We’ve got plenty of stylish options for fashion and interiors on the Shore and this month, we’re shining a light on some of our local trend-setters and businesses offering fashion, homewares and advice, perfect for updating your wardrobe and home this season.
Talking design with Kirsten Ford
Kirsten Ford is an interior designer with a reputation for creating homes with style and edge. She lives in Belmont with her husband, children and two spoilt dogs. Kirsten talks about why she’s so passionate about interior design and delves deep into trend forecasting.
Channel Mag: Why do you love what you do?
Kirsten Ford: I love creating spaces and homes that are a reflection of my clients, spaces that echo what they value, remind them of their journey and provide them with the best possible backdrop to live their lives. Every project I work on is a custom design for each family’s personality and lifestyle. The most rewarding thing is seeing them love living in their new spaces, and showing them off to family and friends too.
In terms of trend forecasting, what will be popular in interior design and how will you weave that into your work?
During the pandemic, there was a need comfort and practical casualness. We’re now seeing a trend towards more formality in our style, more detail and more luxury. Not quite a maximalist style but definitely a departure from the minimalism seen in previous years. We’re expressing ourselves with careful layering of textures and shapes, rather than through pattern and print, a more grown-up, polished style. I’m calling it modern maximalism. The Scandi trend of painting every wall white with blonde timber floors is definitely dated. Spaces are warmer, richer, more colourful and personalised. It’s fusing of fashion and interiors where pattern, colour and texture create a more bespoke, opulent and slightly eclectic look. We are gravitating towards rich, warm neutrals, much earthier shades than the cool, crisp tones we’ve favoured for years. Whites are creamier, accented with all shades of taupe, caramel and brown. As we become more confident and expressive with colour, we’re seeing a trend towards accents which are bolder and more saturated, particularly rich reds (in cherry, berry, wine and magenta tones) and all shades of green especially ocean, leaf, forest and the brightest Kelly green. And for the not so bold, colour and pattern can be layered on top of white walls and neutral floors.
How would you define your own style and where do you look to for style inspiration?
I favour a blend of contemporary and classic styles, with attention to stylish detailing and always a little bit of edge. I am constantly inspired by European design, which is often tied to a sense of the ‘classic’, but it still has a definite flair; the mix of beautiful historical features in European homes paired with clean, sleek modern lines. This creates a look that is sophisticated, layered and unique. Ultimately, providing spaces with a real story behind them. Luxe interiors don’t always have to be new and shiny. Finishes and pieces with a patina and a history create a unique and very personal style. I’m always inspired by travel. Travel is a never-ending source of history, colour, styles, details and ideas. And I will be forever inspired by fashion! Fashion and interiors are completely intertwined – and I am endlessly inspired by fashion silhouettes, textures, colours and detail and mood.
Looking forward, what can people expect to see from you and how can they work with you?
I’m looking forward to continuing to help clients create special homes that uniquely reflect their families, their passions and lifestyles. Whether that be in a contemporary new homes, an apartment or heritage villas. While working with a professional interior designer may seem like a big move, it can ultimately deliver a result far beyond what you imagined. We’ll create a vision for your home and then use our experience, knowledge and trusted supply partners to bring that to life. Rather than being overwhelmed and stressed, our clients can spend more time getting excited about their dream home! Reach out through email or a phone call to see how we can work with you – whether it’s providing quick, concise design direction for project or a complete end-to-end design solution for a new build or major renovation.
027 201 9304
kfdinteriors.com
Craving fashion with Jude
Jude Turner is a Channel Mag regular and owner of Crave, a beautiful fashion, homewares and gift store in Birkenhead. Jude is married to Don and mother to Avery, David and their dog, Max. With a background in marketing, PR and fundraising, Jude loves what she does and took the time to share some of the stylish offerings at Crave this season including the stunning Stella and Gemma range.
Channel Mag: What products in your store come to mind when you think fashion and style? What do you think will be popular and why?
Jude Turner: We are in the midst of receiving our fabulous summer collections right now and I am loving everything linen. It’s such a fantastic fabric for breathability, travelling and looking great. We have some cool sets and pretty dresses, both of which can take you from the office to an outing.
How would you define your own style?
I am really trying to pare back my style to be more minimalist and pair plain colours. However I love a fresh print so there’s always an internal battle raging! I would describe my style as put-together.
Do you have any people or brands you look to for style inspiration?
I have recently discovered the French brand Rosaé Paris and love its effortless elegance. Closer to home, I have always been an admirer of Kate Sylvester and am adding a couple of her pieces to my wardrobe before she closes her label down.
Looking forward to the next few months, what can people expect to see in store?
An amazing array of new gifts perfect for Christmas gifting, lots of wonderful summer accessories from brightly coloured drink coolers to our popular inflatables, ever-stylish handbags and of course, our renowned Christmas fragrance collections.
