It’s personal
After eight years spent organising the Auckland Fair (an annual market for handmade items) and working closely with clients and businesses on design-led work, Jessica’s style is eclectic, with heirloom pieces sitting comfortably alongside designer items and a bumper collection of art prints. Her home is characterised by its strong focus on textures and a simple, neutral colour palette. “I prefer textures and neutrals to bright colours, but it’s all about comfort,” she says. “I mix off-the-shelf items with vintage pieces. The old radio was my great-grandmother’s; my black tea set I bought when I was in primary school from a local fair.”
A recent splurge on pure linen curtains has created a luxe feel in the living area and the fine fabric filters sun and adds warmth on winter evenings. Space is also a luxury that Jessica and Grace are now revelling in. “Since moving from my tiny North Shore flat, it’s been great to spread out,” says Jessica. “This is a space that I both live and work in, so it’s important that I love it and love being in it.”
Greenery is liberally applied throughout Jessica’s home due to the impact it can make on a space. “Being a designer, I pay attention to small details and am quite particular,” she admits. Another quirk is Jessica’s penchant for rare and collectible sneakers, which she displays on open shelving. It comes as no surprise that since our shoot, plans are now in place for a dedicated master bedroom extension with more wardrobe space.