Herald Island Staircase

By Donna White Interior Design

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Herald Island Staircase banner

This was my very first project upon returning to NZ in 2005. My clients had purchased a waterfront piece of land on Herald Island, and the architectural plans were the mirror image of the property next door. They asked me to introduce a point of difference, and a wow factor.

I had complete freedom to use my imagination in developing the design concept. Besides specifying exterior and interior colour and finishes, I designed a full Exterior & Interior lighting plan , the kitchen,  a bespoke staircase, and custom-made vanities and mirrors for the three bathrooms. 

Most of the Ground Floor is laid in Merbau timber, an orange-coloured timber chosen by the client.  To create a continuity of colour and style, I designed the staircase to have Merbau stringers and handrail .  To give the staircase an unexpected element, I designed and coordinated the manufacture of the industrial-style balustrades. 

To continue the impact of the Merbau, I also specified the vanities in the downstairs and upstairs Guest Bathrooms be made of Merbau (See Herald Island Ensuite.)

‘I rate Donna very highly. She is great on ideas and pushing out boundaries. Donna introduced creative elements to the house, especially in our bathrooms and kitchen, which have set the house apart from others.’  Homeowner

Donna White Interior Design
Auckland
Staircase Designed by Donna White
Staircase stringer and handrail link to the strong-coloured Merbau floorboards downstairs

Professionals used in
Herald Island Staircase

Donna White Interior Design
Donna White Interior Design
Interior Designers

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Donna White Interior Design

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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

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