Free flowing finish
Words Emily Pattullo
Interior Designer, Shanly Simpson, has a keen eye and pays great attention to detail. She also places value on being aware of clients’ needs and wishes. But most importantly, for her, it’s about going with the flow.
“Often people will contact me about their homes and say, it’s just not right, it’s not working for me, it doesn’t feel finished or peaceful,” says Shanly. With the owners of a property in Matakana Hills who had moved into a new home, they wanted to put their own personal stamp on it. They had furniture to possibly bring from overseas but weren’t sure if it would fit or work with the house and its style. So Shanly asked for photos and measurements of the pieces, she wanted to know whether any were sentimental to the owners. On visiting the property, she quickly observed that the spatial planning needed adjusting, then she went from room to room with great detail to see what would fit where.
“I balanced what would be suitable to bring over considering the cost of freight versus buying new pieces here. I then sourced beautiful rugs, cushions and accessories, placed faux orchids and pieces of art to complement what was there."
Shanly believes people must feel good in their environment. She listens and asks questions. “It’s not about me, it’s about giving the client a dream home, working with what they have and improving it. I can see it very clearly when I walk through the door; I start with the flow, it’s the most important thing – not having to go around furniture to exit the house. I see the blocks. I know little tricks and illusions.”
It’s that kind of attention to detail that takes experience and Shanly has that in spades. Starting her design career in LA where she spent 17 years; honing her craft for over 10 of those alongside Faye Resnick, an international interior designer, and working with clients such as the Hiltons and Fendi.
Then in 2012 she returned to New Zealand to make interior design accessible in her home country. “It’s always been in my blood,” says Shanly. “Even when I was little I was designing my room. I had a military father and he took me to Takapuna Police station when I was little. I was put into a cell and I noticed it had pink walls. I asked why and was told that it’s because pink is a calming colour.”
Those little details are what Shanly is passionate about, and the owners of the Matakana Hills property agree: "We loved working with Shanly. Her attention to every detail made all the difference, our home now feels calm and inviting" Kathryn K. “I don’t overfill houses with furniture. It should be minimal but with fine details. Soft and warm with blinds and drapes. It has to be in line with function and what’s right for the client. Everything has to come into play all at once,” she says.
Having researched the detrimental effect of living in a cluttered environment and what it actually does to our minds, Shanly focuses on keeping things open and fresh, free-flowing and light. “It brings me so much joy to solve problems and give clients an environment to make them feel good.”
www.ShanlySimpsonDesigns.com
022 043 1350