Beside the Sea
By Donna White Interior Design
Nature never gets it wrong when it comes to choosing colour, and composing wonderful combinations. For my colour inspiration for this project all I needed to do was to stand on the front deck of this family home, and look across the unobstructed view to sand dunes and sea. The client also had an affinity for the colour blue, and this added an extra layer of significance to the organic palette.
First impressions count, and so we chose to make bold statement right from the entry point. We painted the stairs in a striking blue, called Hauraki Gulf, and the paint colour's name alone is meaningful because the house stands on the Gulf. The staircase is an eye-catching focal point, and sets the tone for the entire interior palette.
The softer blue walls in Franz Josef in the open-plan kitchen and casual living area maintain a cohesive connection with the impact of the blue entry staircase, and the serene blues observed in the seascape. We laid floorboards throughout the ground floor in tones of weathered wood, and used soft sandy neutrals, and a white, the colour of the caps of waves, to
complement the blue hues used in all textures and finishes throughout the home, including the choice of paint colour for the ceiling, architectural trims, and kitchen cabinetry.
The end result of this home pays homage to the artistry of the natural world, and how we can use paint to replicate its thoughtful choice of colour.
Professionals used in
Beside the Sea
More projects from
Donna White Interior Design
About the
Professional
Donna is a Professional Member of the Designers Institute of New Zealand (PDINZ).
Donna studied full-time at Inchbald School of Design in London (affiliated with the University of Wales), and graduated in 2002 with a PGDIP in Architectural Interior Design. She is one of a few New Zealanders to have received this qualification from this prestigious design school.
Working in Europe…
After graduation, Donna chose to stay in the UK to take advantage of exciting work opportunities. These included a 50-room Spanish Hunting Lodge (formerly owned by the King of Spain, now owned by a member of British Aristocracy), conversion of a redundant 18th century church into a contemporary home, and the design of a child’s playroom for the children of a Saudi Prince.
Back in New Zealand
Donna returned to NZ in 2005, and quickly established herself as an Interior Designer with a difference – her design philosophy being ‘Classic Design with a Twist’.
She works with a deep knowledge of the principles and elements of Interior Design, and believes it is her professional responsibility to keep abreast of new product and innovations. Her skill in asking a client the right questions, and turning their dreams into reality is only possible by her ability to listen. Strong follow through and documentation support her work practice. Please see client testimonials under ‘Projects’ on her web page.
Donna provides her clients a full interior design service throughout New Zealand from her base in Auckland. Please see her website for a full description of the Services she provides.
Acknowledgement of her work
For three consecutive years she has been a finalist in the Dulux colour awards in both commercial and residential categories. This is a competition open to both architects and designers throughout Australia and New Zealand.
She has also been a finalist in the New Zealand House and Garden Best Interior awards in the categories of Best Living Room and Best Bathroom.
When you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.' Donna White