This Auckland creative is not afraid to mix things up with clashing of colours and texture. We get to know Sarah Kavali and find out what inspires her unique interior style
Why this Auckland creative is fearless when it comes to her interior style
Sarah Kavali is inspired on a daily basis by her work as a creative director, which means her home is in a constant state of style evolution. I’m always shifting furniture around and moving objects – much to my husband Daniel’s delight!” she laughs. “I’m always recomposing rooms and spaces in my quest for visual harmony.”
Home for the couple is the iconic Mayfair building in Parnell, Auckland. Completed in 1929, it acts as a platform for Kavali to flex her creative ideas. “It has such character and flair,” she says of the two-bedroom apartment. “The high stud, curved ceilings, sash windows and timber architraves give it atmosphere. I love being able to mix heritage and history with modern décor.
“I’m attracted to items with a strong sense of personality and I like pairing these pieces in a way that’s a little bit offbeat. At the same time, I’m drawn to subtle symmetries and strong grounding pieces of furniture that provide the perfect playground for the little pieces that add the pops of ‘wow’.”
Kavali dares to be different by using spirited hues for eye-popping impact. “I’m not afraid to try something new for a few days, then rearrange it if it’s not working. Sometimes I really enjoy seeing a bit of a clash of colour and texture; something a little bit unexpected, but equally interesting and engaging.”
Creating a look that reflects her style both personally and professionally is important to her, as the apartment does double duty as her workspace and home. “I love working from here. I shift from the studio to the lounge, whether it’s the couch or the dining table, or perhaps pore over work laid out on the floor. I’m lucky enough to be in my dream job, where work doesn’t feel like work. It’s a lifestyle.”
The entrance lobby is one of Kavali’s favourite rooms. “It’s very small but I love the colour combinations: black and white floor tiles, blue and white walls, cream floor-to-ceiling cupboards and a wooden and glass-paneled door leading to the living area.”
Kavali loves to use vibrant eye-popping colours for impact. She will often try something new, then if it’s not working, arrange it in a different way. She’s not afraid of using an occasional clash of colour or texture to draw the eye and add interest, such as the neon icecream light in the lounge, which is the work of Melbourne-based designer Natalie Jarvis of Electric Confetti.
A solid foundation is key, says Kavali, because all the other facets change. “New pieces are always taking front and centre.”
Kavali elevates the everyday by adding bold pieces that give her home an edge, such as this rug from Talk of Turkey Carpets. Kartell’s Victoria Ghost chairs by Philippe Starck allow the rug to dominate. The lamp is from BoConcept, the black-framed mirror is custom-made and the gilded gold-frame mirror is from Kavali’s mother-in-law. The mirrors leaning against the wall add an informal look.
Creating a look that reflects her style both personally and professionally is important to Kavali, as the apartment’s second bedroom is her studio. The desk, her own design, features custom-made trestle legs topped with glass. The lamps are from Bunnings. ‘Reality Bank in the Form of a Pig’, by Harry Allen for Areaware, adds a flash of metallic to the room.
The bedroom is deliberately warm and serene, providing a haven at the end of a busy day. The bed linen is from Città and Wallace Cotton and the artwork above the bed is by Kavali.
The bathroom features a collection of perfume bottles, mainly of Jo Malone London. “I’m attracted to the shape of the bottles, both alone and as they sit together as a collective.” The Missoni towel adds a punch of pattern and colour.
Words by: Leanne Moore/Cave. Photography by: Helen Bankers.
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