Description:

This project is a complete transformation of an existing apartment located in a central Auckland building on Queen Street. From the outset, it was clear that the interiors required a thorough reimagining to better align with the clients’ lifestyle and design values. The clients are passionate entertainers who envisioned a home that felt both welcoming and enduring—timeless in aesthetic and refined in detail. Deeply inspired by British vintage design, they also have a strong appreciation for supporting New Zealand design and art, seeking to create a space that celebrates both international influences and local creativity.

The design strategy was grounded in creating a space that supports both lively social gatherings and quiet retreats. To achieve this, the apartment was stripped back to its bare structure and meticulously rebuilt, allowing every surface to be relined and new flooring to be carefully integrated around existing fire services, plumbing, and structural elements. This rigorous approach ensured a seamless visual flow throughout the home.

A core concept was to create an architectural backdrop that would complement the clients’ cherished collection of vintage furniture and artwork, including pieces from local New Zealand artists and designers. Bespoke cabinetry, fixtures, and fittings were designed with restraint and precision, allowing these personal pieces to take center stage while maintaining a cohesive and refined aesthetic. The material palette—stone, smoked oak and aged brass—was selected for its timeless quality and rich tactility. These materials balance contemporary elegance with classic charm, reinforcing the dialogue between new interventions, vintage influences, and local artistry.

Lighting plays a crucial role in the spatial experience, with a commissioned feature brass light serving as a sculptural statement piece alongside other bespoke fixtures. The design also embraces a thoughtful play of light and shadow, crafting a procession through the apartment that guides guests on a journey through intimate and open spaces. Additional highlights include a gas fireplace adorned with intricate green marble detailing and a striking bar area clad in green leather, creating rich focal points that enhance the apartment’s character.

Functionally and aesthetically, the design resolves complex building constraints with inventive detailing, resulting in a home that is as practical as it is poetic. This project elevates everyday living by balancing innovation, craftsmanship, and timelessness—offering a city sanctuary that feels deeply personal, enduring, and beautifully articulated.