Our Journal
Designing for the New Zealand Lifestyle: Interiors Shaped by Light, Landscape, and Living
Creating a Natural Indoor-Outdoor Relationship
Indoor-outdoor living is less a feature and more a way of life. Sliding doors, covered decks, and outdoor rooms extend the usable footprint of a home and encourage a relaxed flow between spaces. Inside, furniture placement, durable finishes, and subtle continuity in colour or materials help blur the boundary. When the transition feels effortless, the home works as a whole rather than a series of separate zones.
Working With Natural Light
Light plays a central role in New Zealand homes. Thoughtful layouts that prioritise north-facing spaces, generous glazing, and open connections between rooms allow light to move through the home throughout the day. Natural light brings warmth in winter, softens interiors in summer, and enhances the subtleties of material and colour. When light is considered early in the design process, interiors feel more generous, balanced, and inviting.
Materials That Suit Everyday Living
Material selection in New Zealand homes needs to respond to real conditions - bare feet, children, pets, sun exposure, and coastal air. Natural materials such as timber, stone, and wool are often favoured for their tactility and longevity. They sit comfortably within the landscape and tend to improve with age, developing character rather than wearing out. Practicality and beauty don’t need to be at odds when materials are chosen with care.

Colour Drawn From the Landscape
Many interiors take cues from the environment around them. Soft coastal tones, muted greens, warm neutrals, and volcanic greys create calm, adaptable backdrops that feel inherently connected to place. These palettes allow artwork, furniture, and personal objects to take focus without competing for attention, resulting in spaces that feel settled rather than overworked.

Layouts Designed for Ease
Open-plan living continues to suit the way many New Zealanders live, but successful spaces are thoughtfully defined. Comfortable seating areas, flexible furniture, and well-integrated storage help open homes feel relaxed rather than undefined. The aim is to create spaces that support both social gatherings and quiet moments, adapting easily to daily life.

Designing for the New Zealand lifestyle is less about a specific look and more about a considered response to how we live. When interiors embrace light, landscape, and practicality, homes become spaces that feel grounded, generous, and genuinely liveable - designed not just to be seen, but to be lived in.


Testimonial - Client Story
We engaged Twill Interiors to guide us through the total refurbishment of our apartment.
I have quite clear ideas about what I like and particularly what I don’t like but I felt nervous about doing this on my own. I didn’t want to make any costly mistakes or to be stressed about the project.
Jacqui and Alex were wonderful right from the start. They listened to my wishes and came up with a mood board and I knew then that we were on the same page.
All through the project the communication was excellent between Twill and the builder, the kitchen manufacturer and me.
Twill guided me through the big decisions as well as choices for upholstery and even some bed linen. It was never the slightest bit stressful. Instead I found working with Alex and Jacqui to be fun and exciting!
I wholeheartedly recommend the Twill team to anyone needing an interior designer.
