A welcoming home

Our talented new columnist Celeste Benefield, owner of Wanaka Interiors, brings her design experience and advice to abode and tells us the best ways to create a welcoming, cosy space in your home.

I have a passion for guiding people on creative journeys to realise their vision. After many years as a couturier, making and tailoring wedding dresses, I searched for a way to show more of my bold creativity and fell in love with interior design. 

I love connecting with my clients on a personal level. This is the most crucial part of my job. Knowing their everyday use of spaces, personal tastes and aesthetic aspirations helps me curate everything perfectly, so the outcome is happy clients with homes they love making memories in.

One of the most effective ways to create an inviting and cosy space is texture. Try deep, moody or warm neutral palettes (from walls to sofas) paired with lush soft textures like velvet, wool, fur and linens. Add a soft throw to any sofa or bed and support New Zealand and your derrière with a sheepskin beanbag. Nothing screams ‘come in and cosy up’ like a chunky woollen rug. Layer up those textures! 

When it comes to colour, you can create a warming winter space with natural timber tones, golds, browns, ambers, ivory and warm whites.

Hands down, I am a drapes lover! They’re elegant and a great way to introduce texture. My current favourite fabric is Element by James Dunlop; it has an excellent texture and the colour differs either side, with two sheer tones that give sumptuous body when draped. It’s available in a range of colours that connect the interiors to the land.

I’m also a fan of all Bremworth carpets, made in New Zealand from New Zealand wool with beautiful textures. Some of my other favourite New Zealand companies considering natural components and sustainability in their innovations and craft include Woodwrights, Terra Lana, Abodo, Tasman Leathers, Bestwood and Vida Space. This list could go on and on. These products are becoming increasingly popular. For some, it’s knowing where the product is made and who is crafting it. People trust New Zealand-made products. For others, it’s about doing their bit to look after our planet. For most, it is a combination of those two factors that seals the deal on our New Zealand-made natural and sustainable products.

There has never been a better time to create welcoming, cosy spaces in your home with beautiful, sustainable, New Zealand-made textiles and homewares.

03 443 9339 | wanakainteriors.com