A derelict dairy factory in Taranaki has been thoroughly restored into owner Alison and Peter’s family home. For World Interiors Day, Alison shares her eclectic approach to the interiors within this industrial building.

Peter had a vision to transform a rural dairy factory into our home in Taranaki. This was a derelict building that involved immense planning and skilled work, with no corners being cut. He carried out a comprehensive restoration and restructure inside and out, largely by his own hands and the help of a small team. Three years of labour later and Peter was feeling accomplished (and exhausted!) - we were ready to move in. However, my work on the interiors had only just begun.

With such large rooms, high ceilings, and hard floors, the challenge lay in softening these spaces to make them cosy and inviting. Using a mixture of rugs, lighting, textiles and furniture, an eclectic interior began to take shape. I learnt a lot about my style throughout this process; discovering a blend of vintage, modern and industrial. It spurred me to ask the question repeatedly - what makes ‘home’ feel like home for our family?

I love colour – and life’s too short to play it safe! Surrounding myself with colour uplifts, brings joy, and creates a visually rich environment. Wherever possible, I collect handcrafted pieces in a variety of fabrics, raw materials and textures. Styled altogether, their juxtaposition endows each room with a distinct personality.

Often, we feel we need to have our interiors all figured out when we first move into a new place. Truthfully, it took years to curate the inside of our dairy factory – and it’s still a work-in-progress! 

Home is a direct reflection of our life journey and our evolving preferences. Whenever we travel, we often bring back thoughtful pieces that resonate with us and add to the layers.

The end result is a layered, industrial interior where concrete, volume and history are balanced by warmth, texture and collected design. It’s this creativity and expression that draws me towards experimentation in interiors. I wouldn’t have it any other way.