88 | Shannon Pepper Design DESIGN Telephone: 09 422 7804 Email: sales@matakanakitchens.co.nz Address: 50B Matakana Valley Road, Matakana Matakana Kitchens & Joinery is proud to support Shannon Pepper Design. Timber floor specialists offering expert craftsmanship in all aspects of timber flooring — from installation and sanding to finishing and repairs. Scott Webb: 027 355 3675 Interiors designed to fit clients’ lifestyle Older homes often suffer from not having enough storage, whereas today it’s a vital part of the work she does, especially when it comes to kitchen design. T T Virginia Wright “There’s a lot of collaboration that goes into it, and it’s designing something functionally for them but also that has an aesthetic that they’ll enjoy living with.” Having already spent 12 years working in the industry, Shannon Pepper set up her own business, Shannon Pepper Design, 12 years ago, giving her the freedom to be involved in all aspects of the design process and be able to do everything under one banner. “I wanted to not just be seen as an interior designer, or a kitchen designer. I wanted to be able to work on the whole house and provide that service for a client, rather than them having to co-ordinate things between different people,” Shannon says. She offers clients a one-stop-shop where they can get everything they need for their home, and is often involved in the early stages when they are still talking to their architect. Her input helps ensure that as well as focusing on the house structure, and how it sits on the site, the architect is also designing the home around the spaces the client needs. Shannon’s input comes directly from the time she takes to get to know her client’s lifestyle, their needs and wants, and the way they use their space, she says. “It’s about designing a space for them, not giving them a space that I think they should have. There’s a lot of collaboration that goes into it, and it’s designing something functionally for them but also that has an aesthetic that they’ll enjoy living with.” It might be a space for feeding the dog, an acoustically insulated wellness room, or a dedicated cupboard to be used as an electrical hub for smart home systems. Shannon ensures the house is designed with the client’s specific needs in mind so they won’t have to lose a wardrobe, for example, to take all the wiring. She believes in balancing visual harmony with practical family living, and discreet storage plays a big part in that. Older homes often suffer from not having enough storage, whereas today it’s a vital part of the work she does, especially when it comes to kitchen design. It’s not just about having a place for all the gadgets that are part of modern living, it’s often about hiding them in custom cupboards to allow the bench tops to remain clear, or having an integrated scullery that allows the door to be closed on messy prep areas, or using floor-to-ceiling panels that mimic walls to conceal refrigerators or pantry entries. A recent bathroom Shannon designed as part of her work on a Landmark Home in Matakana was named winner of the New Zealand Group Home Builder Bathroom Suite 2026. She believes her layout and use of space contributed to what the judges called understated luxury, and the tiling achieved a sense of personality while bringing in natural elements that complemented the home’s surroundings. Judges commented on her thoughtful detailing in the bathroom, which was an important part of the house’s success in appealing to a lot of people without it being soulless and conservative. Anyone wanting to work with Shannon can book what she calls a discovery call. It’s a 15- minute call that allows both parties to test the ground and get a feel for whether a successful collaboration is on the cards. Then, whether it’s a new build or a renovation, Shannon Pepper Design is ready to help her client work out how to achieve a space they will love to live in.
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