Inside the eye of an interior designer. Ōtautahi interior designer Olivia Kennedy talks texture, styling small, and statement décor.

by Metropol | July 22, 2026 8:34 am

After building two homes in modern subdivisions, interior designer Olivia Kennedy was ready for something different. She found her answer amongst the leafy suburb of St Albans; a charming, previously renovated three-bedroom bungalow oozing classic old-home character.

A young Olivia Kennedy was always found immersed in the idea of creating beautiful spaces. Before she made a career out of interior design in adulthood, Olivia was “forever rearranging my bedroom, convincing my parents to let me paint the walls all sorts of colours, and helping mum choose cushions, homewares and décor.” The signs were always there, and following a few years in New Zealand’s social work sector and a stint in a London-based architectural practice, Olivia returned and became an interior designer. In the time between clients and building her business Mae Studio, Olivia’s own homes became blank canvases.

Olivia Kennedy was always drawn to beautiful spaces.

“Buying a bungalow in St Albans felt like the perfect next chapter,” Olivia says. “This is our third home, and while we don’t necessarily see it as our forever home, we would love to embark on a full renovation project. Living here has confirmed that warmth, character and timeless design are what we’re naturally drawn to, and that’s reflected in the way I design for my clients too.”

Olivia is a master in giving minimalism a personality in her interior design work. It’s all about being intentional. “I don’t think minimalism has to mean colourless. A home can still feel calm and uncluttered while having plenty of personality,” she says. “Rather than filling a room with lots of ‘things’, I’d rather invest in one or two beautiful statement pieces whether that’s a richly coloured sofa, a patterned armchair or a striking coffee table.

In contrast: from light and airy to dark and moody, Olivia’s home offers a gorgeous depth.

“Colour is then layered in through cushions, throws, rugs and artwork. Those softer elements are easy to refresh over time and allow the space to evolve without needing to completely redesign the room,” Olivia says. “My biggest piece of advice is to focus on quality over quantity. A minimalist home isn’t about having less for the sake of it, it’s about surrounding yourself with pieces you genuinely love.”

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How do you approach styling small spaces?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that small spaces need to be minimal. I’m a big believer in layering texture and not being afraid to introduce a few larger pieces of furniture. When chosen well, they can make a room feel more balanced and considered, rather than cramped.

I also embrace colour. People often assume every small room needs white walls, but richer tones add depth, warmth and character. Combined with natural textures, thoughtful lighting and well-proportioned furniture, even the smallest spaces can feel inviting, functional and full of personality.

Pooch Kobe, naturally mirrors the beauty of his surroundings.

Let’s talk about texture! Soft furnishings, flooring… describe your texture hacks?
Texture is one of my favourite ways to bring warmth and personality into a home. Rather than making everything feel too ‘matchy-matchy’, I love layering cushions, throws, rugs and natural materials, while introducing subtle pops of colour through soft furnishings.

I’m naturally drawn to warm-toned timber flooring because it instantly adds warmth. If a room has hard floors, a well-proportioned rug is essential. It softens the space, adds another layer of texture and helps define different areas within a home.

I’m also a big fan of colour drenching, particularly in spaces like a formal lounge or snug. Painting the walls, trims and sometimes even the ceiling in the same colour creates incredible depth and atmosphere.

How do you source statement décor to reflect your signature style?
I always start by looking at the room as a whole. Statement pieces should complement everything else in the space and help pull the design together, rather than compete for attention.
It’s important to keep an open mind about where you source those pieces. I found my favourite coffee table at David Shaw, but I’ve also discovered incredible pieces on Trade Me and at sample sales. You never know where you’ll find something really special, so I love exploring a mix of trade suppliers, vintage pieces and secondhand stores alongside retail.

One of my favourite statement pieces in our home is our green sofa. It’s incredibly comfortable and practical for family life, but it also has a beautiful structured shape that always keeps the room looking tidy, even with young children. One day I’d love to have it reupholstered in a patterned fabric rather than replacing it altogether.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/inside-the-eye-of-an-interior-designer-otautahi-interior-designer-olivia-kennedy-talks-texture-styling-small-and-statement-decor/