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Builder: First Homes
Photographer: Jay Drew Photography

This warm and welcoming Te Puna home needed updating. We removed the existing floor tiles and replaced them with timber from Forte, repainted throughout, installed new carpet and modernized the bathrooms. The neutral colourway suited the look of the home, and we incorporated a softness by introducing curves – from the oval end of the Taj Mahal granite kitchen island to the round table and curved lines of the sofa. Throughout the body of the home in the kitchen and lounge areas we worked with an uber pale palette. We played with light verses dark tones in the bathroom zone for contrast, with an Emmaraude green marble vanity top sitting on light cabinetry. Timber tones were referenced in the master ensuite alongside beautiful fluted tiles.  Through the property we worked with subtle features to draw the eye – in the kitchen leather wrapped handles on the integrated fridge and cabinetry look stunning paired with the Flemish copper tapware.

"Kath is awesome at what she does! She has a unique design ability to bring together colour, texture, materials and coverings that transform a space from functional to wow. Kath has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Right from the beginning she laid out a vision for our home that was quite a distance from our original plans. That said, we trusted her vision and passion and let her guide us through the process. The result is amazing! We love our new home and that is all down to her. Along the way we would come across materials or furniture we thought would look great and would seek Kath’s view. She was always decisive it worked, or it didn’t. The end results proved she was on the money. We would definitely recommend this great Designer and her team."

Kathrine McDonald Design
Bay of Plenty
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House
Te Karaka House

Professionals used in
Te Karaka House

About the
Professional

Kathrine McDonald Design is a small intimate interior design company led by Kathrine herself. With both feet firmly in the interiors market, she has an excellent knowledge of the latest trends, and an insight into where they are going – add this to her belief in the merit of classic style, and you have a designer who can offer the entire remit. With this holistic view of design she is able to help guide her clients not only in their best approach to the project, but she will also reference the best medium for them to use. While some people will want up to the minute styles, others desire a space that simply reflects their personality or their family unit.

There are myriad ways to achieve an end result, and Kathrine believes her position as a designer is to tease out ideas, and realize the dreams of her clients. Whether it is a complete renovation or simply spritzing up a space, she approaches each project with the same vigour, enthusiasm and passion.

By allowing clients to take their projects step by step, Kathrine has found that the overall project becomes far less stressful for the client – indeed the design process becomes an enjoyable experience, and it is this peace of mind and belief in the end result that professional guidance can bring.