A Bush Retreat in Whangarei
These wonderful clients had recently moved from Wellington
and wanted their new home to reflect its lush Whangarei bush outlook
rather than the beachy feel of their previous space.
In the midst of renovations, they reached out to AGD for help with color, upholstery, rugs, and custom furniture to bring their interiors together. They had already chosen and ordered their kitchen but were feeling unsure about the bold orange splashback.
We helped them finalize that decision and created a cohesive scheme for the rest of the open-plan living area—designing distinct yet harmonious zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining. A soft, neutral paint palette was used throughout to allow the stunning views, artwork, and furnishings to shine.
We designed and executed schemes for the dining area, adjacent living room, and a second lounge, ensuring each space felt connected yet had its own personality. A key part of the brief was to incorporate the clients’ existing rug and colorful side tables, as well as their impressive art collection, into the new design.
Our work included specifying and sourcing new dining and lounge furniture, manufacturing custom curtains, reupholstering beloved furniture pieces, and completing each space with carefully chosen rugs and custom cushions to tie everything together.
The Main Living Area
In the living area, we reupholstered the clients’ cherished wooden armchairs in a bold patterned fabric that echoed the rich rust tones of their favorite rug. This fabric served as a perfect bridge between the vibrant orange kitchen splashback and the rest of the space, ensuring the color felt intentional and balanced.
To maintain a light and airy feel, we selected furniture with clean lines and specified a neutral woven fabric for a bespoke sofa, seamlessly tying in with the curtains. The finishing touch? A few custom decorative cushions that pulled the entire scheme together while subtly linking to the second lounge area.
The Cozy Lounge
For the second lounge, we created a space with a cozy yet glamorous feel. A pair of custom-made chairs in a luxurious gold Art Deco-inspired fabric became a stunning focal point—offering both comfort and elegance for soaking in the morning sun.
To enhance the warmth of the space, we sourced a plush neutral-toned rug and reupholstered an existing ottoman in a multicolored fabric that subtly connected the home’s broader color scheme. The clients had fallen in love with the Detroit sofa during a visit to our supplier’s showroom, so we worked it into the design, covering it in a durable yet stylish neutral fabric.
The final layer was a selection of AGD accent cushions in playful, personality-filled prints—bringing in pops of color and tying all the elements together.
The result? A home that feels effortlessly curated, deeply personal, and perfectly suited to its serene bush surroundings.
