The Weekly Edit

I know It's been a while, and I've missed saying hello!

Not because we don't want to stay connected—quite the opposite. But between getting back from summer holidays and diving headfirst into 2026, we've been absolutely swamped. The kind of busy where the days blur together, and suddenly it's March and you realize it's been two months since you last paused to take a breath.

But here's the exciting part: all that busyness has a beautiful reason behind it.

We have some truly spectacular projects unfolding this year. A couple of stunning architectural builds that are going to be absolutely gorgeous. A brand new showhome that we're thrilled to be part of. A constant stream of beautiful curtain projects that have Lynda absolutely buzzing in the workroom (she's been creating some magic back there). And of course, plenty of styling projects that keep us doing what we love most—helping homes tell their stories.

It feels like 2026 is shaping up to be a really special year, and we can't wait to share the journey with you.

So welcome back. We're so glad you're here. And this week, we're diving right back in with all the things we're loving, the design tips that matter, and the moments that make a home feel like home.

Let's make this a good one!

1. The Magic Happens Before Council

One of the things we absolutely love about 2026 is being involved in architectural projects from the very beginning—sometimes even before the plans head to council.

Here's why that matters: architects and interior designers speak different design languages, and they need to.

An architect is thinking about structural integrity, building codes, spatial flow, and how a home sits in its environment. These are crucial. But an interior designer is thinking about how you live in those spaces. How light moves through a room at different times of day. Where you'll actually want to sit. How the kitchen workflow serves your family's rhythm. The details that transform a house into a home that works perfectly for you.

When we're involved early - before plans are locked in - we can whisper our expertise into the design. We can suggest where that window placement will make all the difference. We can think through material choices that are both beautiful and practical. We can ensure that the bones of the home are set up to support the life you want to live in it.

The truth is, an architect simply cannot think of everything. And that's not a criticism—it's just the nature of their focus. That's where we come in.

Whether you're building something grand or something modest, having an interior designer as a vital cog in your design journey means the end result will be even better. It means fewer "I wish we'd done this differently" moments. It means a home that's not just structurally sound, but genuinely joyful to live in.

2. One Detail, Big Difference!

This week, we were reviewing plans for a beautiful new build before they headed to council. The architect had specified a kitchen window—perfectly reasonable on paper. But when we looked at it through an interior designer's lens, we spotted something crucial: the window was too low.

Here's why that matters: if the benchtop runs straight into the window reveal, spills inevitably find their way into the window joinery. You end up with a messy, hard-to-clean splashback situation and potential joinery issues down the track. Not ideal when you've invested in beautiful cabinetry and finishes.

But there was more. This kitchen window needed to align with a window nook in an adjacent space. By lifting both windows to the same height, we could place comfortable banquette seating below the nook window—creating both function and visual cohesion.

It's the kind of detail that's invisible when you live in the home, but its absence would be felt every single day. A small adjustment at the planning stage saves headaches (and water damage) later.

That’s the value of having an interior designer involved early — we’re there to sanity-check the plan against real life, catch the small details, and help you make the simple tweaks now that prevent frustration (and expensive fixes) later. If you’re at the plans-and-consents stage, this is exactly the moment to ask “what could annoy us down the track?” — and we’re always happy to help you spot the easy wins.

 3. Finding Joy In The Imperfect

Even though the start of 2026 has been absolutely mental—projects flying, plans changing, the beautiful chaos of a busy season—I've been thinking a lot about what it means to truly slow down.

While away on holiday, I picked up watercolour painting. No pressure to create something gallery-worthy. No perfectionism. Just the simple pleasure of moving a brush across paper, watching colours blend, and letting something emerge without overthinking it.

I loved it so much that I've now got watercolour workbooks and I'm hunting out paints and brushes to make this a regular part of my week. It's become my "bucket-filler"—that one thing that brings pure joy without needing to be anything other than what it is.

It’s funny — slowing down has a way of bringing things into focus. Not perfection, but feeling. The kind of home that supports real life: calm mornings, messy afternoons, and little moments that make you exhale when you walk in the door.  So this year, I'm committing to that. To the imperfect brushstrokes. To the rituals that fill the bucket. To designing spaces—and a life—that brings genuine joy.

What's your bucket-filler?

4. Katy's Mini Edit

Loving This Week...

The dahlias are absolutely flowering right now. The colour pairings, the petal shapes, the sheer abundance of them — nature is serving up the best kind of inspiration. I’ve been photographing them in the garden to capture those palettes and textures, ready to draw on when the cooler months roll in. Nature really is the best design teacher.

Design Tip

 Invest the time in planning. I know it feels like an extra step when you're excited to get building, but those early conversations—the joinery meetings, the material selection appointments, the detailed round-the-table discussions - they're where the magic happens. A few hours spent planning now saves weeks of regret or furious last-minute decision making later. Your future self will thank you.

Excited About...

This weekend! I’ve been to Auckland and the Bay of Islands spending time with William, who's started Uni there. We're explored the beautiful Northland, eating out, walking on beaches and making memories. There's something special about those moments away—they remind you what really matters. Home is where the people you love are, and I can't wait to see my William again for our next adventure!