have worked as a stylist the bolder I have become with choices, and the more my preference for individual style has grown.

Is there a colour you would never use in your own home?

Beige. When we moved in to our house, the entire place was beige, which I have been changing room by room using a combination of paint and wallpaper. There are so many alternatives, I often go for a shade of white or a grey-based neutral.

What are your three favourite colours from Resene’s new The Range 2011/12, and why?

Resene Code Red though I think it’s actually more pink than red. Friends have just painted their front door in this colour, and it’s seriously hot! Resene Onepoto, because it has a summery slightly retro vibe that reminds me of the good old Kiwi bach. Resene Wild Thing. Yellow is really big in interiors right now. It’s a happy colour that looks great teamed up with white, and makes even a dark room feel lighter and cheerful.

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of habitat magazine?

Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

• Specifiers:

  • Earn CPD points reading this magazine – If you're a specifier, earn ADNZ or NZRAB CPD points by reading habitat magazine. Once you've read an issue request your CPD points via the CPD portal for ADNZ (for NZ architectural designers) or NZRAB (for NZ architects).  Join our specifier and trade database...

If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.

Sign up for a DIY card and Save! Australia | New Zealand