My Space

Publication: NZ House and Garden | Issue: 330 | Date: February 2022

Describe the space:

“We call this place The Clubhouse because it’s got everything you’d want in a great club. It used to be a dark cobwebby semi-outdoor area where no one ventured and it felt like a huge waste of space. We brought it back to life during lockdown last year. Many of the finishes are from recycled materials, some of which were salvaged from skips. I’d pass them on my runs and return with native timbers under my arm. My role was hunting and gathering and then my husband Matt would pull out the rusty nails and use his artistry to create the perfect clubhouse interior. We picked up the mannequin on Trade Me and the rug and furniture from vintage shops. The chest of drawers we found on the side of the road and the pool table was kindly donated to the cause by some friends. At the back is the DJ booth and both my husband and our eldest son DJ daily while other members of the family play pool and I dance a lot.”

What inspires you about this space?

“It's a place where we can kind of let loose and we created it ourselves which makes it seem like it’s an extension of us and our style. I love reusing things, I love vintage, I love hosting parties, I love dancing, I love drinking gin and I love playing pool.”

What feelings does it evoke?

“The space makes me feel like I’m 20 again. It’s removed from the mundane domestic rituals of the rest of the house. I remember when I was younger the idea of dating a DJ seemed so cool and now this space makes me feel like I’m living that dream.” 

What role does this space play in your work?

“The natural lighting is really beautiful in the space so I’ve done a few portrait shoots down here, even one using the rug as a backdrop. I also find the space calming and when I’m home alone I come and sit on the sofa and look at inspiring books and have epiphanies about my next project.”