D ESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND

Karen’s history with the home furnishing retailer goes back almost 30 years when she started out in the window furnishings department of the Dunedin store. Over time, her role has evolved, and a move to Christchurch led to her current position within the new McKenzie & Willis showroom.

Karen beams when she talks about leading the interior design team. “I absolutely love what I do. I get to work with beautiful things all day, and it feels great to bring out the best in people’s homes.”

Working alongside Karen are a team of dedicated design consultants, all qualified, talented interior designers. The recent partnership with Belle Interiors has given the added expertise of furniture designer Colin Foggo and interior designer Louise Foote. These new team members bring their extensive knowledge and creative skills into play. “The partnership with Belle Interiors has such great synergy," says Karen. “We love what they bring to the table, and the Belle clients are part of the place now.”

As well as the dedicated interior design team to help with all of your home furnishings, McKenzie & Willis also has a team of interior consultants who work within the window furnishings area, specialising in curtains, blinds and wallpapers. All curtains and blinds are sewn onsite in the showroom building by another dedicated team.

EXTENSIVE SELECTION

The product range available at McKenzie & Willis is simply immense and extends far beyond the confines of the showroom.

with you indesigned mind

MCKENZIE & WILLIS IS THE PLACE TO GO FOR EVERYTHING INTERIORS WITH A COMPLIMENTARY, TAILOR-MADE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE LED BY KAREN POWERS.

The complimentary interior design service is available to all home furnishing customers of McKenzie & Willis. The service is personalised, with one dedicated interior design consultant for every project. The designers can visit each client’s home, or meet in store with their plans and offer their expert advice to create a beautifully coordinated scheme.

“There is no signature McKenzie & Willis look”, says Karen, who describes her own home as colourful and eclectic. “We work with clients to create a scheme that looks great but also works for them and their lifestyle.”

With access to a vast range of curtain and upholstery fabrics, blinds, wallpaper, flooring, furniture, linen, beds and accessories from the top local brands and international designers, there really is something for everyone at McKenzie & Willis. “While the showroom selection is extensive”, says Karen, “we have access to more than what you can see.”

Karen says, “Bringing someone’s personality into their home is important.” Interior design customers vary from people furnishing new builds to renovations or those just wanting to style one or two rooms. “Your home affects how you feel every day. A beautiful home that’s a reflection of what you love is a joy to live in,” says Karen. “Our homes should evolve with us, updating items as we go through life, rather than leaving it many years between any changes.” Karen’s own home features unique antiques from her grandmother, mixed with travel mementoes and modern pieces. “It’s the juxtaposition that creates visual interest,” she says.

The complimentary service is a benefit for customers who might not have ordinarily considered engaging an interior designer. “A lot of people don’t know that we provide the service. Or they might think that it’s only for people with a big budget. But we can actually create schemes to suit any budget. Some customers might just want a small refresh with just a few key pieces and paint colour advice. Those clients are also very rewarding to work with, as we can get fantastic results on a small budget and offer great value when purchasing multiple items together.”

"Bringing someone's personality into their home is important."

For larger schemes, the team can offer bespoke design solutions, commissioning custom made dining and lounge furniture. Long-established relationships with manufacturers locally and internationally allow McKenzie & Willis to source products at competitive prices.

As well as residential clients, the design team also works with new-build companies, helping their clients through the process of creating their interiors. The design team can work from plans and be available for building site visits. Coordination with builders and other trades ensures the best results for flooring, curtains, blinds and furniture placement.

Karen recalls feedback from one client whose daughter-in-law had said on seeing the completed scheme, “It’s still you, but it’s the super-styled, gorgeous version of you.” Karen says, “That sums up in a nutshell what the service is all about. Bringing out the best in every home and shining a light on the individuality of each client.”

The design consultants combine their customer’s ideas with their own expertise to create truly beautiful and inspiring spaces to suit any lifestyle.

You can visit Karen and the team in the Christchurch showroom on Blenheim Road. The design service is also available in McKenzie & Willis showrooms in Dunedin, Timaru, Wanaka, Queenstown and Wellington, or you can book a complimentary interior design consultation online. SPECIALISED TEAMS

Karen and the interior designers are supported by the window furnishing team and onsite curtain makers.