Meet Kristina Cope: An Interview About Interior Design and Architecture

Simon: Welcome to the interview, Kristina! Today, we're diving deep into the world of interior design with you, a seasoned architect, interior designer, and kitchen designer with over 30 years of experience. I'm thrilled to hear your thoughts and insights on this fascinating field.

Kristina: Thank you, Simon! I'm excited to share my passion for interior design and its transformative power.

As someone who has dedicated their life to crafting beautiful and functional spaces, what initially drew you to the world of interior design?

Kristina: It's a combination of factors, really. I've always been fascinated by aesthetics, the interplay of colours, textures, and forms. But the biggest influence was my parents. My father, John Austin, a renowned Architect in New Zealand co-created JASMAX. He encouraged me to become a qualified Architect first. 

Then my mother, Kay Austin, creator of the fashion label ‘Kay Austin Design’ and the ‘Cotton Wool Company’ had an incredible eye for interiors and she encouraged me to become a qualified Interior Designer. 

But beyond the superficial beauty, I'm deeply interested in how interior design impacts our lives. It's about creating environments that foster well-being, inspire creativity, and encourage connection.

Throughout your career, you've undoubtedly witnessed many trends and styles come and go. What are some timeless principles of design that you believe never go out of style?

Kristina: Absolutely. While trends may shift, certain principles remain constant. These include balance, proportion, scale, and harmony.

When these principles are thoughtfully applied, they create spaces that are visually pleasing and comfortable, regardless of the chosen style.

That makes sense. And what about the role of personal expression? How can individuals inject their own unique personalities into their homes?

Kristina: This is where the magic happens! Interior design isn't just about adhering to rules; it's about creating a space that reflects your individual tastes and values.

This can be achieved through colour choices, artwork, personal collections, and objects that hold special meaning. It's about creating a home that feels truly your own.

I couldn't agree more. Over the years, you've designed countless spaces and collaborated with a wide range of clients. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work?

Kristina: Witnessing the transformation of a space and seeing the joy on a client's face is truly gratifying. Knowing that I've played a role in creating a haven for them to relax, connect, and thrive is incredibly rewarding.

That's truly inspiring. As we delve deeper into this conversation, I'm eager to learn more about your unique design philosophy, your approach to collaboration, and your vision for the future of interior design: 

When you were actively designing interiors, did you prefer to work on a project from the outset and to collaborate with architects?

Kristina: Absolutely! I always preferred working with architects right from the start of a project. In my experience, the best interiors are the ones where the architecture and interior design blend together seamlessly from day one.

Too often, clients only call in an interior designer when they realize the architect's vision isn't what they had in mind. This last-minute scramble can lead to compromises, clashing styles, and ultimately, a space that feels disjointed and just plain not that great.

But when architects and interior designers work together from the get-go, they can create a unified vision that takes into account both the form and function of the building. This includes things like:

• Making the most of the space: Architects and designers can team up to create a layout that uses every millimetre efficiently, lets people move around easily, and reflects the client's lifestyle.

• Highlighting architectural features: Interior design can be used to emphasise cool architectural elements, creating a harmonious relationship between the building's exterior and its interior.

• Getting the lighting and sound just right: Collaborating early on means lighting and acoustics can be considered from the beginning, making sure the space looks amazing and is also comfortable and functional.

• Finding the perfect balance: As a general rule, architects are all about the building's outward appearance and how it fits into the suburb it is in, interior designers know how to create spaces that meet the occupants' psychological and physical needs. This balance ensures spaces are both beautiful and practical. Of course, there are architects like myself who also understand interiors as well, and vice versa!

• Creating a consistent look: Early collaboration means the interior design complements the architectural style, resulting in a unified aesthetic throughout the project.

This collaborative approach to design ensures the final product is greater than the sum of its parts. It creates spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also promote well-being, cater to the client's unique needs, and reflect their personality. In short, from my experience, actively designing interiors alongside an architect has always been a recipe for success.

What makes a good home interior?

Kristina: So, a good home interior is like a beautiful symphony, where all the different parts work together to create something amazing. It's not just about making it look pretty, but also about making it functional, comfy, and totally you! It's the place where you feel most like yourself, safe, and ready to take on the world.

Here are some of the key things that make a good home interior:

• It works for you: A good home should be designed around YOUR needs and how you live your life. This means making sure there's enough space for everything you do, whether it's working from home, cuddling up with a good book, or hosting epic game nights!

