A vibrant life
Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors perfectly captures the spirit of a creative young family with this sophisticated transformation.
The organic, sculptural Up 907 dining chairs by Tonon in Italy add an edginess to the space. They are available in a variety of colours and leg styles from David Shaw.
Take one step inside this architecturally designed townhouse on the edge of Hagley Park in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and it’s immediately clear who lives here – a laidback young family with personality and flair.
The first hint is a standout two-storey mural in the entranceway, and that playful aesthetic continues throughout.
Bringing this family’s vision to life was architectural interior designer Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors. “They had just moved over from Australia,” says Angelique. “They love colour, and for them life is fun so they wanted to embrace that. They didn’t want to live anywhere boring.”
Angelique’s approach focused on creating a bold yet welcoming environment. The townhouse was only five years old, so existing fixtures such as the kitchen and flooring were retained, but custom joinery, specialty wallpapers and paint colours, feature lighting, carefully selected rugs, bespoke furniture and curated artworks were all part of the redesign.
The project was a creative collaboration with the homeowners, says Angelique, and they wanted to push the envelope. “We found the most colourful and patterned designs that we could. I love working with people that know what they do and don’t like.”
One of several custom-designed 100 per cent New Zealand wool rugs by CRONZ makes an immediate impact in the entryway, along with the mural by local artist Lara Marshall. “I really love how that all came together,” says interior designer Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors.
Armagh Decorators in Christchurch are long-time providers for Armstrong Interiors, taking care of all painting and wallpapering needs.
Angelique worked with interior designer Lucy Chappell from her team to add energy with complementary colours from opposing sides of the colour wheel while ensuring the design was still cohesive and harmonious with a balance of subtler elements.
“Sometimes more is more, but it depends on what you’re trying to achieve. You get a feeling for each project and the client you’re working with,” says Lucy.
The end result is a true reflection of the flair and personality of the homeowners. Each project should reflect the unique tastes and lifestyles of its inhabitants.
“A home is such a personal space,” says Angelique. “Just go with what you know brings joy to you and your family. I think a lot of people have natural intuition anyway, and with a little guidance from an interior designer, you can really get what you want.”
Photography by Hazel Redmond
