An internationalist Queenstown home, a Waiheke cabin for the creative at heart, and an Auckland bathroom inspired by dappled light on a forest floor took out the top honours at the 2023 Interior of the Year Awards.
The awards were celebrated at an exclusive event in Auckland on 28 September, with five category winners named as well as the coveted Readers’ Choice Award, an accolade resulting from thousands of public votes for the most favoured project of the 24 finalists for 2023.
The 2023 Bathroom of the Year is Woodland Dance by Rogan Nash Architects.
Judges’ Citation:
A project designed with accessibility in mind – therefore with no corners or glass and plenty of level thresholds. The usage of three different tiles in very distinct colours and fairly striking timber cabinetry are testament to a level headed design concept and daring spirit. This project feels relaxed, colourful, incredibly detailed and 100 per cent resolved.
The 2023 Living Space of the Year is The Geode House by Sartoria
Judges’ Citation:
Tactile and raw, this Waiheke living space has been stitched by local materials across separate levels and with deft knowledge of light qualities and context. A reminder that well thought out design is critical — regardless of the cost of the materials that make up its end result. A cohesive little space that is part bohemian, part vernacular, and a whole lot of youthfulness and soul.
The 2023 Kitchen of the Year is Speargrass House Kitchen by Arent&Pyke
Judges’ Citation:
Rural, sophisticated, grand, and of human scale. This Queenstown kitchen thrives in those polar opposites while using a very refined material palette. As an open plan it communicates perfectly with its surrounding zones and creates a family hub that is personable and of a high international calibre.
The winner of the 2023 Resene Colour Award is Speargrass House by Arent&Pyke
Judges’ Citation:
Forget ‘pops’ or ‘accents’…. This project seeks to make its inhabitants swim in colours that are both soothing, yet dopamine infused while still being grounded to its amazingly landscaped context. The designers’ choice to paint the ceiling nearly black was a master stroke, while Resene hues with a biscuity quality have been selected to complement daring textiles, natural materials and entirely unexpected combinations that require mastery and daredevilry.
The Emerging Designer of the Year is Fieldcraft, for The Dowel Project
Judges’ Citation:
A whimsical and entirely unique exploration of cabinetry and colour to unite disparate spaces within a house. This project is the result of careful planning and a daring brief, and represents a designer/maker to keep firmly in one’s radar.
The 2023 Readers’ Choice Award Winner is Mt Eden Kitchen by Atelier Aitken
Judges’ Citation:
This kitchen’s ideas are faintly familiar, yet their execution is delightfully unique. It exudes respect for the heritage exterior of the home it inhabits, plays with proportions to create the mirage of generosity in a small footprint, and does it all with confidence of style.
