If all the world’s a stage, this dusty pink kitchen might just be a main character. Positioned smack-bang in the middle of a large open-plan layout, it’s exactly what Hercules Noble was dreaming of.
Advertisement
The private chef and content creator has called this villa home for two years. Located in the heart of Parnell, the main house was built in the 1880s with an extension added later on. It oozes the charm that the historic central Auckland suburb is renowned for.
Home Profile
Meet & Greet: Hercules Noble (private chef and content creator) The Property: A Parnell villa built in 1880, with an extension added later.
It’s hardly surprising that a spacious kitchen was a huge drawcard for someone whose career is dedicated to food.
“I love working in a kitchen where you feel like you’re still a part of the space. You’re not tucked away, and when I have friends around, I can be cooking and entertaining at the same time,” says Hercules.
While the perfect kitchen, with its ample counter space and large oven, was a major selling point, he could also see a world of potential. When he purchased it, the walls were white, the standard for a classic New Zealand villa.
KITCHEN The pink tiled splashback was installed by Hercules, who was determined to add colour throughout his home.
“My mum’s an interior designer, my dad’s an architect and they used to import Italian furniture. I was brought up around quirky furniture and colour,” he says.
This invaluable parental inspiration, who live next door, served as the main driver for the projects that were undertaken in an effort to add a personal touch. The kitchen, with the pink tiled splashback Hercules installed himself, is a familiar sight to those who follow his social media content (@hercules_noble_food). Shelves were built, art was added and paint colours were applied with varying degrees of success.
Advertisement
“There have been a few colours. The snug area was first painted terracotta and it was a bit too much.”
The current hue is a peachy pink, a few shades darker than the kitchen. The dining area is painted in a soft lemon and pairs perfectly with the brilliant green Italian chandelier hanging above the dining table.
Hercules’ Farrah’s breakfast quesadilla
Serves 1
Put a medium-sized pan on medium heat and put one Farrah’s tortilla on so it begins to slowly toast.
Add a cheese that melts well. Like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar. You can slice or grate this up. The cheese will slowly begin to melt. Heat another small pan, ideally the size of your tortilla, for uniformity, then fry a few eggs.
Add a protein of choice to your tortilla pan. I used leftover chicken breast.
Top with some sauerkraut or kimchi, and cottage cheese.
Add fried eggs to the tortilla and top off with another tortilla.
Using a plate on top of your pan, flip your quesadilla, and toast off the opposite side for a couple of minutes.
Art plays a huge part in the decor of Hercules’ home. The two large portraits in the dining room are of his parents and the smaller portrait in the snug is of his godsister. They were all painted by artist Nick Herd, a friend and former colleague.
COLOUR ME STOKED The glass chandelier came from his parents’ former design store, which imported Italian furniture. The dining space, which is the modern extension, basks in natural light, from the multiple skylights to the floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors.
“He had some art in the store we worked in, and my mum saw what he was doing and loved it,” he says.
There are two smaller paintings on the opposite wall and another one in the upstairs bedroom. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a dreamy outdoor space awaits. Its current iteration consists of an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, a table, an outdoor ceiling, a chicken coop (he has multiple chickens) and – of course – a disco ball.
OPEN MIND A painting of Hercules’s god-sister hangs in the snug. The room is filled with treasures, including a chessboard bought in Sydney.
Advertisement
The room is filled with treasures, including a chessboard bought in Sydney.
“I’ve built it entirely in the last two years. There’s a nice flow with the kitchen and the outdoor table. You feel like you’re a part of it, while also being somewhat of a spectacle.”
His early career working in the restaurant industry helped to dictate these design choices.
STEPPING OUT The French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows lead straight to the outdoor area, always keeping the party in full view.
“I love sitting at the bar and watching the food being made, so it’s the same thing here. I always try and think, ‘how can I make it like that?’”
“You’re part of it while also being somewhat of a spectacle.”
OUTDOOR An open kitchen has always been a part of Hercules’ design ethos. “You’re expressing yourself creatively, but you also do it because, like any creator, an artist paints something and wants to be told that their work is appreciated.” The newest addition to the garden is a table and wraparound bench, which Hercules built this past summer.
Hercules is also in the process of growing an edible garden – fitting for a chef whose dishes are often inspired by rustic Mediterranean simplicity. There are currently tomatoes, herbs and courgettes, to name a few.
He’s growing grapes, which have wrapped around the frame above the table. On the floral side, bougainvillea hovers above the doors.
Advertisement
The frame is from Bunnings and perfectly suits the grapes growing rapidly around them.
Hercules credits his parents for his approach to the house and his desire to follow his own creative path.
“I feel very lucky to have parents who support and push me creatively – and will also rein me back a bit when needed.”
The home is the epitome of an artist’s studio – rich with meaning, open to spontaneous entertaining and always willing to grow.
See more images of Hercules’ house below
SCATTERING THEORY Hercules calls his style ‘organised chaos’. The home is full of sentimental objects, whether they’re from his parents’ old store or commissioned artworks. He also holds on to pieces for years, knowing that one day they’ll have their perfect purpose. “My parents have always taught me to mix and match. There’s a cushion from Ikea that I bought 10 years ago that’s sitting on a beautiful sofa.”IN THE FRAME, Hercules with one of his chickens Joris Bohnson.
We collect and use data about how you use our sites to improve your experience, analyse site performance and provide you with relevant ads. To help you better understand how we do this, we've introduced a new Cookie, Tracking and Targeting Policy, effective 2 April 2026. Follow the above link to find out more or to opt-out of targeted ads
We collect and use data about how you use our sites to improve... Learn More
We collect and use data about how you use our sites to improve your experience, analyse site performance and provide you with relevant ads. To help you better understand how we do this, we've introduced a new Cookie, Tracking and Targeting Policy, effective 2 April 2026. Follow the above link to find out more or to opt-out of targeted ads
Photography: Emily Chalk