• It's all about the vibes: Creating a cohesive aesthetic is like putting together a killer outfit. You want everything to flow together and make sense, whether it's through colours, patterns, or a consistent style that runs throughout your space. But don't forget balance! You don't want any one thing to overpower the rest.

• Quality over quantity: Investing in well-made furniture, durable fabrics, and natural materials is like giving your home a spa day. It makes it look and feel amazing, and it'll last you for years to come.

• Light it up: Lighting is like the magical fairy dust that sets the mood in your home. You want to have a variety of options, like natural light, task lighting for working, and ambient lighting for cozy nights in.

• Make it yours: Your home should be a reflection of YOU! That means adding personal touches like your favourite artwork, travel souvenirs, or anything else that makes you feel good. These little details are what make your space truly unique.

However, a truly good home interior is not just about incorporating personal objects, but also about making conscious choices that resonate with your design DNA.

This means understanding your preferences for:

Colours: Do you gravitate towards bold and vibrant colours, or do you find solace in calming neutrals?

• Styles: Are you drawn to the clean lines and minimalism of modern design, the warmth and charm of traditional styles, or something more eclectic?

• Furniture: Do you prefer sleek and contemporary furniture, or are you drawn to the character and history of vintage pieces?

• Patterns: Do you love the playful energy of geometric patterns, the elegance of florals, or the natural beauty of organic textures?

• Textures: Do you prefer the smooth comfort of plush fabrics, the natural ruggedness of wood, or the sleek coolness of metals?

By understanding your design DNA, you can make conscious choices about every element in your home, ensuring that it not only reflects your personality but also feels like a natural extension of who you are.

Don't be afraid to experiment and break the rules! Your home is a canvas for your creativity, and the key is to create a space that speaks to your unique design voice.

This process of self-discovery and exploration is what I call “knowing your unique home design personality.” It's about understanding what makes you tick aesthetically, what colours and styles make you feel most at home, and what kinds of furniture and textures resonate with your soul.

It's a journey of self-expression through design, and it's the key to unlocking the true potential of your home to become a reflection of who you are and who you aspire to be:

• Comfy and cozy: Your home should be your sanctuary, a place where you can relax and recharge. This means using soft textures, calming colours, and bringing the outdoors in to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

• Future-proof your space: A good home interior should be able to adapt to your changing needs and lifestyle. This might involve designing spaces that can be easily reconfigured or choosing furniture pieces that can serve multiple functions.

• Connect with nature: Bringing the outdoors in through natural light, fresh air, and views of greenery is like giving your home a vitamin boost! It not only looks great but also makes you feel good.

• Be kind to the planet: Choosing eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable design practices is like giving your home a big hug. It's good for your health, good for your wallet, and good for the environment!

• Spark joy: Your home should be a place that inspires you and brings you happiness. This might involve creating a dedicated space for your favourite hobby, displaying artwork that speaks to you, or simply making it a place where you can relax and be yourself.

Remember, creating a good home interior is a journey, not a destination. It's about making a space that evolves with you, reflects who you are, and makes you feel happy and alive!

Throughout this interview, you've explored the power of interior design to transform your home into a haven of personal expression and well-being. Now, I'd love to hear you introduce your online course, Your Unique Home Design Personality, designed to help homemakers unlock their distinct design aesthetic and create a space that truly reflects THEM.

Kristina: This course is for you if:

You feel overwhelmed by the endless design choices and conflicting trends.

You crave a home that reflects your unique personality and style but don't know where to start.

You're tired of settling for cookie-cutter interiors and yearn for a space that feels truly personal and authentic.

Through a series of engaging modules, you'll discover:

• Your unique design personality: Understand your innate preferences, style influences, and what truly inspires you aesthetically.

• Practical tips and resources: Gain valuable insights on choosing colours, textures, furniture, and accessories that express your unique style.

• Confidence in your design decisions: Develop the expertise and confidence to make informed choices about your home's design, free from doubts and insecurities.

• A personalised design roadmap: Create a customised plan to transform your space, one step at a time, with actionable steps and clear guidance.

Investing in Your Unique Home Design Personality is an investment in yourself and your well-being. Imagine coming home to a space that feels like an extension of your personality—a place that nurtures your creativity fuels your passions, and inspires you to live your best life.

Don't wait any longer to create the home you've always dreamed of. Enrol in Your Unique Home Design Personality today and start your journey to a more beautiful, personalised, and inspiring space.

Click here to learn what past homemaker enthusiasts like yourself had to say and unlock your unique design potential!