Amber & Daniel’s Suburban Sanctuary

Homeowners: Daniel & Amber Whittaker

Interior Designer: Matt South

Architect: ABRI Architects

Photographer: Olivia Pitcher for Flooring Xtra

Flooring: Quick-Step Majestic Laminate in Desert Oak Light Natural

Wanting to return to Auckland’s Eastern Bays where they both grew up, Amber and Daniel Whittaker found their first family home in Glendowie—a 1960s house with great bones but plenty of renovation potential. With family life on the horizon, they set out to create a bright, contemporary home designed for both style and practicality.

The original layout featured small, compartmentalised rooms, so with the help of Interior Designer Matt South, they reconfigured the living areas into a sunlit, open-plan space with vaulted ceilings. Their design vision leaned on soft, natural tones and textures, creating a calming, cohesive aesthetic.

Flooring was a critical decision, with durability at the top of the wishlist. Quick-Step Majestic Laminate in Desert Oak Light Naturalproved the perfect solution—hardwearing, water- and scratch-resistant, and designed to withstand busy family life without compromising on beauty. The natural oak finish complements the home’s palette, anchoring the living spaces while enhancing the sense of light and warmth. A Karaka Rug in Bracken adds layered texture, tying the scheme together.

The result is a sophisticated yet family-ready home that balances function and style—future-proofed for the years ahead.