Walton Villas: Behind the Design with Hayley O'Connor of Collab Interiors

Tell us a little about Collab Interiors and what lead you to interiors?
Collab Interiors is a design studio that focuses on innovative and artistic interior design solutions. The motivation behind my choice of interior design as a career was first and foremost the creativity and platform to express artistic and creative skill. I have always had a passion for design and strong interest in aesthetics’, architecture and design elements.

A client-centric approach is crucial in interior design, understanding the unique needs and preferences of each client can make all the difference in the outcome of a project. Working with clients on their home, which is often their biggest investment, brings a unique reward. There's a sense of fulfilment in helping clients realize their dreams, seeing the joy on their faces when they step into a beautifully designed space. The emotional connection and trust built with clients during this process often leads to long-standing relationships.

What was your vision for the villas, and where do you draw your inspiration from? 
Thoughtfully designed roof pitches, skylights, and clerestory windows exemplify the architect's vision by framing the views and maximising the outlook. In alignment with this vision, it was essential for the interior design to echo the same principles, effectively bringing the outdoors in through the use of neutral colours and fixtures that emphasise the natural surroundings.

Which features are most important to you when designing spaces?
Using natural materials in design is crucial for creating spaces that resonate with warmth and authenticity. A mixture of stone, timber, natural fibres, and metals introduces a tactile experience that engages the senses upon entering a space and contributes to a layered aesthetic that adds depth and visual interest. Additionally, these materials often carry inherent qualities, such as durability and sustainability, which enhance the overall longevity of the design.
What’s your favourite feature/space in this project?
The spatial integration and seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor areas.

What was important to you when choosing the flooring for this project?
When choosing the flooring for this project, it was important to select materials that would create a harmonious and cohesive environment. The Quick-Step Amato Engineered Timber floor needed to be subtle and elegantly blend with the light walls, ensuring it wouldn’t overwhelm the space. Additionally, we chose wool loop pile carpet as the first introduction into the home, which adds a layer of quality and comfort. This choice not only enhanced the overall aesthetic but also establishes a luxurious foundation that is carried throughout the home.
Do you have a forecast for flooring trends?
The popularity of natural materials continues to rise, with an emphasis on wood, stone and other organic textures. Wider floorboards are trending, as they create a more spacious feel and highlight the natural grain of the wood and large-format tiles are becoming popular for creating statement areas in homes. New Zealanders are showing a preference for wool carpets over nylon fibres is driven by a desire for healthier living environments and sustainability while supporting the local wool industry.

What area would you recommend you save or splurge on when building or renovating?
Kitchen and Bathrooms areas significantly impact a home’s value and daily functionality; investing in quality cabinets, countertops, and fixtures can lead to better long-term satisfaction. Decorative Items like cushions, bed linens and decor can be changed out seasonally or as trends evolve, so it makes sense to keep costs lower in these areas By strategically saving on certain elements while splurging on critical areas, clients can create a balanced and high-impact interior that aligns with their vision and budget.
What are your top tips for creating a cohesive interior space?
Define a clear design style for your space, whether it’s contemporary, traditional, industrial, Choose a cohesive colour palette that flows throughout the space and creates a unified look. This helps tie different areas together. Incorporate a variety of textures and materials that complement each other. Mixing materials such as wood, metal, fabric, and stone adds visual interest while maintaining cohesion. Define a clear design style for your space, whether it’s contemporary, traditional, industrial or Scandinavian. Be mindful of the scale and proportions of your furnishings to ensure they work well together and align with the overall style.

Do you have any other exciting projects on the go?
We have an exciting lineup of new projects at various stages, entering various prestigious awards this year, positioning us as a standout contender in the industry. Be on the lookout as we continue to push boundaries and aim for excellence in every project we undertake.