Rebel With a Cause

Written by

Celeste Benefield

, Wanaka Interiors

14 September 2023

•

3 min read

Celeste Benefield of Wanaka Interiors shares her ideas on standing out from the crowd and creating a space that’s uniquely you.

Velvet touch: A sample of fabrics for some soft furnishings. Patterned Amazon Red Velvet F1206/01 by Clarke & Clarke; Plain velvet Velluti 105 by James Dunlop; Brush Fringe Peacock T120/03 trim by Romo.

Trends are hot, but do you know what’s hotter? Being unapologetically you. When designing spaces, I encourage my clients to forget about what everyone else is doing and to make a space that’s truly their own. If the thought of resale is always pulling you back, just remember that, for now, this is your space. Choose something that brings you joy and run with it. Wouldn’t you rather love your home with that splash of personality than grow tired of plain blank spaces?

But how to do it, you might ask? I would suggest starting by writing a list of things you love. Get your inspiration from magazines and show homes, Pinterest and the natural environment. Then bring these ideas into your spaces in a way that speaks to you and inspires you every day. That might be as simple as some bright colours on the walls, beautiful art or that floral print you’ve always dreamed about being used as a cushion, headboard or sofa.

If you’re working with a designer, make sure you tell them about things you love and how you like to use your space and let them create the narrative of you and your life. This is their arena of expertise, so make the most of their skill set.

Set in stone: Materials for a special bathroom design. Quarry Stone by Craftstone New Zealand; Limestone plaster with terracotta pigment, unsealed, by Earth Studio; Travertine tile by Antolini; Cork Pure Personality Eden AJ5S001 by Quantum Tiles; Fabric is Élitis 0D 114 01; Brushed copper and brushed brass by Waterware

Recently, for example, as an experienced interior designer, I curated a flat lay of beautiful finishes to create a palette that worked just perfectly for a client. She wanted her bathroom to feel like an oasis. She loves pink – but didn’t want the space to feel too feminine. It needed to be natural, with earthy finishes. I suggested a statement stone wall with pink plaster, and to paint the ceiling and other walls in Resene Merino. We then added a quarter-cut natural oak vanity with warm cork flooring and travertine tiles in the shower. By bringing in a neutral patterned towel and brushed brass and copper fittings, we created a luxury getaway ambience, with a splash of pink for good measure in the form of the terracotta pigment plaster.

Another of Wanaka Interiors’ repeat clients was seeking a bold look to brighten their lounge. I worked with them to understand what they like about different colours and how they see colours as a reflection of their personality. It’s always exciting to see clients living in their homes being brilliantly true to themselves. These fun fabric pairings were chosen for some new cushions to adorn a lilac sofa.

Too many of us sacrifice our creativity todo what we think we should do to abide by the trends. I say be you and do away with the trends. This is your creative journey, so be unique.