Leah and Paul Jackson own gift and design shop Paddington Store. Here, Leah shares what drives her own design style. 

Paddington Store in Mount Maunganui is a real family affair. Meet Paul and Leah Jackson, baby Isla and Burnley, the dog. Leah is the creative brains alongside Paul, who makes sure everything runs smoothly. They believe great design is for everyone. That’s why they’ve carefully curated a selection of brands and designers and offer everything from fashion and beauty to gifts and homewares. They stock international and New Zealand brands, but are passionate about supporting local designers. “We’re a friendly, social shop with service that goes the extra mile to make you feel right at home,” says Leah, who answers our questions below.

How would you describe your home style?

Our home is a 1970’s-style house with high ceilings, an open floorplan and polished concrete floors. We have used black and white as our canvas and have incorporated warm natural tones throughout. Even our dog, Burnley, matches our decor.

What inspires you about living in your region?

Beach, beach and beach. We live a two-minute walk away and it never gets old. When you can hear the ocean from your backyard, it makes you want to be outside.

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

A beautiful art print from an Auckland-based artist called Maiko Nagao. We now stock them at Paddington Store.

Prints from New Zealand designer Maiko Nagao, which are now available from Paddington Store.

What’s your favourite room?

My daughter Isla’s. It is the cosiest room in the house and has so many cute things in it. My favourite piece is her rocking chair, which we covered in a beautiful ochre colour.

Isla’s cosy bedroom.

What trend do you wish would make a comeback?

I’m a big fan of industrial shelving. I love the minimalistic look and they’re incredibly functional. There’s so much you can fit on them. Industrial shelves blend well into any kind of home, no matter your style.

If money was no object, what would you get for your home?

We spend a lot of time outdoors and are in the process of renovating our backyard. We’ve just put in a patio with a pergola, so on the top of our wish list would be a spa and an outdoor theatre, along with a massive fire pit and pizza oven. Oh, and a hanging outdoor bed because, why not?

Where would you spend the bulk of your renovation budget?

On converting the garage into another bedroom. We live in a two-bedroom house with our one-year-old daughter, so an extra bedroom would be great for new additions.

What would you go budget on?

I am all for buying second hand, so whenever I can I hunt for bargains to decorate our home with. My husband is a collector of vintage pianos. We currently have a vintage Yamaha that sits proudly in our living room.

The couple’s living room, with colour-coordinated dog, Burnley.

You’ve got a day to refresh your house. What do you do?

I would paint our dark brown exposed rafters white. It would completely lighten up the whole space.

What should every home have?

A big dining table the whole family can fit around.

2020