Just returned from shooting our Autumn catalogue in an extraordinary home in Kerikeri. Our gracious hosts had moved and manouvered an old rest home from somewhere in Northland NZ to their dream spot at the head of the Kerikeri inlet. The house was trucked up and down their fairly hairy drive in 3 pieces, then this creative couple set to work, with panelling, paint and oodles of passion. The result is a dreamy family villa, with big light-filled rooms, lots of character and room for the family to grow. Luckily for us, the interior colour palette was perfect for our new ranges, I think there must have been a bit of synchronicity in the air while we were selecting our colours for the season.
These people seem to have a wonderful balance of country life by the sea, where they catch and grow enough food for family and friends, and share in a small close community, while town is only a few minutes away.
Our crew was made completely welcome by the owners, while taking photos of their bedrooms, children, parents, friends, friend’s children, friend’s parents ( we can proudly say that we now have a former Miss Scotland as a model!)animals and anything else that inspired a photo.
I fell completely in love with their beach cottages, built using leftover materials and a pre-nailed frame made by a local builder. There is a spot in my eastern garden for at least one of these. I’m ready to take to our little corner of the world with renewed energy and passion after spending a week with these creative souls.
Hopefully the resulting catalogue will be our best ever, inspiring our readers as much as we have been. Look for it in early March.
Paula Wallace
