OUTDOOR IMPROVEMENTS

Overcoming these supply and construction challenges with ease and grace is another aspect that stands this lodge apart. Nathan comments that Leon was “a dream to work with” and highlights his professionalism, hard-working nature and his wonderful eye for detail. “Everyone from the planners to the builders commented on the quality and accuracy of his architectural plans.”

Meanwhile, Kath and Jackie set to work immediately on their brief. They were involved in all aspects of the interior design, including looking at plans, making suggestions for the layout and consulting on the design of the kitchen. Their brief from Nathan was to create a natural, organic feel to the home. In a sense, it was about bringing the forest and bush inside. The pair were tasked with sourcing flooring, paint colours, soft furnishings, tiles, lighting and all the finishings of the home.

The extensive natural wood flooring and ceiling create an instant canvas for the other features. “Nathan wasn’t a big fan of white, so we worked hard to create a colour palette that spoke to the lush natural environment and gave the home a really warm and cosy feel,” says Kath.

Of particular note is the burnt black timber down the stairwell, a traditional Japanese practise of charring the TIMELESS TILES The More Grigio and Materia Deep tiles in the downstairs bathrooms were supplied by Brymac Tiles and give a luxe feel to the home.

cladding to provide a beautiful and long-lasting timber. “The different textures are beautiful and give a really earthy feel to the home,” says Jackie.

In addition, the Neolith Amazonico Slate mossy green benchtop looks almost like pounamu and encapsulates the dark and mysterious tones representing the dense forest floor that surrounds the property.

“We worked through the three-month lockdown that Auckland and Waiheke experienced,” says Jackie. “Although we couldn’t physically source products in Auckland ourselves, we took the opportunity to gather fabric samples and carry out extensive research into colours, products and materials.”

This research is important to Kath and Jackie in all their projects. “We like to do work that’s not so run of the mill – whether that’s introducing new materials or working with a style that is a little bit edgy,” says Kath. “That’s how we see our design expertise: providing something a little bit unexpected that surprises and delights the client.”

Nathan concurs with Kath and Jackie and comments on what a pleasure they both were to work with. “They both bring their own unique styles to the design process and know exactly how to make everything pop,” says Nathan. “Kath has a wealth of experience in the hotel and rental industry, which was invaluable in creating a functional yet luxurious feel in the lodge. Jackie has such a wonderful eye for adding the right textures and elements to make a room feel warm and inviting.”

Both women care deeply about getting a great result on whatever project they are working on, and certainly went over and above to find the perfect touches in this home.

For example, the downstairs media room has lush textured wallpaper which has the sense of bringing the bush inside. There is incredible thought given to the introduction of some beautiful New Zealand artworks in the home. In every room there is reference to the native bush outside. The wallpaper has tropical foliage textures and themes, or in other rooms such as the powder room, it adds that nod to luxury with gold-coloured wallpaper.

Much of the furniture was sourced from King. Kath and Jackie chose this supplier due to their contemporary WONDERFUL TAPS All tapware was supplied by Unico/Waterware and sparkles with luscious lines and styles.