Naumi Auckland Airport celebrates metallic textures and jewel tones, reflecting the magnificent iridescence of our native Tui bird which inspired the scheme. The triple height spaces are embellished with dramatic full-length drapes in custom-coloured Chateau by James Dunlop in the lobby, and metallic sheers in Armour FR by James Dunlop in the restaurant.
The Private Dairy Hotel in Queenstown plays to the surrounding landscape and is reminiscent of the rustic glamour found in traditional European ski chalets, featuring a palette of powder blue, rich burgundy, and bright orange.
Once the scheme was designed, Material Creative collaborated with House of Hackney to install patterned wallpapers and cushions from their collection in each of the 15 rooms and public spaces. “Our approach also injected a distinctly New Zealand twist that is daring and fresh, this mix of local and international influences has formed a timeless and bold curated hotel interior.”
In a two-stage renovation beginning with the heritage section, the design of Naumi Wellington embodies Edwardian maximalism with layers of texture and sheen across the hotel, taking visitors on a journey through hues of dusky purple, red, bright green, and denim blue.
Over time the banishment of white has eased, allowing Toni and Liv to “add white where we see it necessary to enhance the design, like in the heritage side of Wellington where the bedroom’s white walls collide with bold colour-blocked bathrooms, tartan carpet, and tartan wallpaper on the ceiling. The white here gives breathing space for the other design moves to really resonate.”
And for the upcoming tower extension? “Think of a collision of Naumi’s colourful and unexpected style with a nod to the era of the original building, constructed when the post-impressionist scientific revolution was in full swing. Rhythm and visual tempo are in tension between harmony and structural arrangement.”
Toni and Liv believe the secret to creating cohesive maximalist spaces is to begin with a design story and remind yourself of it as you select patterns and textures. “The palette can be vast, but as long as the patterns and materials tie back to it, there is a thread that visually connects them and reads as one.”
Products used:
Chair - Bengal Tiger colour Gold by Catherine Martin by Mokum
Bedheads - Canvas colour Yves Klein by Mokum, Twining colour Botantical by James Dunlop, and custom-colours
Curtains - Highline colour Pavement by James Dunlop, Sencha colour Chino by James Dunlop, custom-coloured Chateau by James Dunlop, and Armour FR colour Antique by James Dunlop
Interiors: Material Creative
Photographer: Michelle Weir
