Olivia Skene Design

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Olivia Skene Design Christchurch Interior Designer. Colour Consultancy - Interior/exterior colour schemes, Tile and Flooring Selection, Curtains, Kitchen & Bathroom Design.

'I create spaces that work for you - a harmonious environment that reflects your lifestyle.'

Good interior design makes your life easier and is suited to your specific needs. Everyone has different requirements for the spaces they live in. If you have a busy family life, good storage and easy clean finishes will be a priority. While others may prioritise an appealing space to entertain in. Whatever your needs I can help achieve a great outcome for making your life better organised and more beautiful. About Me

My background is in graphic design and advertising. For over a decade I worked at brand/design agency Yellow Pencil, with the majority of my time spent on south island furniture and home style retailer McKenzie & Willis. This interaction cemented my passion for home interiors and interior design. Being brand manager of this client involved designing campaigns, catalogues, all print material, directing, casting and assisting in styling photoshoots and Tv commercials. I interacted with international and local suppliers and fabric house James Dunlop became another of my clients. My love of stunning textiles flourished! As did my knowledge and appreciation of a diverse array of styles. Taking time off for family commitments has enabled me to turn a passion for interiors into a career, extending my qualifications to include a diploma of Interior Design. Interior spaces that function well and reflect the owners personality and style is my goal for every project, large or small. Building a new home or renovating can be exciting but also stressful with the many decisions you are required to make. Often the fittings and details we think of choosing last, need to be chosen first (as in plumbing fixtures). I can assist you in all your decision making, saving you time, money, and avoiding costly mistakes. Let me help you create your dream home. Working together we can create a space you can be proud of and enjoy! Services

Colour Consultancy - I am available to help you select colours and finishes for your home that will create the atmosphere you wish to achieve. Colours that will work in your environment, interior/exterior colour schemes and wallpaper selection. Your paint colours should always be the last selection you make as there are endless choices. Yet often they are picked first, limiting all your other options. Interior Design - From one room to the whole house. New builds and renovations. An update or an overhaul. No job is too small. I will work with you to create a home you love and are proud of. Tile and Flooring Selection - This is very important to get right and expensive to get wrong! I can go through the different options and finishes available to you and discuss what is best suited to your needs. Curtains & Blinds - Curtain selection can be daunting. Let me help you in selecting the right fabrics from the top fabric houses. Custom made curtains and blinds, crafted beautifully by the best curtain makers. Interior Styling - Minimal, classic or eclectic whatever your style I can source items to make you smile! Selecting and arranging pieces that suit your interior. Spacial Planning - Ever wonder why that sofa looked great in the showroom or even someone elses home but doesnt work in yours? I can assist you in selecting furniture that suits your home and overcome any issues that the space may have. Bathroom Design - There is nothing like relaxing in a beautiful bathroom. You start and finish your day in here. I will guide you through the myriad of choices to give you the room you deserve. Kitchen Design - Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in todays lifestyles. Often called the 'hub of the home' you want to get this right. I can show you innovative ideas to make your kitchen both functional and beautiful. Art sourcing, valuations & selection - We have a specialist art consultant Rachael who can have your artworks valued, source and professionally hang artworks.

After many years of searching I finally found the portrait I was after for my lounge. The perfect colourway and texture....
18/10/2026

After many years of searching I finally found the portrait I was after for my lounge. The perfect colourway and texture. Loving the old untouched frame too with all its imperfections. If you’re in Christchurch, love interesting vintage pieces then a visit to secondstoreynz is a must.

Same home, new owner, fresh perspective.Outdated curtains and blinds were replaced with sheer linen curtains, instantly ...
14/10/2026

Same home, new owner, fresh perspective.

Outdated curtains and blinds were replaced with sheer linen curtains, instantly transforming the look and feel of the rooms.

Thoughtful spatial planning created better flow and cohesion through the open plan space while we managed to retain the client’s existing furniture from her previous much larger home. New cushions were introduced to tie the colour palette together, drawing inspiration from the rich tones and character of the stunning Asian furniture and selecting pieces from her substantial art collection to match.

