Harbourside

An imposing, substantial waterside residence with views across the water to the Auckland city skyline was the perfect house and perfect position for a young family.  The style of the property did not work with the clients’ lifestyle nor their design style, so this is where Di Henshall was asked to come to the rescue.  Having worked with the clients on several occasions on a range of varied projects she immediately knew what was needed to reinvent the house, from inside to out, top to bottom. 

One of Di’s strengths is her ability to use lighting to transform spaces for maximum effect when the sun goes down. The variety and style of lighting throughout has created a wonderful softening of the strong characteristics of the house, imbuing it with a calming, sophisticated air. 

The original kitchen was large and dark, with no scullery or butler’s pantry.  The family entertains regularly and it was essential to include a scullery as a working, back-of-house preparation/cooking area out of sight. Di redesigned the kitchen to include a fully functioning workspace for the family as well as for caterers and chefs, that demand the same level of performance from appliances, storage and surfaces when working away from their own kitchens. The result is amazing. 

The lounge and family rooms both had complete makeovers, including the design and installation of two fireplaces, refreshed flooring, lighting and sumptuous furnishings that are as practical as they are beautiful. 

Bedrooms received the same attention with all aspects of the bedrooms being totally revamped.  Long hallways, upstairs and downstairs, were transmuted into art gallery spaces with custom made woollen carpet runners, original artworks and fresh lighting.   

All cabinetry, furnishings and feature lighting were brought over to site from the Noosaville base of Di Henshall Interior Design.