Auckland-based interior designer Amelia Holmes works alongside a number of leading New Zealand architects, largely on new-build residential projects, private commercial projects and selected retail environments. Her pared-back designs are best known for their use of natural materials and restrained colour palettes. We asked Amelia to tell us about designs that inspire her and what she’s looking forward to when judging this year’s awards.
What’s one of your favourite interior spaces, either here in Aotearoa or overseas, that has inspired you or your design thinking?
An interior space I have been thinking about lately is the Jessica McCormack store in London. Jessica is a New Zealand jewellery designer and her store is located in Mayfair, London. It’s a very different take on the standard luxury retail experiences. The art collection is mind-blowing, from very modern Haas Brothers sculptures through to classical pieces. On my last visit, there were strong references to her New Zealand heritage in the store juxtaposed with the very affluent London surroundings. Quite an unexpected interior for a high-end jewellery designer.
It’s a space that feels so old and familiar but also of its time. The fluidity of the space, as well as the high contrast between the beautiful jewellery, the art and the building (a Victorian townhouse), made me reconsider what is luxury.
If you could design an interior project for anyone, what would it be and why?
I have recently returned from the Banks Peninsula Track near Akaroa. On the last night, we were in a series of huts with no electricity, very basic structure and made from completely locally sourced materials. I would love to work on-site with a team of skilled craftsmen working on a modern-day version of that. A brief that, at its principle, is restricted to working with what is locally available, self-sufficient in its use of electricity, with a few modern touches.
What are you looking forward to while judging the 2021 Interior Awards?
It’s always great to see new projects and to be able to gain more of an understanding of the process of reaching the final product is always interesting. The marriage between client and designer is crucial and I love seeing when a final product shows the skills and vision of the designer and, at the same time, works perfectly for the client’s needs.
