Photography: Are Media Syndication
Auckland-based homewares brand Father Rabbit is a long-time favourite store of Your Home and Garden’s and has recently announced a change of ownership. We chat to the store’s new owner Haley Johnson about her design hero, her DIY skills, her favourite room and more.
1. What type of house do you live in?
Right now, our house is actually an Airbnb while we transition to move to Howick, so we are staying with my husband’s parents. We renovated it back in 2021, but it was always intended to be an investment property. It has more of a refined holiday feel, whereas I am craving something with far more soul now.
2. What type of house do you wish you lived in?
An old villa with land. I love everything about them.
3. What is your design motto?
Curated, layered and personal.
4. Family, pets, photos and laptop aside, what would you save in a fire?
My jewellery. It holds the most sentiment for me and would be impossible to replace.
5. No expense spared, what would you buy for your home?
A sauna, a spa and a gym.
6. Where in the world would you live if you could?
Somewhere in a beautiful old villa with land around it, quiet, private and full of character.
7. What would you never have in your house?
Crocs. Never.
8. What is the height of interior style?
A home with depth, warmth and personality.
9. Least like?
Anything too flat, too generic or without character.
Catalonian Terracotta Tapas Dish
Stonewashed Cotton Sheet Set
French Flax Linen Sheet set
10. What do you splash out on for your home?
Pieces that bring depth and personality into a space. Right now, I am drawn to vintage ceramics.
11. Scrimp on?
Anything trend-driven.I would always rather wait and buy something special.
12. Who is your design hero?
I am more inspired by beautifully considered spaces than by one particular person.
13. What’s your favourite wall colour?
Currently deep burgundy and deep olive.
14. Paint or wallpaper?
Paint. Especially in deep, moody tones.
15. Your greatest DIY achievement?
Renovating our home in 2021, through pregnancy and into life with a newborn. Although I should give most of the credit to my husband and my brother.
16. Which room are you happiest in?
Any room that feels slightly moody, but still warm and welcoming. Dim lighting, texture and calm always win for me.
17. Would you let Marie Kondo into your house?
I think so, although she may have some thoughts. I do love collecting beautiful and interesting things.
18. Chromophobic or leukophobic?
Neither. I am definitely leaning more into colour now. I love richness, contrast and depth in a home.
19. How many pillows are on your bed?
Always four pillows and two euros.
20. Next buy for your home?
An old villa with land.
Head to Father Rabbit for more
Read more:
- Year of art: Evie Kemp’s Our House of True Colours brings colour to life
- Inside Morgan Paige Taitoko’s world of soft focus and distortion
- Year of Art: Meet Marsha Smith, the creative behind ‘Verdant Blush’
