A favourite design feature of mine for any space is an arrangement of seasonal greenery - branches and foliage reflect the changing of seasons, bring the outside in but also add a vertical and sculptural element to a space. The great benefit of greenery over a traditional flower arrangement is that it lasts for at least a month! And we all have access to a bit of nature whether it’s bushes and trees in our back yards or on the side of the road (please ask any neighbours first!). While I’m certainly no floristry expert, here are my tips on styling your own foliage arrangement.
ensuring your home never goes out of style
Now, more than ever, we are cherishing our homes as a sanctuary to retreat, rest and recharge. And as we spend a lot more time at home, chances are you’re thinking about how you can improve it. But before you plan any updates or improvements, ensure the investment in your home will be as timeless as possible and that you’ll still love it this time next year - and in the years to come. To avoid having your interiors feel dated, follow these key design principals to follow to ensure your space will never go out of style.
forever family home
create your dream kitchen
Planning a new kitchen? Take note! In our New Zealand homes, our kitchens are definitely the heart of the home. More than any other space in your home, our kitchens need to be functional as well as stylish - and that requires detailed planning. Whether you're building a new home or renovating your existing one, these steps will help you nail your dream kitchen.
ocean view apartment
With sightlines over a tree-filled park, to the ocean and horizon beyond, this apartment lives and breathes it’s surroundings. The near new apartment had an inherited scheme from the developer so Kirsten Ford Design was engaged to create a more personalised home, with a sophisticated coastal feel that avoided all the usual seaside stereotypes.
♥︎ new york city
I completely fell for New York City. Yes, I was totally dazzled by its glittering famous skyline, but up close I completely fell in love with its attitude, its people, the never-ending destinations to explore and its incredible cool factor. It’s busy and chaotic, but everywhere you go, you find new ideas, creative energy and an infectious sense of ambition. You simply cannot help but feel inspire and have fun. As the song goes: “Now you’re in New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of... these streets will make you feel brand new.” And they really will. So whether you are addicted to all things design or if you just want an adventure like no other, you won’t be disappointed.
wonder walls
Wallpaper has staged a major comeback. And for good reason - nothing matches it’s transformative power! It’s the easiest way to add a huge dash of personality to a room - whether it be with the subtle texture of an elegant grasscloth or a bold statement feature. And best of all it’s a relatively easy and economical way to breathe life into a space. If anything, the revival of wallpaper allows us to be fearless and have a little fun in our homes - adding the style and edge we all deserve.
heirloom inspired
Turning a new house into a home was the brief from these clients. Their challenge to us was to create a more contemporary styled home for them, by pairing their amazing collection of antiques and artworks with key new pieces of furniture and furnishings. The clients wanted to ensure their newly built home was a better reflection of their lifestyle and personalities.
style cushions like a pro
milan must-dos
milan - trendsetting & highlights
Each year, more than three hundred thousand creators, designers, architects, creative geniuses and global media descend on the Italian city of Milan for the city’s annual Design Week, combining the Salone Internazionale del Mobile design exhibition and the Fuorisalone’s events and installations across the city’s different Design Districts. Lauded as one of the world’s most important design events, it’s the inspiration for the products, people to watch and trends that will be dominating the world of interiors over the coming year.
beachside style
With clients who are fun and passionate with big vision, this was always going to be a special project. When we first visited in January 2018, while the location was stunning, the bach was very tired and a little pink! These clients dreamed of creating a functional yet luxurious destination for family holidays where memories are created every day.
our style tips for 2019
Interior Designers live and breathe interiors - amazing interiors, that perfect piece of furniture, just the right paint colour. We love it! We don’t have a secret rule book we follow, but there are key principals we use to ensure we create spaces that are perfect for you and your lifestyle, that you absolutely love! Here are my tried and true tips for a designer interior.
my complete palm springs guide
Palm Springs . . . you were amazing at every turn! Two hours from Los Angeles, it’s been a favourite getaway for celebrities since the early 1900s. And after visiting in November last year, I can see why - it really is the perfect desert oasis and Rat Pack retreat: colourful, hot, fun and an intoxicating combination of laid back cool and full on glamour.
designing our way to milan
I will be winging my way to Milan to attend the prestigious Salone Internazionale del Mobile design show at the beginning of April. One of my suppliers, Schneider Electric, ran a competition for architects and designers who had recently completed a project using their product. With one winner from each of seven countries, I'm absolutely thrilled to have been selected by the international judging panel.