Business South August 2020

46 | Volume 29 | Issue 4 businesssouth 25A Lunns Rd, Christchurch 03 343 0360 03 343 0363 027 239 5934 info@mhj.co.nz www.mhj.co.nz The traditional and classic style of the original home has been preserved, with new features added to enhance space and light. DESIGN » Donna Weir Design Best of Houzz Award 2020 for Donna Weir Design F or the second year in a row, Christchurch- based Donna Weir Design has received a Best of Houzz award for outstanding interior design. Best of Houzz international awards recognise the most popular home design projects by category, country and region. Donna Weir Design received a Best of Houzz Award 2020 for a kitchen design that was part of a whole home makeover in Fendalton. In this carefully considered project, the traditional and classic style of the original home has been preserved, with new features added to enhance space and light. Beauti- ful lacquered cabinets, topped with engineered stone were selected for the open and contemporary kitchen and Butler’s Pantry. Denim blue walls con- trast elegantly with the white cabinetry and natural timber floor. Along with designing the two-storey home’s kitchen joinery, Donna Weir Design completed the study, bathroom vanities and a significant number of other interior elements. “I worked very closely with the client in choosing timeless materials and colours,” Donna says. “We needed to keep the integrity of this beautiful home intact, while bringing a modern functioning and exciting kitchen to fruition. The use of colour works superbly throughout the house from the blue on the kitchen and living area walls through to soft greens and creams in the more formal spaces and bedrooms. The study has its own atmosphere, cre- ated with the use of tobacco ochre walls and dark grey lacquered joinery. The end result is elegant, timeless and stunningly liveable.” Donna founded her Christchurch design practice in 2009, after having graduated in interior design and working full-time in the industry for two years. She specialises in tailored design from furniture and fabrics to bespoke joinery, kitchens and bathrooms, delivering her services throughout the Canterbury region. Donna loves being able to offer clients a per- sonalised design service for every element of the interior of a home. Kitchens to wardrobes, beautiful drapery and furniture as well as extras like bespoke entertainment units and custom-made book cases to fit specific spaces. “My mission is to build a relationship with the client, so that we can create together as a team to get the best possible outcome within the client’s budget.” Her flair for interiors is evident in projects such as Annandale in Pigeon Bay that offers luxury ac- commodation in a stunning location. Over the past year, Donna has also been working part-time as a designer for Murray Hewitt Joinery, with a strong focus on kitchen joinery. One recent project involved designing a gor- geous galley-style kitchen for a mud brick home in Clarkville, complete with new pantry and stylish new flow-through to a previously under-utilised formal dining room and lounge. It has completely transformed the kitchen space for the clients, who are keen home entertainers. “It was wonderful to meet the challenge of the brief with a solution that far exceeded my client’s expectations. A new laundry and guest bedroom wardrobes have since been added as well for them.” The design brief on another upcoming project in Cashmere is for a whole house cohesive package, including kitchen, vanities, laundry and outdoor barbecue area. “It is another scheme where I will be walking through each space with the client from the get-go and giving options and solutions for their particular requirements.” Thanks to the popularity of her designs featured on Houzz, she has been fielding inquiries from all over the world from those inspired by her work. It has also generated local interest and demand. “Houzz is a good platform for getting your brand, your point of difference and your own unique style out there.” Kim Newth