Photography: Prue Ruscoe Styling: Olga Lewis Interior Designer: Arent&Pyke
Meet and greet: Kim McKay (business strategist) and her husband, Karl Wissler (entertainment executive).
The property: Country retreat decorated with comfortable, luxurious home decor.
What appealed to you about your home?
I was captivated by the property’s inherent potential. The location was just what we were seeking, but the interior was an unflattering interpretation of a 1980s aesthetic.
The layout was a rare find that spoke to incredible possibilities and wouldn’t need much structural change. It gave us the perfect mix of large open entertaining spaces and the ability to create a suite of rooms away from the living areas. The original architect had oriented this home perfectly for the weather, and we were also happy to find that, always important, feng shui considerations could be met.
How would you describe the interior?
Our goal was to create a chic, laid-back retreat. From an emotional point, we wanted a high-end finish with a low-key, comfortable feel and uplifting with colour and personality.
Ultimately, we were aiming to create a rural retreat. We were looking for silence, stillness and simplicity in a way you can’t get in the city. We didn’t want to fall into the trap of having anything too kitsch or country, so we knew who to call when it came time to help create a haven away from the demands of city life.
I love the contemporary design style that Arent&Pyke [interior designer practice] brings, and our previous project together showed me that they really know us so they are able to infuse joy into our home, which is how we wanted to feel coming here. After years of travelling, this was a place for us to get away from it all.
Arent&Pyke took our brief and levelled everything up, and we designed every room to be effortlessly luxurious yet versatile. It’s perfect for private relaxation and hosting guests, the home is incredibly fun and functional.
What do you enjoy about living here?
Quiet is the new luxury and that’s what we have. The countryside is rich in natural beauty, where you can enjoy fresh air and explore stunning landscapes right outside the door.
My weird idea is that you’re not in the country if the streets have gutters. In our lovely street (with no gutters) in a village of under 300 people, it feels like we have been transported to the perfect rural retreat. People know each other, look out for each other and participate in local traditions and events. Living my entire life in cities, it was foreign to forge meaningful relationships with neighbours. I have come to enjoy the serendipity of meeting them on walks or in our local cafe or pub.
Do you have a work-from-home set-up?
My set-up speaks beautifully to the design’s versatility. I can move around the house depending on the task, the light and my vibe.
I really enjoy working in the living area, but the deep learning and client-facing work happens in the study. It includes a huge desk (an antique dining table), a cosy armchair, a record player and a Pilates reformer. Routine and habit are my least favourite things, so I cherish the ability to move things to create a new feeling in my workspace.
Due to my mini obsession with feng shui, it’s also imperative that my office space is unfixed so my desk can be easily moved each year to maximise the positive energy.
I like to focus on light, bold accents and the freedom to blend eclectic elements.
Kim McKay
Describe a typical workday.
I don’t like the idea of work or days being the same. I mix it up and maximise meeting-free days with nature walks or long lunches. I am rewiring how I work, think about work and what I do. I have been busy letting go of anything outdated and finding creativity in a mix of new subjects I have been studying.
Each day I spend time learning some French, practise skilling up on generative AI and dabble in the study of human design. I’m purely focused on future-proofing myself and my businesses. With the advances in longevity, we will likely all work longer, so I’m currently obsessed with how that will look for me and ensuring work is built on a platform for future growth and evolution.
I recommend that everyone take a career break. Gap years aren’t just for high schoolers. If we are going to work longer, we need to make that sustainable and sometimes in “rewirement” we can make our work life longer, more sustainable and fulfilling.
Related articles:
- Hey There Delilah: A 1890s villa with an old soul, new glow, and a fish tank
- An architectural designer and her builder partner added personal flair to this former state house
- This moody ski weekender was designed to emulate the aesthetics of luxury hotels
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
