A few days ago we found a stunning example of a New Zealand home, that might build a bridge between the Second Skin Trend we talked about earlier and real life interiors. Colors and texture are rather similar in this converted barn in New Zealand.
The owners of this stunning home moved 45 minutes south of Aukland, New Zealand around 2 years ago. Bec Dowie says: “We moved into a one-bedroom cottage before converting the barn we used as our workshop into the house you see now.” Having lived in the one room cottage has shown the owners that they don’t need a lot, this is why the design shows a lot of restrain.
Even though the minimalistic, unobtrusive interiors do show some restrain, the home feels welcoming, warm and comfortable. With its very discreet white walls and a simple concrete floors the materials chosen for the furniture play a big role in this home.
Bec Dowie is part of the design studio Douglas and Bec and most of the furniture and lighting you see in their home was developed by the design studio. ‚Only the highest quality honest materials are utilized, such as American ash and oak, copper, brass, hand-blown glass and natural leather.‘
Even though the furniture appears like statement pieces in this reduced environment, these pieces are not meant too take your breath away. It’s like we already stated in our previous Trend report on Second Skin: the soft color palette and high quality materials like soft camel-colored leather and sheer linen drapes give this home a high level of comfort rather than attention-drawing design.
Being asked about their bedroom, Bec Dowie says: “It’s also a reflection of how that room should feel—and that’s lovely and calm.” The tangible materials and the subtle visual impact they have invite you to touch the soft leather and feel good, all aspects we mentioned for our Second Skin Trend, it is all about how we feel in our skin and this home makes us feel really welcome!
Hop over Sight Unseen to read the full interview on how the duo transformed an old barn into their wonderful new home. G,x
