For many, designing a home can feel like a series of trade-offs between budget and beauty, speed and quality, vision and practicality. At Cocohills, founder Heather Walker sees it differently. Good design, she believes, should feel accessible, flexible, and ultimately tailored to the way people live.
“Everyone comes in with a different idea of what they want and what they can spend,” she says. “Our job is to listen, understand that, and help bring it together in a way that feels right for them.”
That philosophy has shaped Cocohills into something more than a traditional furniture showroom. Now based in a large Parnell space, the business has evolved into a comprehensive interiors destination, connecting clients to an extensive network of suppliers and styles under one roof.
With access to 23 wholesalers across New Zealand, Cocohills offers a breadth that extends well beyond what’s on the showroom floor. If a particular piece isn’t immediately available, clients can be guided through supplier showrooms (considered an extension of Cocohills itself) to explore options in person before committing. It’s a process designed to simplify what can otherwise feel overwhelming.
“Choosing furniture or finishing a space can be a big decision,” Heather explains. “Sometimes it helps to see multiple options side by side, or to have someone guide you through it.”
That guidance is a defining part of the Cocohills experience. Whether reviewing floor plans, visiting a client’s home, or helping refine a vision, Heather and her team focus on making the process as seamless as possible. This collaborative approach is at the centre of the Cocohills experience.
“We’re very honest about what will work and what won’t,” she says. “Every home is different, every timeline is different. It’s about finding the best solution for each person.”
This adaptability means Cocohills caters to a wide range of projects. From first-home buyers and downsizers to holiday homes and Airbnbs, the team works across varying scales and timeframes, often accommodating tight deadlines with in-stock pieces or even selling directly from the showroom floor for immediate needs. Delivery can be arranged locally or nationwide.
The same flexibility applies to larger-scale work. Cocohills regularly collaborates with developers and architects, providing tailored furniture packages for residential developments, showhomes, and commercial spaces. Whether sourcing a single statement piece or completing a full interior fit-out, the focus remains consistent: delivering cohesive, considered results within scope.
At the centre of it all is the idea of affordable luxury, which is a concept Heather returns to often.
“It means something different for everyone,” she says. “For some, it’s a full redesign. For others, it might just be refreshing a room they’ve had for years.”
Often, the smallest changes can have the greatest impact. A new rug, updated cushions, or a carefully chosen chair can shift the feel of a space without requiring a complete overhaul. These layered, thoughtful updates are part of what makes interiors feel personal rather than prescriptive.
“Everyone deserves to come home to a space they love,” Heather adds. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to feel like them.”
That sense of individuality is reflected in Cocohills’ wide range of styles and price points. The showroom is intentionally diverse, allowing clients to explore different aesthetics without pressure. Alongside its curated collections, Cocohills also offers custom-made furniture crafted in New Zealand, giving clients the opportunity to create pieces that are tailored to their spaces and personal style. It’s an environment designed to feel relaxed and approachable, encouraging people to take their time and make decisions with confidence.
It’s a model that has supported the business’s steady growth. From its earlier beginnings in a smaller Remuera space to its current Parnell showroom and design studio, Cocohills has expanded alongside its client base, driven largely by word of mouth, repeat customers, and an increasing network of suppliers keen to be part of what Heather describes as the “Cocohills buzz”.
That evolution reflects more than scale; it speaks to a shift in how people approach their interiors. Increasingly, clients are looking for spaces that balance function, comfort, and personality, and for a process that feels guided rather than overwhelming.
