We're big fans of Napier design duo Bibby + Brady. As well as running swoon-worthy social media pages, the designers offer both face-to-face consulting and e-services for clients near and far. They also offer product sourcing services so you too can benefit from their impeccable taste and savvy shopping.
We recently caught up with Vic for a quick Q+A where she dished out some valuable insight into what's up and coming in the interior world...
1. How would you describe your interior style?
It’s hard to pigeon hole anyone’s design style, but I love relaxed living, pattern and colour, natural textures, and a bit of quirkiness, so Boho probably fits me the best.
Vic recently renovated the kitchen in her 1940's bungalow to a traditional look of panelled wood but gave it a clean-lined, contemporary feel with handle-less cabinetry in white two-pot lacquer.
2. This year we’ve seen a lot of copper, concrete, Icelandic sheepskins, indoor plants and seagrass baskets in interiors. Do you have any predictions for interior design trends in 2017?
I think we’ll continue to see natural materials being favoured and people embracing a slower pace of life in this hectic world we live in. Don’t be surprised to see materials such as terracotta tiles and cork making a comeback. Both add warmth and texture to your home.
Dark wood tones may start replacing the blonde wood favoured for the last few years, and the warmer, darker tones of marble, travertine and onyx will take over from the light Carrera marble we’ve seen so much of.
I’m predicting lots of deep greens, which I’m so happy about, and lots of desert tones - earthy and soothing.
Lastly, in the high-tech environments, we all work and live in, I think people will start embracing smaller nooks and places in our homes and gardens that we can retreat for quiet digital-free time.
3. Since we’re running an outdoor space competition, what plans do you have for your outdoor space this summer?
We’re lucky to have an amazing big deck that wraps around our house creating lots of outdoor living, and places to enjoy (or escape) the sun at different times of the day. I want to add an outdoor sofa this summer to enjoy my morning coffee on, and we would love an outdoor pizza oven or wood fire to cook evening meals on in the warmer months.
4. What’s your go-to Summer BBQ dish?
I’m not much of a meat eater, so I leave my husband in charge of that while I whip up a few yummy salads for our Summer meals. One of our favourites features roasted cauliflower on a bed of greens - kale, rocket, baby spinach. Throw in some sprouts, dry roasted walnuts and top with a tahini dressing - yum!
5. And finally, (without giving away too many trade secrets), where are your favourite shops and go-to places for sourcing products for yourself and clients?
We have some fabulous suppliers. Some are retailers and others are wholesalers who don’t sell directly to the public. A few of our favourites are Soren Liv, Maytime, Citta, and Armadillo&Co. Locally in Hawke’s Bay we have some fantastic retailers - Madisons, Blue Moon and Plowman Collective to name a few. And when we can’t find exactly what we’re looking for we know some really clever people who will custom make pieces for us.