Our job was to enhance the character and comfort of this communal space, where our vibrant village residents come together for a diverse range of activities throughout the week. From spirited games of darts and cozy movie nights to lively coffee group gatherings and the eagerly anticipated Friday happy hour, our design aimed to create a welcoming haven for this active and sociable group of retirees.

Wainuiomata has a strong sense of community in which the locals take great pride in being a part of. Responding to this was essential to the brief by paying close attention to the geographic features, history and cultural significance of Wainuiomata as a place.

To complement these features, the interior design works as an extension of the outside; the palette is inspired by the raw materials, colours and robust forms seen in the nearby natural environment. Moments of forest greens are featured in the joinery and wall colours, paired with warm timber accents and stony textures on the servery benchtops and fireplace surrounds. Grooved details on the wall panelling and intricately woven textures in the furniture upholstery further add to the refined rustic feel.

Frances Says:

The design vision for the interiors worked really well alongside the style of architecture and the location of the building. Materials and colours that connect with the outdoors, in combination with the extensive glazing, enhance the views to the village's landscaping and to the forested hills in every direction.

Working with Acorn Furniture was also a great experience. Having a genuine supplier on board helped to streamline the process of selecting and ordering products greatly. It also meant that we could work through customising the furnishings to be unique and closer to our vision.