Visit Crave: 30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626 or shop online at cravehome.co.nz
Quirk and cool with Ben from Federation
Ben Dundas is the director of iconic North Shore streetwear brand, Federation, jointly owned with his wife, Jenny. Established in 2000, Federation is known for mixing elements of design with quality construction. The brand loves illustration as much as design and function, resulting in seriously cool gear. Ben lets Channel Mag in on some of the details of their collection and working 12 months ahead.
Channel Mag: What’s the highlight of your current collection for you and why?
Ben Dundas: The new spring range that has just dropped has some fun products. For the girls, the Bowie dress and tops have been a winner, the fabrication and colours are amazing and fit so nicely! For the guys, the Waffle stories have been rad; again, the simple fabrication with subtle detail really works, in some fun colours. The stand-out print across both genders is the edge print and it comes in tees, crops, even a tee dress; the print placement has made it pretty effortless to wear.
In terms of trend forecasting, what do you think will be popular? How do you make those decisions for the business?
Yeah, it’s a challenge. With the business model the way we run it we are developing products nine to 12 months ahead, so forecasting can be hard. We are really working on the products and styles we really believe in.
How would you define your own style?
We are a premium streetwear brand that loves to juxtapose fashion with a bit of crazy!
Do you have any people or brands you look to for style inspiration?
Inspiration comes from everywhere and is always changing so it’s hard to define anything in particular.
Looking forward to the next few months, what can people expect to see in store?
We are excited about warmer days, more sun etc., so more products that reflect summer are dropping, not to mention exciting little projects like our skateboard art classes that run in the school holidays.
federation.co.nz
Shop in store: 18 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
What’s stylish in bedding, interiors and the home with Michelle
Michelle Willcocks is an in-house stylist for Shore-based interiors business Wallace Cotton. She lives in sunny Whangaparaoa with her husband, and they are lucky to be surrounded by a wide network of extended family and friends. Michelle says they are slowly renovating and plan to create their dream home together which means lots of work on the weekends. The original home was built in the '80s so there’s lots to do but worth it! Michelle has always had a passion for interiors and design and when she’s not working on her own home, she’s helping friends and family with their projects.
Channel Mag: What products in your store come to mind when you think fashion and style? What do you think will be popular and why?
Michelle Willcocks: With spring here, and summer fast approaching, I’m noticing people embracing soft tones and crisp materials for their homes and wardrobes. At Wallace Cotton, the return of our ever-popular Bayside duvet, featuring a simple stormy blue stripe on a fresh white background, has been a best-seller. It’s a great way to add a subtle injection of colour into the home. Stripes are a classic for a reason, and I’m also seeing checks fly off the shelves. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with either! We have just released a beautifully textured white duvet called Claremont, which was one of my favourites to style in our spring journal. It’s a fresh take on a seersucker fabric which gives it texture; it is best styled simply with relaxed white linen sheets to allow the stunning fabric to shine. When considering interior style and fashion, cotton stands out for its versatility, breathability and comfort. It’s a staple because it’s always in demand – and washes up well!
How would you define your own style?
This is a tricky question as it is forever evolving! I love my home comforts and surrounding myself with things that bring me joy, so this is in the forefront of my design choices. I will look at each home and its surroundings and determine what design style suits best and will never incorporate more than two blends of styles as this can make things confusing! This concept can be boiled down to a design style called ‘Transitional’. It is the combining of traditional and contemporary, old with new. This design style is encapsulated by modern, soft-neutral colour palettes which are combined with touches of pastel or earthy hues. Contrast is created through use of various texture or tones.
Do you have any people or brands you look to for style inspiration?
I love watching Architecture Digest and looking at the amazing grand scale designs across the globe. Some of my favourite celebrity homes include Kacy Musgraves, Jennifer Garner and Chrissy Metz. I love anything that feels wholesome and cosy so someone like the incredible Donna Hay, with her classic and timeless style of home décor and food, is always inspiring to me and she always makes me want to be prepared for when guests come to visit!
Finally, one of my colleagues recently reminded me about Joana Gaines and her phenomenal growing empire/brand, Magnolia, which is based in Wichita, Kansas. She creates some gorgeous homewares, as well as gorgeous tablescapes and impeccable food! She is well worth a follow.
Looking forward to the next few months, what can people expect to see in store?
In the coming months, customers can look forward to our newly launched bundles, featuring beautifully curated bedding sets for every bed and budget, and a 15% discount when purchased together. We’re seeing a strong trend of blues and greens transitioning from spring into summer, and our popular Christmas collections, which seem to sell out faster each year. I’m particularly excited about the new daywear options from Wallace Cotton, we have some beautifully comfortable loungewear pieces at the moment. Then later in the year we will be releasing some stunning new daywear in a variety of colours and fabrics. Now I just need to decide which I’ll be wearing on Christmas day!
Shop in store:
Rosedale: 2-4 Parkway Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632
Takapuna: 156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
