A Mt Maunganui interior designer is creating spectacular homes that are all about the details.

Sometimes, it takes a leap of faith for magic to happen. In 2013, when Kathrine McDonald decided to leave teaching to follow a passion for interior design, she felt like she was stepping off a cliff. She found the change so daunting it took her three months to begin the first module of her interior design degree.

Interior designer Kathrine McDonald.

“I was such a chicken. But I knew it would start a new chapter for me as I’d been teaching for 10 years, and I was frightened of the change,” Kathrine says.

Since making that initial mouse click, she’s never looked back. In eight years, her business, Kathrine McDonald Design, has earned a reputation for fabulous kitchens and considered home designs, and in 2022 Kathrine worked on 28 projects nationwide. Although that early hesitancy is well behind her, it helps Kathrine relate to clients who are slow off the starting block.

The island in Pacific Quartz Calacatta Nu is the hero in this kitchen. Kathrine designed the angled leg to create depth and visual interest. 

“Design sometimes comes down to confidence, and that’s where I come in; I help clients with all the details when they are overwhelmed. Interior design is a personal and emotional process, and I am forever humbled by clients’ trust in my vision and direction.

“Design is a team effort. I work with the architect and contractors to achieve the best results for clients using speed, efficient communication and good problem-solving,” she says.

A luxe kitchen features Dekton REM stone and warm timber shelving illuminated with strip LED lighting and a mirrored splashback.

Supply issues or plan changes might occur on builds from time to time. But the best outcomes happen when homeowners consult her in the early planning stages, she says. Kathrine’s design process focuses on the home’s floor plan and functionality and will often feed back directly to the architect.

“When I look at a plan for the first time, I’ll ask clients many questions. For example, I’ll ask about things like window treatments. Do they want curtains or roller blinds? And if they say curtains, I might notice on the plan that there’s not enough wall space allocated, and the plans might need to be revised.”

This bathroom designed by Kathrine features Artedomus Antilia green tiles.

Although born in Northland, Kathrine has lived in Mt Maunganui since 1997, moving to the Tauranga seaside suburb for its blend of beach and city life. Her design work leads her to locations such as Waihī Beach, Ohiwa and Taupō on projects including holiday homes, commercial fit-outs on wellness and hospitality businesses, and forever homes.

“There’s always something going on in the Bay of Plenty and it’s an area that attracts all sorts of people and businesses,” she says.

Kathrine says a signature of her work is the use of render and wall treatments, specifically Forcrete and Marmorino, in commercial and residential projects.
"Wall finishes are awesome and versatile. We’ve used them as a wall treatment, in bathrooms on splashbacks, and even wrapped them around extractor fans. They create texture, soft edges and curves, and are just a different way to give depth without being shouty,” she says.

The walls in Kathrine’s design studio are finished in Marmorino KS plaster.

When suggesting tips for homeowners considering new projects, Kathrine says it helps them to ponder the big picture and the details simultaneously.
“Think about what the focal point of each room will be, but also drill down on the whole interior scheme and design — or the feeling you would like to convey,” she says.

A recessed bedroom feature wall with Melteca in Aged Ash creates a cocoon-like retreat. 

“Spatial planning is key — doorways are also a major focus for me as I think about how these work with the materials and finishes on walls. I also consider interior door heights in relation to studs. Focusing on sight-lines from one space to another and how the room will function is also important. I am constantly trying to conceal TVs, microwaves and toilets, so they are not the focal point.”
www.kminteriordesign.co.nz