How do you convey an overall idea and feel for a space to a client?
 
Our clients are all different, not only in their style, wants and needs, but also in their abilities to visualise our concepts. So when we present our designs to the client we show them a design board with colours, flooring, furniture items, sometimes examples of them in situ. We also offer a tactile experience by showing samples of fabric, tiles and other materials used in the design. Lastly, we present beautifully rendered 3D visuals showcasing our spatial plan, the scale, colours and architectural details. Everyone loves seeing these, but it’s especially helpful to those clients who have trouble visualising the design in 2D. For these clients we’ll often include a virtual walk-through of the space as well.
 
With everything going on in the COVID world right now, it’s hard to get creative sometimes, what do you draw inspiration from?
 
We’re getting a lot of inspiration from our favourite international designers, and in particular their bold use of colour and materials.
 
What is your favourite piece of (Hawthorne) furniture right now and why?
 
We love the Parq Rectangle Stool! It doubles as a stool and a side table. We often pop one either end of a sofa, or in between two occasional chairs. It doesn’t take up too much room and is the perfect size for your drink and a book.
 
Best interior styling tip?
 
Oh so many, but one of the most important is to use rugs to ground furniture and zone a space. Always go bigger - you want to have the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug at least. By running the rug under the furniture it not only unites the setting, but also gives the illusion of a larger space. The larger the rug, the larger your room will appear.
 
Upcoming trend that you can’t get enough of?
 
We like to design spaces that will outlive trends, but in saying that one trend we are loving is the inclusion of more WFH (work from home) spaces. If there is one good thing that this global pandemic has brought us, it’s the realisation from more people how important an inviting, inspiring and welcoming home is for their mindset and wellbeing (not to mention all those Zoom calls).
 
How do you balance that ‘said’ trend with timeless style?
 
If you are introducing items into your space that are ‘on trend’, our advice would be to do that in small doses and choose pieces that are easy to replace when they start to date your room.
 
Next thing you’d love to do (in life/with the business)?
 
Needless to say, we can’t wait to travel again to Auckland and further afield. It’s always great to get immersed in other cities - their hotels and restaurants are often great sources of inspiration for us. And we have exciting plans for growth with our business, so watch this space in 2022.