Adversity to elegance: Maree Hynes
by Metropol | November 12, 2025 8:30 am
Now a thriving design destination, Maree Hynes Interiors has come a long way from its beginnings in a mobile curtains van. The woman behind it all looks back on a 30-year South Canterbury legacy.
From humble beginnings to building one of the South Island’s most admired interior design brands, Maree Hynes’ story is one of grit, grace, determination and perseverance.
Growing up in South Canterbury, Maree’s life changed dramatically at just 14 when her father passed away suddenly. “Dad’s motto was just get on with it, so that’s what I did,” she says matter-of-factly. “You left school and got a job and got on with it.”
With no qualifications but a fierce work ethic and natural creative flair, Maree began ticket writing and dressing windows at a local department store. She was soon promoted to be surrounded by fabrics, furniture, and colour, her love for interiors began to bloom.
Inspired early on by her impeccably dressed mother, Maree says her eye for detail and beauty came naturally. “Mum was always well-dressed and well-groomed. I think that, along with my love of art and colour, really shaped me. I’ve always loved beautiful things.”
It wasn’t long before word spread of Maree’s design talent. Encouraged by her husband, Michael, she launched Maree Hynes Interiors – from a mobile van, working from home.
As her passion grew, so did her family. Maree juggled interior design work while raising young children. “I’d take my babies on client visits – three-year-old Ruby in one hand, baby Michael in a car seat,” she laughs. “Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I did it, but the clients loved it. Many are still friends to this day and remind me of these great memories.”
The business started to take over their lives. “There were curtain samples on the kitchen table, and in every room of the house,” she recalls. “Constant phone calls, late nights quoting… Mick finally said, ‘This can’t go on. We need a showroom and you need staff.’ Taking a leap of faith, the couple purchased a property across from the Polytechnic on Theodosia Street in Timaru, renovated it and created an interiors showroom where Maree Hynes Interiors successfully traded for 18 years.
After the earthquakes damaged their homestead and with their farm more than 30 kilometres from town, the couple decided to move closer to Timaru. Finding a property that suited both of their lifestyles wasn’t easy, until Maree discovered Harlau House saw it as an amazing project. With an old stables building that had been run as a café, it offered the perfect balance: Maree could have her art studio, and Mike could commute and still work the land.
Closing the café, however, sparked public outcry.
“We didn’t set out to run a café,” Maree laughs, “but the community begged us not to close it. So we gave it a go.” Reopened as Harlau House Café, it quickly became a bustling local favourite restaurant and function complex hosting weddings, parties and conferences along with daily dining. An extension to the café was completed and extensive renovations to the homestead were undertaken.
The recent development of the new design showroom at Harlau marks the next evolution of the Hynes legacy – a true destination for South Canterbury. The space brings together interiors, art, homewares, dining, and inspiration all in one complex. “We wanted to create more than a showroom,” says Maree. “It’s about creating a lifestyle experience here in beautiful Timaru.”
With both the café and design studio open seven days a week, slowing down has become a distant dream. On top of it all, Maree also hosts popular homestead/history garden tours, sharing her creativity and hospitality with visitors from across the region.
Today, Maree leads a team of 30 talented staff, designing timeless spaces, delicious food and experiences for clients across New Zealand.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/adversity-to-elegance/