Tina Stephen

6. If cushions are the accessories or handbag of an outfit, what is lighting in a room design?
Lighting is a fundamental element for living, so I would say they are both an accessory and your thermal layer!   Lighting is more essential than any other interior element, it can make or break a space both functionally and aesthetically.

7. Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! In nature, in fashion, in everyday life. A beautiful plate or glass, trees turning orange in autumn, a great coat or dress.  Of course, Pinterest and Instagram are essential tools for inspiration online too!

8. Why and when did you move out West?
We moved out West in 2003, I had never really lived in Auckland apart from a few summer jobs, and we first lived in Ponsonby when I moved to Auckland. It really wasn’t my cup of tea at all, and when house prices started rising significantly in the area, I knew we needed to find a better option for affordability and lifestyle.
We moved to Titirangi and house sat for two years, which enabled us to buy our first house – a little cottage on the northern slopes for $250k! (it seemed like a lot at the time!)

9. Do you have any other creative outlets?   
Creativity is all consuming so it just permeates everything we do as a household – cooking a meal, setting the table, making the bed, taking a photo, building with lego.  Finding joy in the every day is essential to creative living.