Interior designer Sarah Thatcher understands the importance of individuality when it comes to creating a stylish, liveable home.
Interior designer Sarah Bennett.
When Sarah Thatcher picks up the phone, she’s fresh from visiting the new apartments in Ashburton and, she radiates enthusiasm. “It’s pretty exciting,” she exclaims. “It’s the first apartment build for the town and they’re lovely.” This energy and excitement are hallmarks of Sarah’s approach to her work and life, a balance she has skillfully mastered as an interior designer and mother of three.
Sarah’s roots run deep in Ashburton, where she grew up with an innate desire to design interiors. She studied at Careerlink College in Christchurch, completing a diploma in interior design and decor with a focus on kitchen and bathroom design. “I loved it,” she recalls. Her education set the foundation for a career defined by creativity, hard work and a personal touch.
Bold stripes on the walls are an unexpected element in the living room of an Ashburton townhouse, but are reflected in the striped ottoman
After graduating, she honed her skills under the tutelage of interior designer Davinia Shrimpton, working on luxurious homes across New Zealand. The experience was invaluable, but it wasn’t long before Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit took over. With her father owning a building company in Ashburton, Sarah initially worked alongside him, but as his business grew, he encouraged her to start her own venture. Her business, Sarah Bennett Design, blossomed through word of mouth, leading to the opening of her own retail premises. For seven years, her Ashburton-based showroom was a hub of creativity and commerce.
Life took a turn when Sarah met and married David Thatcher, a farmer. The couple moved to his 600-hectare farm in Peel Forest, a 45-minute drive from Ashburton. The daily commute eventually proved too taxing, prompting Sarah to set up her office at home. This change was fortuitous, as it allowed her to balance her burgeoning career with raising their three sons, Tom (10), Henry (8) and Rupert (7).
Traditional with a twist was Sarah’s approach to the decoration of the Cowman’s Cottage at Peel Forest Estate.
Despite the demanding lifestyle, Sarah thrives on her dual roles. “Farm life is hectic but an absolute privilege for my boys and me,” she says. “It’s a beautiful part of the world to live in, with so much space. We have a five-bedroom home with a tennis court and swimming pool. The boys are always entertained, whether on their motorbikes or helping around the farm.”
Sarah’s design philosophy is rooted in understanding her clients. “It’s like forming a friendship,” she explains. “I get to know them really well — how they live, what they need , who will be living there. My designs are for everyday living, tailored to each family’s unique lifestyle.”
She eschews trends, preferring a timeless, classic aesthetic. “I can’t stand beige and love colour — in the right place,” she laughs, noting the irony of her own black-and-white home. Her projects are characterised by their functionality and beauty, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. For instance, for a house on the downs in Geraldine, Sarah persuaded the owners to incorporate colours that mirrored the natural landscape, such as tussock greens and woody hues, rather than sticking to an all-white palette suggested by the architect.
Bright floral curtains are teamed with colourful cushions add impact to an upstairs room at Peel Forest Estate Homestead
Sarah will often take clients to Christchurch to visit fabric houses and furniture makers. “Many clients have pieces they love, and we work from there,” she says. Texture plays a vital role in her designs, with rugs and textiles adding depth and warmth to spaces. Her network of wholesalers and traders in Auckland and Wellington ensures she offers a wide range of options to her clients. Her portfolio is diverse, ranging from modern homes to historic properties like the homestead at Peel Forest Estate. Working with owners Graham and Robyn Carr, Sarah refreshed part of the iconic house with a blend of colours and patterns, respecting its history while introducing contemporary touches. “We mixed florals with checks and stripes, creating a vibrant yet harmonious look.”
Sarah’s projects take her across New Zealand, from house renovations in Gisborne to new builds in Ashburton. “People’s attitudes towards interiors have really changed,” she notes. “They’ve become bolder, more expressive. A home should reflect who you are and be a place you love.”
Sarah wrapped wallpaper around a feature wall to elevate a new build in rural Ashburton.
Balancing her busy career with family life is a juggling act, but one Sarah manages with aplomb, thanks in part to her supportive husband David. “We couldn’t do it without each other,” she says. Reflecting on her journey, Sarah recalls her early days visiting building sites with her father, whose passion for homes inspired her own. “I always wanted to be an interior designer,” she says. “Meeting an interior designer in Christchurch when I was 14 sealed the deal for me.”
For Sarah, every project is an opportunity to create something beautiful and functional. Whether she’s working on a modern build overlooking Lake Tekapo or a cosy home in Geraldine, her designs are always timeless, classic, and comfortable — a true reflection of the lives they are meant to enhance.
SARAH’S TOP DESIGN TIPS:
1. In the kitchen, tile up to the ceiling as it will make the space look bigger. The kitchen is often the hub for entertaining and family time, it can never be too big.
2. Upholstered bedheads are a must to finish off your bedroom space, along with lush cushions and good lighting.
3. Strategically placed mirrors can amplify natural light in living areas. Not only do naturally lit interiors feel inviting but they encourage Vitamin D production which is essential for wellbeing.
4. With bathrooms, aim for plenty of storage. I also love the vertical towel ladders that are out now. The y save space and dry those towels!
5. Don’t be afraid of colour or an expensive wallpaper. Used the correct way, it can finish off your space and bring the room together.