New Zealand interior design company Outline Design talk to us about their design process and The Residences at Ellersliee

Design Insight: Creating connected living in Auckland

  • By Lisa East

Samsung: By Outline Interior Design

Design Insight: Creating connected living in Auckland

The Residences is Safari Group’s boutique residential and visitor accommodation development in Ellerslie, Auckland. Due for completion in 2022, it has been designed to offer sophisticated urban living with fast and easy connections to downtown Auckland.

Respected New Zealand firm, Outline Design, was tasked with developing the interior designs at The Residences. In this article, Victoria Wilkes, principal designer and owner of Outline Design, gives an insight into how the interior concepts have been developed – and what makes them special.

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Tasti: By Outline Interior Design

"Tell us about your experience in designing for multi-use developments, and what makes these kinds of projects unique."

Victoria Wilkes (VW): I’ve worked with Safari Group on a number of developments around New Zealand – from the Tryp Hotel at Remarkables Park, Queenstown to the 5-star Ramada Hotel and Suites in central Wellington.

Many of the projects our teams have collaborated on have been multi-use – usually a mix of residential, hotel units and visitor accommodation apartments.

Integrating these different types of units within one development requires careful thought. For example, the look and feel of the residential apartments might differ significantly from that of the guest suites, but the common areas (such as lobbies and cafes) need to fit with both.

Victoria Wilkes, Owner/Director at Outline Interior Design

"Tell us about the overall concept for The Residences – how would you describe it?"

VW: In a word? Timeless.

Our brief from Safari Group was for a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic – but they were also eager to ensure that the design would stand the test of time (as were we!).

That emphasis meant we spent a lot of time considering both the colour palettes and the materials used in the various spaces.

"With increasing numbers of Aucklanders choosing apartment-style living, what do you think is important in designing for this kind of urban living?"

VW: While apartment living often emphasises location and convenience, I think it’s still important to create spaces that are comfortable and inviting. 

We want people to walk in the door and immediately feel at home. To achieve that at The Residences, we’ve used natural textures and finishes to create spaces that are warm and appealing. Examples of this are the warm tones in the timber joinery and the layered use of textures that complement the neutral palette.

Maintaining an enduring aesthetic was also top-of-mind, and we’ve intentionally chosen quality materials that won’t date quickly.

"While apartment living often emphasises location and convenience, I think it’s still important to create spaces that are comfortable and inviting."

Ramada Wellington: By Outline Interior Design

"How do the design requirements differ within the visitor accommodation spaces? "

VW: One of the key differences in the visitor accommodation suites was the need to showcase the ‘LQ by Wyndham’ brand.

LQ Hotels have a youthful, energetic identity that reflects their stated aim – to be a bright spot in every traveller’s journey. This ethos was central to our brief and means that, within the interiors of the suites, you’ll find fun brand elements such as carpets and lighting that reference the LQ brand’s ‘starburst’ icon.

From a practical perspective, we’ve also ensured that all the materials used are highly durable and able to withstand day-to-day wear and tear. And, as with the residential apartments, we’ve maintained our focus on creating a refined design concept.

Want to learn more about The Residences, Ellerslie? You’ll find floor plans, concept images and features at theresidencesbysafari.co.nz

Want to learn more about The Residences, Ellerslie? You’ll find floor plans, concept images and features at theresidencesbysafari.co.nz

About Safari Group

Safari Group has grown to become one of New Zealand’s leading family-owned and investor-focused, property development companies.
 
Hardworking and forward-thinking, Safari identifies and pursues development opportunities that meet or exceed a strict set of criteria, to deliver long-term value and uncompromising quality to their customers. Learn more at safarigroup.co.nz

About Outline Design

Outline Design is a full-service interior design company. Formed in 2002, we pride ourselves on creating spaces which are not only beautiful and inspiring but intelligent too. Our core philosophy is based on the principle that every one of our clients is unique. Therefore, Outline delivers innovative environments that are individually tailored to the character and needs of each of our clients. Learn more at outlinedesign.co.nz