DESIGN EDIT ISSUE 57 | DESIGN TOUR
A journey across the continents turned a vision into reality with the creation of this Scandi inspired alpine home nestled in the stunning Queenstown landscape.
THE BRIEF
The dream of creating a new life in a new country may be daunting to many, especially adding to the dream building an architecturally designed home. But for this couple living in the heart of Moscow, they were determined to make it a reality. With land secured and an architect and construction team appointed, the couple turned to KFD Interiors to shape and refine their home long before the build even began.
INSPIRATION
From the early planning stages, KFD Interiors worked closely with the couple to define a vision of a contemporary alpine home that with the panoramic views from almost every window, has a definite sense of place, yet has an undeniably strong European influence throughout. The design ethos was rooted in the idea of creating a home that was both beautiful and functional—where refined aesthetic choices were aligned with the practical needs of a young, growing family. Through careful collaboration, KFD Interiors interpreted the couple’s wishes, ensuring that every selection, from materials to finishes, was meticulously and thoughtfully integrated into the overall design.
“The interior palette is a harmonious blend of Scandinese influences and contemporary Alpine features, including bleached oak floors, bagged schist stonework, artisan plaster work and accents of leafy greens. ”
DESIGN DETAILS
With offshore clients and a build team in Queenstown, creating a close working relationship via Zoom and email became even more critical as both the COVID pandemic and war shadowed the planning stages. Ultimately, the project was a testament to a strong and trusting relationship between all parties - where distance, time zones and global upheaval did not deter from the creation of a beautiful family home, reflecting the unique heritage, needs and dreams of the clients.
The interior palette is a harmonious blend of Scandinese influences and contemporary Alpine features, including bleached oak floors, bagged schist stonework, artisan plaster work and accents of leafy greens. The materials work together to create a serene and airy atmosphere, where spaces are distinct but flow seamlessly.
The furniture and furnishings were also planned from a distance, selections favouring New Zealand designed and made pieces with clean lines, and tactile textures. Luxurious and hardwearing wools, velvets and woven fabrics where carefully chosen for each piece. Almost all the pieces were custom made to KFD Interiors specifications, from the oak dining table, sectional sofa and chairs, to the oak and leather dining chairs. New Zealand designed and made bronzed metal and glass feature lighting were specifically selected and planned from the outset to ensure the right finish, positioning and detailing for each.
INSIDE EDGE
One of our favourite features of this home is the extensive use of custom designed, built-in furniture. We particularly love the seating nook in the entrance: a super stylish entry to the home with a sage green wall, fun pendant, cabinetry and bench seat.
And we have to mention the custom timber and upholstered headboard in the master bedroom, which incorporates built-in lighting and oak bedside tables, sitting proud of a hand plastered wall. Inspired by an image the client discovered on Pinterest, this piece was brought to life by KFD Interiors in collaboration with a trusted supplier, resulting in a beautiful, personalised focal point to the master suite.
THE RESULT
Every element of this home, from the architectural features to the smallest design detail, has been carefully considered and executed to perfection. The cohesive, meticulously curated spaces tell a story that blends design integrity with a unique personal heritage. Despite the geographical distance between the clients and the designers, the home feels innately connected to its alpine surroundings, and a true reflection of the owners’ story, passions and evolving life together in their stunning corner of New Zealand.
