Fatima & Julian’s Contemporary Family Sanctuary
Fresh off years of living abroad and embracing the slower pace of rural life, Fatima and former All Black Julian Savea returned to New Zealand with a clear vision: to create a home that captured everything they loved about their life overseas while grounding their family back home. What began as a dream gradually evolved into a full-scale new build — one shaped by intention, lifestyle, and a shared love for beautiful, functional design.
In this interview, Fatima and Julian share an inside look at their building journey: from finding inspiration and defining their design priorities, to navigating the inevitable challenges that come with creating a home from the ground up. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to crafting spaces that feel warm, practical, and family-focused, their story offers thoughtful insights for anyone considering a build of their own.
Credits
What inspired you to take on a new build?
After living abroad in France and living on a lifestyle property in a rural area, we dreamt of creating the same lifestyle back in New Zealand for our family. After years of exploring existing homes and collecting inspiration, we realised that building from scratch was the best way to bring our vision to life.
Have you always had an interest in interiors, or did that passion grow during the building process?
I’ve always loved interiors, but the building process ignited that passion more. Being so involved in every choice, from the kitchen cabinetry, flooring, to finishes, it gave me a whole new appreciation for design.
How did you approach the design process — were you heavily involved in the selections and planning, or did you work closely with a designer or builder for guidance?
We were very hands-on throughout the design process. I had a clear vision for the overall aesthetic we wanted, so we worked closely with our architect, builder, and interior designer to make it a reality. Their expertise was great when it came to balancing style with practicality, and they helped refine our ideas into a cohesive, functional design.
What were your biggest design priorities when building?
Our main priorities were functionality, flow, and natural light. We wanted a layout that supported family life, with open spaces where we could all spend time together, as well as having a separate wing for the kids’ bedrooms away from ours. Durability was also key, and we chose materials that could handle busy family living while maintaining a high-end look.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A lot of our inspiration came from Archipro and the homes they showcase. I also found endless ideas through Instagram and Pinterest. Seeing how different homes were styled helped us refine what would work best for our own family.
When selecting carpet, what factors were most important to you?
Comfort, quality, and durability were at the top of our list. We wanted something soft underfoot for the bedrooms but strong enough to withstand daily family life and a home with pets. I have always loved the Bremworth range and had it in our previous Auckland home, so we always knew we wanted the Bremworth range.
The Savea's home features Bremworth Ripples in Onslow.
Which part of your home is your favourite, and why?
The formal living and dining area is our favourite space. It’s light-filled, open, and connected to the outdoor area — perfect for family gatherings and relaxed weekends. It truly feels like the heart of the home and captures exactly what we wanted: a space that brings everyone together.
Were there any challenges or lessons learned during the build that you’d share with others starting the same journey?
Building a home is such an exciting journey, but it definitely comes with challenges. My biggest advice is to stay patient and trust the process. There are so many decisions to make, and it’s worth taking the time to get them right. Communication with your builders and designer is also key and makes a world of difference when everyone is on the same page.
Finally, how does it feel walking through the door now — seeing your ideas and hard work come to life?
It’s incredibly rewarding. Every time we walk through the door, there’s a real sense of pride and gratitude. Seeing all our hard work come to life and the spaces we imagined now filled with our family’s energy is such a special feeling.
