Curiosity and craftsmanship collide in the sustainable furniture and kitchen designs of this creative couple.
With its rolling surf, black-sand beaches and bush-lined hills, it’s easy to see why Sascha Kreßmer and Christina Schregel based their business in Raglan. Partners in life and in work, the pair run Motide, a furniture and kitchen- and bathroom-design company where nature is at the heart of their enterprise. Natural materials such as rattan, cork, stone, linoleum and reclaimed timber feature widely in their handmade vanities and cabinetry, and everything is sawn, jointed, turned and sanded using traditional woodworking techniques.
“Nature is a huge source of inspiration for me, and respect for the environment was instilled in me from an early age,” says Sascha, who is the ‘maker’ of Motide’s designs.
“Wood is a material that I love to work with and find incredibly beautiful in its texture, tones and feel. I approach working with it with great care and respect, allowing its characteristics to guide me as I transform it into a piece of furniture,” he says.
Christina, who manages the design side of the business, adds: “In our design process, we embrace the textures and hues found in the environment. Our products are timeless pieces that withstand the wear and tear of daily use and only get more beautiful with age.”
The pair hail from Germany but have lived in New Zealand for 16 years. Before starting Motide in 2017, Christina worked as an architect for 13 years, and Sascha was a joiner and architectural technician. These days he prefers being on the tools more than using computers, although he employs his technical background to apply mathematical precision to his furniture.
Christina uses her architectural and design knowledge to create kitchens and customise pieces tailored to clients’ homes. She enjoys being able to focus on detail and functionality. With a movement away from fast-furniture, and towards longer-lasting products made using sustainable construction techniques, there’s an increasing demand for Motide’s bespoke creations.
“There is a growing awareness of the importance of knowing where and how items in your home are made. More consumers appreciate artists and artisans who work with natural materials and are opting for handmade pieces over fast-furniture,” she says.
“We strongly believe that quality manufacturing and sustainability go hand in hand, and we strive to build products that are made to last as a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future.” Although furnishing a new home can be daunting, when choosing pieces for a home or planning bathrooms or kitchens, Christina advises homeowners to think about their favourite colours and personal style right at the beginning of the process.
Planning the space carefully is also essential. “Instead of approaching each room as a separate entity, consider choosing a design style that can be applied throughout the house for a harmonious look and feel. By selecting a theme, you’ll make it much easier to find furniture pieces that fit your style,” says Christina.
“Proper space planning is also crucial to be able to visualise how your furnished space will look. It’s important to consider the layout of each room, including its dimensions, lighting and spacing. Ensuring the size of your furniture fits within the space and that pieces sit together without overcrowding is key to a functional and aesthetically pleasing design.