The Design Chaser
Curates Baya 2024
Michelle Halford brings her distinctive styling interpretation to our 2024 Annual Collection.
Dune Cushion
Tell us what influenced your product choices this season?
My selections are inspired by the beautiful setting of the architectural home nestled in Raglan's bushland and coastal surroundings. They reflect both the warm tones and textures found in the natural landscape and my personal love for neutral and earthy colours.
To harmonise with the wood and concrete finishes of the architecture and provide a soft backdrop for showcasing this season’s warm palette, I incorporated pale wood elements and neutral tones.
The addition of ceramic pieces in sand and brown hues further evokes a sense of tranquility, mirroring the home’s seamless integration with its natural environment.
How would you describe your personal style?
My interior style is understated yet layered—achieved with the use of warm, textural elements, timeless design, and relaxed details.
What colours are you are drawn to?
I feel most at ease surrounded by calming, neutral tones such as the oatmeal and ecru.
To add contrast, I love layering warm hues inspired by nature. Cinnamon and cocoa immediately caught my eye for their rich brown tones, while the sage brings a soft and tranquil touch.
Tell us a little about the pieces that you used to style this shoot.
In line with the new collection theme of embracing the natural environment, I chose soft grey and off-white sofas to serve as the ideal backdrop for showcasing the warm tones and textures of the new collection.
These were paired with tables and plinths in tactile wood and stone finishes and sculptural objects inspired by nature.
Studio
Look One
I love the way the Sandringham floor rug in Cameo, with its earthy pink undertones, is complimented by the rich aubergine armchair by Ligne Roset. The styling was kept minimal to highlight the intricate textures and nuances of each piece, creating a subtle yet captivating interplay of colours and a cosy, serene setting.
Hemicycle Armchair by Ligne Roset.
&Tradition Lato Side Table, available through Cult Design.
Interno Limewash in Irish Elk by Porters Paints
Ferm Living Oyster Table Lamp, available through Slow Store.
“Dormant 29” by Rachel Wegrzyn, available through Public Record.
Studio
Look Two
Layered and inviting, this nature-inspired look is grounded by the Vermont rug in driftwood and features the beautiful, hand-painted Dune cushion and complimentary tones of cumin, sage and blush. The palette carries through to the moody, ethereal landscape painting by Greer Clayton.
'Day is Clearing' artwork by Greer Clayton, available through Parnell Gallery.
Custom Sofa, available through Exhibit One.
Who do you admire in the New Zealand design and creative space?
I’m constantly blown away by the calibre and quality of residential architecture and design in NZ—too many designers to name!
I also admire many local makers and artists, including wood-working studio Walk in the Park. Their hand-made pieces are exquisite (I’m slowly growing a small collection) and others whose work I have included in this shoot such as Greer Clayton, Author Ceramics and Amelia Fagence Design. Public Record is my go-to for beautiful one-of a kind art and objects.
Key Pieces
What are your 3 key pieces from this season’s collection?