At home with Beth
Project Runway contestant Beth Hornsby-Hunt lives with her bestie, her son and her shoe-stealing dog in Auckland’s Ma¯ ngere. Her goal is to move to Whitianga fulltime where the highlight of her week would be the supermarket shop.
Her previous fashion designs have included skulls, zombies, blood spatter and even taxidermied ducklings, so it’s perhaps no surprise that stuffed dead animals are a feature in her home, too.
Describe your house in two sentences...
Newly renovated three-bedroom in sunny Ma¯ ngere east. It’s cosy, comfy and central. Our white walls really are calling out to us to do something to them though!
Describe your style in three words...
Bright, clean, alternative.
Who lives there with you?
My 4-year-old sprog and my best friend Siobhan. Oh, and don’t forget our pack of dogs.
Your favourite room/area in the house and why?
My bedroom, of course. It’s small and cosy and fits everything just perfectly. The wardrobe could be bigger though.
Finish this sentence: ‘‘Once someone came to my door and…"
Actually, they can never find the door because of our big gate and the broken intercom. Sorry, Uber Eats guys.
Your proudest DIY moment?
It would have to be when I made a rabbit hutch from some strange wooden shipping box a friend’s dad had. It had a ramp and everything.
If my partner would let me, I would get rid of...
No partner, but luckily Siobhan doesn’t mind my taxidermy obsession.
Title of a book, film or television show that best describes the mood in your home?
I think it would have to be some kind of cross between Secret Life of Pets, Toy Story and Gossip Girl.
Best money you have ever spent on the house?
Definitely all my artwork and taxidermy. My taxidermy is from Snuffed Taxidermy in Rotorua, and the owner Rachel has the same dark humour as me. I particularly love my stuffed rat baking cupcakes.
Worst thing that’s ever gone wrong while entertaining?
The worst thing that’s gone wrong lately is one of the dogs took off with the cleaner’s shoe. The poor lady had to wear some of Siobhan’s shoes home on the bus. I was mortified when Siobhan texted me to tell me.
One item I wish I had kept or not got rid of is...
Well, I’m kind of a hoarder, so I don’t really throw away much, but when I do chuck stuff there is a good reason behind it. So, I don’t regret getting rid of anything that I can think of.
Favourite piece of furniture?
My bed. Who the heck doesn’t love their bed? My favourite part of the day is shower, jammies, bed.
If I had $50k, what I would like to change about my house is...
I wouldn’t change this house, I would buy my own in Whitianga. My goal is to live in Whitianga fulltime, where the highlight of your week is a visit to the supermarket.
Which home habit annoys you the most?
The most annoying home habit would be cleaning, and that’s why we hire a cleaner. Both Siobhan and I are so busy during the week, the last thing we want to do is clean. Siobhan works shift work, so can sometimes start at 4.30am or finish at 2am. Who the heck wants to vacuum in the middle of the night?
What’s one domestic/ housework/gardening trick you’ve learned over the years?
Over the years I’ve learned that if you spill red wine in the carpet, Sprite will get it out.
My favourite part of the day is shower, jammies, bed.