Balancing seclusion with convenience, this home offers the perfect blend of coastal retreat and family living. A place where family and friends gather with ease, fusing modern comfort with an understated sense of luxury.
Modern Casual Comfort
The project began with a conversation — exploring how the home would be used, who would be staying, and the ways in which the family entertained. From there, inspiration images informed a concept rooted in Modern Casual Comfort: a palette of blushes, warm neutrals and earthy tones with accents of green. Every choice was guided by function, light, and the rhythms of everyday family life.
Furniture placement was carefully considered to encourage togetherness. Living areas were designed for lounging, conversation, and shared moments, blending seamlessly with the coastal surroundings.
Craftsmanship
Durability was a priority, as the home needed to accommodate both private family use and potential luxury rental. Fabrics were chosen for their softness, practicality, and longevity — a balance of tactile pleasure and ease of maintenance.
A highlight of the project was the use of New Zealand-made custom sofas from Montreux. A sweeping, curved Paso/Montego sofa anchors the main living space, offering both scale and intimacy, while a low box sofa with oversized weighted bolsters defines the upstairs lounge. Each piece was tailored to suit the client’s lifestyle, reflecting both comfort and enduring style.
Collaborative Process
Collaboration was central to the design journey. Nicola met with clients regularly in-store, presenting concepts, materials, and evolving layouts. On-site meetings allowed fabrics and finishes to be assessed in natural light, ensuring a cohesive and balanced environment.
Together, Nicola and her clients brought ideas of their own, allowing the space to evolve organically for an effortless collaboration. The result is a home that feels both carefully curated and effortlessly lived-in.
Design That Inspires
Working with an interior designer allows for bespoke pieces and considered layouts that transform everyday life. Our designers encourage clients to be clear about what they value — a cherished piece of art, a favourite plant, or a way of living that inspires. Even the smallest detail can spark a concept that defines an entire space.
Need help to create your interior design dreams? At McKenzie & Willis, we offer in-home consultations with our highly experienced interior design team. We aim to make the process fun, rewarding, and most importantly, easy. We’ll come to your home, do a free measure and quote, and work with you to develop the perfect furnishing scheme. If you’re in the early stages of building, we can even work from plans to help you create a space tailored entirely to your lifestyle.
