Fashion-label founder Sarah Harris Gould takes the cosy, considered route in her new Herne bay home.
As the co-founder of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland fashion label Harris Tapper, Sarah Harris Gould has long demonstrated a talent for refined, purposeful design. That same instinct extends beyond the wardrobe and into her home, where considered choices and a curatorial eye are shaping a space that’s as liveable as it is layered.
You’ve recently moved into a new home — how have you approached making it your own? From the moment we stepped inside, we felt a quiet sense of calm. We instantly envisioned how the space might become our own. We’ve approached it with intention, allowing it to develop gradually rather than rushing to complete it. Each texture and object we’ve introduced carries meaning and reflects how we live. It’s less about decorating and more about curating a space that evolves authentically over time.
We’re sharing a peek at your updated media room — what was the vision for this space? It started as a bare concrete basement, but we wanted to make it warm and welcoming. We imagined a cosy, cocoon-like room, using a tonal palette of browns and burgundies to bring in depth. We used fabrics by Pierre Frey and Clarence House, and Aalto paint alongside the anchor piece: a deep-brown velvet modular sofa.
You worked with Martina Blanchard of Slow Store to incorporate a few special finds — what appealed to you about those additions and how did they help shape the space? Their pieces bring a sculptural clarity and quiet confidence to the space. Timelessness — free from the pull of passing trends — was essential to the room’s design language. Each piece is conceived to be lived with, not merely admired, offering structure and warmth without disrupting the flow. Martina’s curation consistently delivers objects that embody thoughtful, functional design, integrating seamlessly into daily life. In the media room, a burl wood side table anchors an overlooked corner, providing a striking yet understated platform on which to place a statement vessel. I love an oversized vase filled with a single species of flower and, in our kitchen, the Tuck Vase is the perfect sculptural statement on the island.
How do you want your home to feel — for yourself and the people who spend time in it? Our intention is always to create a space that feels comfortable and welcoming. I want the environment to be functional yet inviting, a place that supports daily life and effortless entertaining. It should feel accommodating without being overly formal, allowing everyone to feel at home and relaxed.
In what way does your space reflect where you are in life right now, and how do you see things unfolding? Having young children means that practicality and durability take a higher priority right now. I imagine our home will continue to evolve as our lives do.
What’s something you’ve learned to let go of — in your space or in life — that’s made room for something better? I’ve learned to abandon the idea that my home has to be immaculate all the time. My life, now, is beautifully chaotic and I’ve embraced this. Our space tells the story of our family and I wouldn’t trade that for perfection.
Has your idea of ‘home’ shifted over time? What does it mean to you now? In our first house, my focus was on aesthetics, perfecting every detail. But as our family has grown and our careers have evolved, I’ve come to value how a space functions and feels just as much as how it looks. In this second home, each design decision is more intentional and deeply personal. My appreciation for thoughtful design remains constant, but now it’s about crafting spaces that are distinctly ours. One of the most rewarding moments is coming home from a trip when that sense of belonging reminds me we’ve created something truly special here.
Is there anything in your home that might surprise people — something unexpected, imperfect or a little bit playful? In the living room, there’s an armchair upholstered in long, jet-black Himalayan goat hair that was a wedding gift from my parents. It’s an unexpected piece that blends quietly with the more minimal furniture around it.
What’s still on your wish list — a dream piece, a practical addition, or something you’re happy to wait for? One piece I’ve been drawn to is the Spina Lounge Chair by [Danish designer] Louise Roe in smoked oak. Its minimalist, sculptural design and thoughtful craftsmanship make it both practical and visually compelling. It’s a piece that feels both enduring and inviting — something I imagine living with for years to come.
Interview Alice Lines
Photography Holly Sarah Burgess