Asha Payton is the founder and creative director of Napier store and interior design practice Little & Fox.
What type of house do you live in?
I live in an old 1950s home that started life as the original Te Awanga School. It’s been added to by numerous loving owners over the years. We did a fairly big renovation four years ago, converting the outdoor laundry and carport into another bedroom for my boys, as well as adding a new kitchen, bathroom and pool. It’s still very bachy, but we love its relaxed seaside vibe.
What type of house do you wish you lived in?
The one I’m slowly creating through memories, precious keepsakes and family. I think a good home takes time — it should be filled with stories, books, art, photographs and memories.
What is your design motto?
Good design starts from the ground up. Lamplight is your best friend. Don’t follow trends.
Family, pets, photos and laptop aside, what would you save in a fire – and why?
My strange Japanese ceramic cat bowl thing. I’m not even entirely sure how to describe it. I found it at a market miles outside Tokyo after taking a train out of the city and bought it from the sweetest husband and wife.
No expense spared, what would you buy for your home?
I’d definitely redo my internal ceilings, open them up, expose the beams and create gabled ceilings.
Where in the world would you live if you could?
So many, but I’d love to live in Japan for a few years.
What would you never have in your house?
Anything too matchy-matchy. I like a home to feel collected over time, not like everything arrived on the same truck.
What is the height of interior style?
Vintage tiles. The more character, colour and history, the better.
Least like?
Trends.
What do you splash out on for your home? Sisal carpet. Good design starts from the ground up.
What do you scrimp on?
I tend to buy secondhand furniture and have it reupholstered. I guess once you factor in the upholstery, that’s not necessarily scrimping, but I adore old furniture and you can find some incredible pieces if you’re prepared to hunt.
Who is your design hero?
Probably Kit Kemp and Anna Spiro for their fearless use of colour and pattern, and Vanessa Alexander and Kelly Wearstler for texture, layering and effortless materiality.
What’s your favourite wall colour?
My kitchen is painted Marrakesh by Aalto Paint. I love its boldness, but it has this lovely muddy undertone, which means it works with so many other colours. It also makes an incredible backdrop for art.
Paint or wallpaper?
Both have their place. Paint has come such a long way in the last five years too, with talented applicators using texture, limewashes and techniques to create incredible effects. And wallpaper can completely transform a room.
Your greatest DIY achievement?
Maybe not my greatest, but definitely my favourite: the first chair I ever upholstered. It belonged to my grandmother and restoring it really sparked my love of fabrics, upholstery and ultimately interior design.
Which room are you happiest in?
My bedroom. It’s dark and moody with beautiful curtains. A Sunday sleep-in with a hot coffee and my cats is pretty hard to beat.
Would you let Marie Kondo into your house?
Nooooooo. I’m actually pretty good at doing it myself and regularly have a big throw-out weekend.
Chromophobic – fear of colour – or leukophobic – fear of white?
Leukophobic. Definitely.
How many pillows are on your bed?
Six.
Next buy for your home?
A sauna.
Read next:
- How Maria Francesca Melis finds inspiration in nature and heritage
- Year of Art: Alice Berry’s Wonderland adds a touch of magic to your home
- Artist Leigh Thompson explores an ever-changing world through clay
