THE WILLIAMS HOME
“I had a rough idea on what I wanted to create in our 1970s John Scott country home, however I had no idea where to begin or how to pull it all together. Nikki came highly recommended and now I can understand why! “
Ralph and Nadine Williams abode is a John Scott original. As one of New Zealand’s most influential architects, it was an honour to work on this culturally rich home. Add to the mix deep family connections, with Ralph’s parents having built the home in 1973 and his childhood unfolding right here - this home had heart.
Aside from a recent new kitchen, most of the building was original. For those familiar with John Scott’s work, you’ll know his houses have many rooms. Nadine wanted to bring the spaces together again and find a sense of cohesion and consistency.
The building features were delightful, including a negative ceiling detail, accentuated with black paint. Windows were thoughtfully placed to frame panoramic views of the farm and distant verdant hills. My goal was to be respectful of the home’s precious original story, celebrate its architectural merits, and highlight its country setting.
“Nikki made this process so easy, she listened, she understood and was so on point with all her ideas. I absolutely love what she created for our home, she did an outstanding job in bringing the house alive again!”
Hand picking new furniture was exciting, but I particularly loved choosing fabrics to reupholster many of the existing pieces. Theirs was a busy country life with robust boys and Digby the pooch. Pattern, scale and colour really played into the mix, with houndstooth, wool plaid, ivy green velvet and raw linen hitting the right ‘rural’ notes. Curating this formula across the home helped achieve a relaxed, cohesive style.
Behind the paint colour palette was a mission to lighten the living spaces and showcase the ceiling height and detailing in the bedrooms. Master William’s love of Lego and aviation was the benchmark for choosing furniture and bedlinen to indulge his wonderful young imagination.
Working with this creative family has been a fantastic process, and to throw in a John Scott masterpiece is indeed a career highlight.
“Nikki was so much fun to work with, we had many laughs, she was so easy to communicate with, extremely efficient, incredibly professional and mindful of my budget. Nikki’s creative flair is to admired, I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Photography | Florence Charvin