Kirsten Ford is an interior designer with her own studio based on the Shore, working with clients nationwide. She loves creating spaces her clients love, and enjoyed designing and overseeing the build of her own home three years ago, which she shares with her husband, two children and her dog.
What do you feel is most special about your home?
Designing and building our own house was a chance to create a home that not only practically suited our needs as a busy family, but one that uniquely reflected our lifestyle and personalities. Our home feels calm, comfortable and connected to the outdoors, with a style that balances masculine industrial with a luxe edge. We just love our home, our happy place!
Can you describe your favourite room?
Our living area has glazing on three walls framing views of mature pohutukawa trees on the adjacent public reserve. The elevated nature of the site means we look directly into the branches of the trees - it feels like we’ve escaped to a private and stylish adult treehouse.
Is there one thing you would definitely take with you if you moved?
My collection of amber glassware. It started with one piece that used to be my grandmother's and has grown over the years. I adore the glow of the glass and the amazing form of the pieces. And of course, I would take my family and dog first!
If you didn’t live where you are now, where would be your dream home location?
Closer to the sea on any of the North Shore beaches! The ocean is my soul place. I’ve been very fortunate to work on some incredible beachfront homes on the North Shore and have not-so-secretly hoped to move in with some of my clients!
Who would be your dream neighbour and why?
We’ve always had lovely neighbours but a dream neighbour to me has a number of qualities – an ability to help, trustworthy, friendly and tolerant (of my noisy children and their many friends!). Neighbours are such a big part of making your neighbourhood a happy and safe place to live. The social aspect of where I live is also important to me and I love to share a gin and tonic and bbq with our neighbours.
