Auckland-based Interior Designer Matt South offers his clients a complete design service; from an initial causal discussion to presenting 3D renders, procurement, and styling their space. Prioritising open lines of communication with clients ensures they feel confident in the design direction, whether it be a commercial or residential project.
We spoke to Matt about his design ethos and the colour palettes and textures he's just can't ignore.
It really depends on the project. Sometimes the excitement comes from a fun and energetic client who is engaged in the process and really excited, at other times it’s the anticipation of seeing new ideas come to life, particularly when working with products or finishes I haven’t used before.
I always start by meeting with prospective clients and getting to know them. Finding out how they live and use their space, and what they think they’re looking for. Building a relationship of trust and comfort right at the beginning is important and cannot be rushed. I am ultimately driven and inspired by discussions with my clients and their brief, so this always sets my direction and from there I unlock the layers of my design, each decision informed by the last.
Generally, I would say all of my clients have great taste and could select beautiful new things for their homes on their own… the challenge they face is how to bring it all together to achieve cohesive finished spaces which evoke the ‘vibe’ they are after. That’s where I come in, pulling together a design that is well formed and fully intentional.
I have a ‘lens’ that I view the design world with which will always guide my concepts. However, my goal is always to draw out my client’s individual style and give them their dream space, rather than my own. I fall in love with all my finished spaces and could genuinely live in any of them, so you could say that my own style is present! But as I said, my clients tend to have great taste, so it’s not often I’m putting something together which I don’t love.
HARD QUESTION! There are too many favourites to list, but these are the ones that have pulled my heart strings lately.
From Mokum, I cannot look past Alpaca Velvet for the most perfect play of light and tactility. Raku is a clever little number which strikes that balance between texture and pattern. Azulejo is one of the most sensational draperies! Seriously gorgeous, I want it in my own home.
From James Dunlop, Linen is a beautiful and underrated option for elegant curtaining. Trailblazer is also underrated; it makes up so well for upholstery and looks about five times more expensive than it is!
I’m definitely drawn to warmer, earthy palettes and my current favourites in that spectrum are creams and browns. Who would have thought… they’re back!
I’m also really vibing with sunny yellows and crisp greens – it must be Italy calling?
I have a really nice furnishings project coming up. We are using Entwine in Granite by James Dunlop on a David Shaw Camden Sofa and Alpaca Velvet in Truffle by Mokum on a pair of Woodwrights Frame Armchairs, adorned with some super cool cushions in Reclaim Reversible in Monochrome by Kirkby.
In another room we have Glynde in Olive by Zinc on a Kovacs Tango Swivel Chair, next to a bespoke bench seat in pale tan leather. I’m very excited to see these warm, textured fabrics playing together in harmony – keep an eye on my website this side of Christmas!
Matt South
Squab and bolster in Alpine by colour Riverstone James Dunlop
Ottoman in Samurai colour Burnt Orange by Mokum
Ottoman in Raku colour Oyster by Mokum
Curtain in Taylor colour Fossil by James Dunlop
