Tuawera Retreat

Alexandra Blair was engaged to provide the interior furnishing fitout for this reimagined home. Tasked with ensuring new elements including furniture, lighting, flooring and fittings captured as much of the original essence + feeling of the property as could be preserved, the client was clear they "didn't want the bach to feel brand new, but like a well loved beach retreat". Much of the interior design was conceived during the periods of lockdown, working remotely with an out of town client, so the concept of retreat was exactly front of mind for everyone involved. With cedar weatherboards, copper detailing, and interiors that strike a balance between vintage warmth and modern elegance, Tuawera Retreat is a timeless sanctuary. Alexandra Blair Interior Design worked alongside Chaplin Crooks Architects to ensure the end result showed respect for the home’s history and a deep love for the landscape around it. The result is a soulful reimagining of a classic Kiwi bach.