By Places and Graces
A myriad of minor tweaks deliver fundamental change
The Russell Residence brief was to 'make this our dream home without overcapitalizing’.We focused on gaining consistency, brightening the spaces, utilizing colour to create drama and selecting furniture and styling that completed the story; a classic family-orientated villa with a nod to Noosa and the Hamptons.
"Kate, thank you for 'getting us' and nudging us towards what we thought was a pretty radical paint scheme (the dark ceilings) we now love. You edged us out of our comfort zone in ways we would never have considered on our own."
— Hamish & Christina : Russell Street owners
We helped our client create an entirely new home without any significant renovations:
This project began with our tear-sheet challenge (the best any client has done!). We established a suite of over-arching updates to align the home with our client's vision. The only architectural change was in the lounge – replacing a set of under-sized doors with a full-size window – enabling the open plan spaces to have two functional sitting areas. We sourced what was needed and project-managed and styled the improvements down to making the beds with new linens. Improvements included: painting throughout, lighting throughout, simplifying non-original stained-glass windows, upgrading hardware, upgrading the bathroom, removing dated tiles, new furniture and rugs, new curtains, soft-furnishings and linens, art, and accessories.
This home was one of ten properties featured – and styled by Places & Graces – in the 2022 Homes of Devonport Christmas tour event.
Thank you to all the companies and products used in this project
Resene: Paint
Coast and Country: Building
Devonport Electrical: Electrical
MJ Decorators: Painting
Window Design Interiors: Curtains
The Ivy House: Rugs
Corcovado: Lights
The Society Inc: Lights
Mr Ralph: Lights
Lo & Co: Kitchen handles
The Bathroom Shop: Vanity, tap + basin
WRW: Dining table
Cintesi: Bar stools
Babylon: Plants & pots
Dawsons: Sofa
Citta: Sofa + soft furnishings
George & Willy: Kids shelving
The Cane Collective: Hallway mirror & cane cabinet
Shut the Front Door: Bathroom mirror
Foxtrot Home: Master bedroom linens
Pony Rider: Cushions
Endemicworld: Artworks
Father Rabbit: Artwork
Castle: Kids’ linens
Good: Bedroom lockers
Adairs: Kids’ canopy
Mocka: Kids’ ottoman
Mood: Kids’ shelving
City Hall: Circus stool
Wonder + Wild: Soft furnishings & accessories
Sage & Claire: Kids’ linens
Other furniture – sourced second-hand, repurposed, or already owned by the clients
Places and Graces is the interior design studio of Kate Alexander.
We create spaces that enable our clients to live life in a home they love, every day – because living in a place that brings you joy improves your very existence. Your home should make you smile when you enter and be easeful to share with others. Your home should also function so well that you don't even notice it doing so. It should be the happy constant in your life.
Working with Places & Graces involves collaboration – because teamwork ensures the home we design reflects you. We're a stickler for establishing a clear brief and will nudge you to the edges of your comfort zone so you land far beyond where you ever expect your home could be.
As a full-service interior design studio, we like to start at the beginning and stay with you till the end. We provide equal attention to all types of spaces.
Our experience spans renovations and new builds, commercial and residential. We design with clients nationwide from our base in Devonport, Auckland.
Kate is a professional and fellow (lifetime) member of the Designers Institute of New Zealand (FDINZ), writer and publisher of the Interiors book Finishing Touches and a regular contributor to Resene Habitat Magazine. Before establishing her interior design studio, Kate ran an award-winning brand strategy company and built a highly regarded property styling business. This rich and varied creative exposure provides Kate's unique design perspective.
We welcome your enquiry to find out if we are the right match for your project.