Interior designer: Jacqui Kuru, Nextdore
Key suppliers: The Tile Company, Charles Parsons, Warwick, Luxaflex, Pergo, Bremworth
Photography: Rachael Buckley, Attraction Studio
The owners of this Canterbury home wanted to create a modern sanctuary with a relaxed aesthetic, inspired by French Country design. Nextdore designer Jacqui collaborated closely with the owners throughout the project, resulting in a timeless space with a distinct design story, where every room feels refined, warm, and welcoming.
The kitchen is centred around a natural material palette, with the wood-grain finish of the joinery immediately setting the character of the space. The crisp white benchtop and contemporary pendant lights balance the richly toned joinery and traditional bentwood chairs, bringing a modern sensibility to the French Country aesthetic.
Coco Canvas gloss splashback tiles introduce visual contrast and add a handcrafted element that complements the timber grain.
The same material palette is carried through into the scullery, where soft recessed lighting brings out the texture of the splashback tiles. This has become the client's favourite space in the home.
The calm, organic palette of the kitchen and scullery is continued in the living spaces. The living room wall colour - Resene Lichen - adds depth to the scheme and creates a restful backdrop for the living room.
Layered textiles, fitted shutters and carefully selected furniture subtly reinforce the French Country influence, ensuring each space feels connected.
Thoughtful flooring choices tie the palette together throughout the home. In the living area, Pergo laminate in Clouded Oak carries the soft timber tones beyond the kitchen, while Bremworth Levante carpet adds warmth and texture without disrupting the calm, considered feel of the space.
Both flooring choices pair beautifully with Paddington Nougat drapery from Charles Parsons, which adds movement and a sense of relaxed elegance. Each layer of material, tone and texture contributes to a space that feels curated, not cluttered.
The bathroom and ensuite extend the design story; here, the lighter timber tones give way to spaces anchored by stone-inspired textures. Dome Nut large-format tiles define these spaces, creating a moodier atmosphere without moving too far from the light, natural palette. Dark timber joinery and simple, clean detailing give the tile space to shine.
The bathroom and ensuite both incorporate feature tiles. In the ensuite, a half-wall feature of Aquarelle Olive subway tiles adds depth, structure, and subtle colour; in the main bathroom, vertically laid Massimo Sienna Earth tiles provide an unexpected design detail in the shower niche.
The earthy tones of the feature tiles subtly reference the shades that appear in the living space and master bedroom, weaving another thread of cohesion through the home’s design scheme.
The master bedroom provides a more dramatic expression of the scheme. Harlequin’s bold yet refined Kasuri Kimono wallpaper provides a striking backdrop, and its clay, green and graphite palette creates a natural connection with the rest of the home.
Warwick drapery in Lavish Oyster softens the space and adds another textural element, complemented by Bremworth Levante carpet in Raw Brown. The result is a bedroom that feels like a private sanctuary: refined, sophisticated, and personal.
From feature lighting to the entranceway seating nook that sets the tone for the home, every detail of the space has been considered. The entrance nook combines form and function; as well as introducing the design intent, the built-in bench provides practical seating and concealed storage. Casamance Carioca wallpaper wraps around the seating area, creating immediate depth and character.
We’d love to work with you to bring your style and personality to life in your next new build or renovation project.
Book a design consultation, or visit the team at our Montreal Street showroom, and start creating a space inspired by your story.
