Artistic influence

Memorable lodgings are a rare find, and when travellers have the good fortune to stay in such places, they add to the overall pleasure of the journey.

When Greg Collinge decided to convert his two-bedroom investment property into a short-stay apartment, he wanted to add local flavour by filling it with Kiwiana. To this end, he worked with interior designer Jayne Tolley to create a look built around the talents of New Zealand artists.

"The main idea was to showcase New Zealand design and art so visitors can really experience it, rather than just seeing it on display in a shop," Tolley says.

Collinge intends the apartment, named Esther's Place, to be a fashionable and fun place to stay. He has learned from similar lodgings he owns that guests appreciate the extra comfort of fine decor.

"When accommodation is decorated nicely, people treat it more carefully and are respectful," Collinge says.

Collinge sees plenty of scope for Esther's Place to evolve over time. As his art collection grows, the number of works in the apartment will continue to increase.

"There's still wall space to be filled, especially above the TV in the lounge. I envision it will be like a gallery," he says.

The basic palette for Esther's Place is white, black and grey, to put the focus on the artworks and fabrics. Colours for the bedrooms are muted in contrast to the brighter shades in the public areas.

Because the apartment is essentially a commercial space, all of the furnishings need to be durable to withstand the high traffic. Wood, metal, commercial-grade fabrics and even lightweight concrete fit the bill.

On the balcony is a sturdy outdoor table of concrete and metal, which has been treated to handle the harsh salt air. Any spills are eventually absorbed into the porous surface of the tabletop.

Commercial-grade fabric is found in the woollen cover of the acid green sofa in the lounge. The fabric was chosen not only for its durability, but also because it resists fading in the harsh sun. A variety of lighter weight fabrics feature in the Esther Diamond scatter cushions around the apartment and for the linens in the main bedroom.

Solid oak furniture in a natural finish was chosen because it will hide any nicks or dings and will age well. The matching dining table, buffet and coffee table have a slightly retro, 1950s feel.

The oak furniture in the bedrooms complements the minimalist metal-frame beds. A trundle has been added to the daybed in the second bedroom to provide extra sleeping space.

Story by: Lori Nims

Photography by: Brian Culy