The dated black, grey and chartreuse colours are now replaced with soft linens and neutrals with plenty of textural contrast.

It’s incredible what a difference the right window furnishings can make — bringing warmth, softness and a renewed sense of harmony to a space. From dated to classic this home will be enjoyed for years to come.

It’s always fun creating dream bedrooms for clients. This one was a blank canvas where only the existing bedsides were b...
14/10/2026

It’s always fun creating dream bedrooms for clients. This one was a blank canvas where only the existing bedsides were being used. We started with a custom linen headboard finished with bronze studs. Inspiration was drawn from a painting of hydrangeas on the facing wall. Wallace Cotton had the perfect shades of blue in their velvet quilt and beautifully textured cushions. Not to mention the hydrangea pillowcases. Curtains are Tidal in Pearl from James Dunlop. An organic yarn woven into the sheer linen base which adds dimension and filters a wonderful soft light into the north facing room.

A kitchen facelift that has really transformed this dated area. The cabinetry was solid so new doors in Malibu Melteca w...
09/10/2026

A kitchen facelift that has really transformed this dated area. The cabinetry was solid so new doors in Malibu Melteca were made for the bulk of them. The huge bulkhead around the top of the kitchen was removed that the full height doors now hide. The terracotta floor and kickboards removed and new Haven New York oak flooring from Forté was laid here and through into the hallway. The old curved fronted island was removed and replaced with a new one featuring an Ironsand fluted back and Prime Melamine in Ironsand. This was also moved further back into the kitchen enabling bar stools to fit underneath. All cabinetry has been finished with knurled aged brass handles. The old tiled splashback and shelves that extended into the window reveals were removed and replaced with stunning Golden Calcutta benchtops by Marbello Benchtops Plus. To finish the dated corner shelves and bookcases that flanked the living space have been replaced in light oak.

When my friend chose this stone for his bench I knew exactly what to pair with it. Resene’s Blue Bark and Quarter White ...
22/09/2026

When my friend chose this stone for his bench I knew exactly what to pair with it. Resene’s Blue Bark and Quarter White Pointer. Blue Bark is a very dark navy with teal undertones and pairs beautifully with the aged brass hardware and rich rimu floor.

Ever felt like a room just doesn't work, but you can't put your finger on why? Nine times out of ten, it comes down to s...
21/09/2026

Ever felt like a room just doesn't work, but you can't put your finger on why? Nine times out of ten, it comes down to spatial planning.

A skilled interior designer looks beyond colours and finishes. We think about how you move through a space, where the light falls, how you use each area throughout the day, and how everything connects. The result is a space that feels easier to live in, often without adding a single square metre.

Better flow. Smarter storage. Rooms that make sense. That's the difference thoughtful planning makes.

If your space isn't working the way you'd like it to, let's talk.

A stunning office install featuring Warwick’s Oakura in Pumice in a structured wave top curtain. Offering privacy and su...
14/09/2026

A stunning office install featuring Warwick’s Oakura in Pumice in a structured wave top curtain. Offering privacy and sun filtering curtains are often overlooked in commercial settings.

A custom bench seat covered in Catherine Martin’s Bengal Tiger for Mokum. Complements the dark navy walls and adds some ...
13/09/2026

A custom bench seat covered in Catherine Martin’s Bengal Tiger for Mokum. Complements the dark navy walls and adds some fun. Well suited to my client!

It’s such a privilege when a client has a substantial and beautiful art collection, and you get to curate a room around ...
13/09/2026

It’s such a privilege when a client has a substantial and beautiful art collection, and you get to curate a room around those special pieces—using them as the inspiration and foundation for the scheme.

Downsizing her home meant carefully choosing which furniture to keep, while also working out what additional pieces were needed to make the space work. Adding this handy bench at the front door has definitely been a win!

Final selection of fabrics for my clients cushions. Inspiration from her unique Chinese table inlaid with stone and shel...
10/08/2026

Final selection of fabrics for my clients cushions. Inspiration from her unique Chinese table inlaid with stone and shell. Then on to selecting stone for the floating entertainment unit.

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