Describe your home and style?

Our home is on a lifestyle block not far from town, but far enough to be out among the beautiful hills near Maungakawa. The house is finished using reclaimed timbers with large beams, high raked ceilings and a stone fireplace. I use timeless pieces of furniture for a country-lodge feel that fits its surroundings. The house is solid and so is the furniture, built to suit a family of four growing boys.

What inspires you about living in your region?

The countryside is beautiful and there is so much going on in the area with sports facilities and outdoor lifestyle. There’s boutique shopping and we’re not far from main centres and beaches. With growth in the area, there are a lot of stunning homes being designed and built by talented locals.

What’s the last thing you bought for your home?

New bedding for my bedroom to warm it up for winter. I love changing the look and feel of a bedroom with the change of the season; fresh and bright for summer, and warm and cosy for winter.

Bedrooms are the simplest and least expensive spaces to update, says Emma. Use texture and colour to vary the mood

Your favourite room?

The living room. It’s open-plan – a place where everyone comes together, while the fire goes in winter and meals are being cooked. The sound of everyone’s voices in the evening makes our home come alive. 

Trend you wish would make a comeback?

Interior styles have changed over the decades but we’ve brought the best through to right now.

If money were no object, what would you do?

Build a bigger kitchen. Now that my boys are older we need a lot more room in there at meal times. A wine cellar I think would have to be a must as well.

Where would you spend the bulk of your renovation budget?

The main living area, kitchen, bathroom and floor coverings. Bedrooms can be much simpler and costs can be kept to a minimum. Including pieces of furniture of true quality is important. The whole look can be dissatisfying if every choice is compromised. Having several pieces of furniture or beautiful lighting you really love will complete your home and your eye will always be drawn to them.   

You’ve got a day to refresh your house – what do you do?

New cushions and throws, perhaps a floor rug, a mirror, a lamp or a new artwork. You can change the look and feel easily if you have a good base, but just want to change things by introducing some new textures or colour.

What should every home have?

A comfortable place to put your feet up and unwind – whether it’s on a sofa or in an armchair in the corner of a room with a footstool. Somewhere to feel the soft warmth of the morning or afternoon sun streaming in.