The water is never far away in Aotearoa. Besides our lakes and rivers, there’s approximately 15,000kms of coastline. But although many of us would love to live near the beach, it’s not within most of our budgets. However, there are tips and tricks on how we can bring natural beauty inside our homes.
New Zealand is known for its stunning natural scenery and greenery – and just like being in nature is soothing, bringing blues, greens, earthy tones, and natural textures into our interiors creates a restful ambience.
Interior designer and food stylist Gretchen Lowe has styled this brand-new, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home by Classic Builders at Hunua Views to show how to get the look.
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She’s used the new Coastal Home range from Kiwi favourite, The Warehouse. Specially designed and curated with the New Zealand market in mind, The Warehouse’s homewares are on-trend, quality pieces that won’t break the bank.
If you’re a fan of blue and green, you might be wondering which blues and greens to choose when there are so many shades available?
“I recommend looking at your natural surroundings and what you love the most,” Gretchen advises.
“Whether you're a person who loves the ocean, or you love the soft green of the forest – your personal connection to nature is a nice place to start to bring a sense of calm to your interior. Choosing what you love makes your home your own and resonates more as it’s a reflection of your own experiences and memories.”
“So, if you are drawn to the ocean, you might like deeper, richer blues in your living spaces. And then you can complement them with lighter, sandy neutrals. If you love hiking and being out in native bush, you might like to create a sanctuary at home incorporating shades of green, with beautiful olives, ferns, and sages, which you can tie in with houseplants as well.”
“My mum is a keen gardener, and she says you can never go wrong with the colours of the garden. Nature never clashes,” Gretchen shares.
The Warehouse’s Coastal Home range also includes garden florals, gingham, and check patterns, as well as classic stripes and nature-inspired prints.
Gretchen says combining different elements and patterns help to create visual texture and depth, adding character and charm.
“There are a lot of different, beautiful patterns in this new range and they're a great way to add interest and personality. Don't be afraid to mix them up. Choose a theme or a tone to tie them all together so it looks intentional rather than chaotic.”
If you don’t know where to start, find a common colour that links all potential pieces together and add earthiness with natural textures such as waffle weave, linen, rattan, as well as beautiful and timeless timber furniture.
“You want some repetition in your space so that it feels intentional. It needs to feel soothing and interesting so that it's cohesive rather than chaotic.”
Gretchen says layering beautiful colours, patterns and textures together all help to make your home feel like a haven.
“Layers of interest invite the eye to explore the space and help your home feel welcoming and lived in. If you've got your staple pieces, such as a beautiful neutral sofa, it can be a backdrop for different tones.”
In this home Gretchen has grouped blue cushions together with a blue throw on the sofa, along with brown and caramel colours, which are complementary to the blue.
“It really works – you can’t go wrong with what The Warehouse has in at the moment. It’s an opportunity to express yourself and be brave!”
Get inspired by visiting thewarehouse.co.nz or check out the range at The Warehouse near you.
