Designers Blog - 2024 and into 2025 - Martinborough & CA Projects
2024 was a fantastic year marked by wonderful new projects and clients, and this year has seen a reconnection with old clients back in CA.
The year was busy with travel to and from NZ to CA for reference and inspiration. I was delighted to attend the SF Decorators Showcase again last May, and the SF Antiques fare we got to see some beautiful & inspiring works. This year has already seen a trip back to CA for a visit to Palm Springs. Our big Martinborough project is close to completion and we have some really interesting projects on the books to carry going forward.
Here’s a few snaps from throughout the last year of works in progress and just things that I just dig and find joy in.
2024 - New Studio
HUE Design + Interiors - Martinborough, New Zealand.
In June, 2024 Penelope embarked on a new project, her NZ based design studio. HUE Design + Interiors Ltd will be home base for the foreseeable future (between trips back and forth to California).
2021-22 - CHHH CHHH CHANGES…
After the craziness of 2020 a few fairly significant changes have happened. My family and I have up sticks and moved back to my home country of New Zealand to embark on a big new project - the renovation and restoration of an old country homestead. This will be an ongoing labour of love for the next few years or so. I am also taking this opportunity to slow down, focus on family, learn how to garden and take some time out to rejuvenate, evaluate and refocus.
2019 - Maverick Jacks-San Carlos is open and doing fabulously on Laurel St in San Carlos, CA.
My little “Luxe Beach House” in Island Bay, Wellington, NZ is up and running renting out as an Airbnb when we aren’t able to be there.
We are working on the renovation and updating of a Eye Doctors office (retail & office) in San Mateo at the moment - having fun with the challenges of accommodating over a 1000 glasses frames for display in a fairly limited and very busy Optometrist’s practice .
Various residential projects are cranking along in Woodside, Redwood City, and Menlo Park, California.
In 2018 we were fortunate to collaborate and work with a wonderful landscape designer: the talented Sheila Bailey, to expand our offerings to clients beyond interior architecture & design, to integrate living spaces inside and out. It’s been such a pleasure and joy to learn allot more about plants with her guidance and expertise.
MENLO PARK - FAMILY HOME #2
A few before and after’s from this developing project for a wonderful family in Menlo park. Custom sofa’s, my dining table design - ‘the dOG table’ and some great chairs.
Spring - this year is already speeding by. We started the year with a well needed break and a family vacation back to New Zealand. Personal goals this year: great work with great clients, travel and a healthy work-life balance.
Currently in development:
New build in Old Palo Alto, CA
Renovation: beach house on the southern coast of New Zealand
Landscaping and getting the large compound photographed on the peninsular. i.e.: addition to 1889 house and addition of 'pool pavilion' (full kitchen & lounge) and 'water shed' (bathing block & wine room) in old Redwood city.
Living room, guest bed & office in Redwood City, CA
Kitchen design - Bay of Plenty, NZ
Ongoing work with existing clients
Travel
Celebrating Spring: blues and greens from various projects in development (note: not the only color palate we do!).
2016/17 - With lots of projects in preliminary design phases, developed design phases and installation phases this is our opportunity to give you a sneak peak at works in progress.
Currently in development:
grand addition to 1889 house and addition of 'pool pavilion' (full kitchen & lounge) and 'water shed' (bathing block & wine room) in old Redwood city.
fully furnishing new family homes in Menlo Park, CA (x 2)
remodel: kitchen, master bath, guest bath and play room in Old Palo Alto, CA
remodel: beach house remodel, kitchens, baths & furniture in Laguna Beach, Southern California
breakfast nook upgrade, architecture & design in Redwood City, CA
Ronald McDonald House - Palo Alto, CA
family lounge & hangout, furnishing - Palo Alto, CA
Maverick Jacks & Jacks Prime - in Burlingame & Hillsdale, CA (a burger joint = design fun).
Home improvements: designer's own... although I never seem to have time to work on it
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE - PALO ALTO. Snap shots of boards submitted for designs for guest rooms at the new Ronald McDonald House in Palo Alto.
MENLO PARK - FAMILY HOME #1
Joyful furnishing for a fun, dynamic family with an international outlook, active lifestyle and love of color. Traditional without stuffiness.
