Is your home your happy place? Have you thought about creating space for moments to make your heart sing? This issue, we share how design choices guided by emotion, rather than by looks alone, can boost your mood.
It was a joy to reconnect with long-time homestyle collaborator and interior designer Anya Mayo, whose living area graces our cover. Although the architectural intent of her new abode — all white and barn-like — is a shift from her previous colourfully painted character home, the aesthetic remains authentically hers. In the story on page 48, find out how Anya’s approach evolved from a pared-back vision to a vibrant expression of her personality — demonstrating the power of living with what you love.
Colour is a common thread at Karla Devine and Tommy Heptinstall’s place in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington too. Inspired by Mediterranean experiences — after living in London for many years — they’ve embraced dopamine decorating, infusing their home with a playful palette of blues, oranges and reds. Discover how a Sicilian-inspired scheme works in their seaside Seatoun residence on page 64.
However, happy doesn’t have to mean bright — as demonstrated at Anna and Hamish Gordon’s. After buying a chaotic late-’90s fixer upper, they wanted an update that would make it a relaxed, laid-back place to raise their kids. Simplifying the design and draping every surface with natural, textural finishes has resulted in a cool, calm and collected environment that you’d never know was a reno!
Flip to page 78 to check it out.
When Gemma Rasmussen and Caleb Gordon returned to Wellington from Sydney, they initially chose their home out of necessity. However, collaborating with Studio Myla on a renovation let them find their happy medium by optimising their existing space. See how they maximised it on page 92.
Deep-dive into these and more stories to discover how personalised design can elevate both your home and spirits.
Alice Lines, Editor
@alice.lines