Style inspiration from Kerry's lifestyle of colour and joy

Interior designer Kerry has always lived her life as if something amazing is just about to happen, and it usually does.  

A resident at Bert Sutcliffe Retirement Village in Birkenhead, she is a lifelong curator of beautiful spaces which reflect a life rich in décor, experiences, and sunshine. With a wealth of decorating experience under her belt, Kerry opened her vibrant apartment to us and shared some of the tips she has gathered over a 30-year lecturing and interior design career.

Decorate with love

To achieve her eclectic style, Kerry looks for one-off pieces in second-hand shops and upcycling boutiques without a preconceived idea of what she might buy.  

“Go out and look with an open mind and see what leaps out at you,” she advises.  “Buy only what you love, and then make space for it. You’ll feel uplifted each time you walk in your door.”

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Play with colour and texture

Kerry lives her life in full colour. So, it is no surprise that she has taken the blank canvas of her apartment and made it into a reflection of her world. “My whole apartment is like living in an art gallery!”  

She loves colour for her living spaces, but if you prefer neutrals, a good option is to create interest with texture and pattern. Try strongly woven cushions in different shapes or sizes and introduce tactile materials with curtains, rugs, and throws.  

Even for a neutral space, Kerry suggests adding subtle touches of colour with cushions, artwork, books, accessories, and rugs.

Bring the outside in

With her home perfectly situated on the top floor of her apartment block, Kerry enjoys a beautiful view over the treetops of Kauri Point. Living in a Ryman village, Kerry has the freedom to make her apartment into a truly unique home.

She suggests taking note of the colours outside your window and finding a way to incorporate them into your decor. Plants in vibrant pots on decks, terraces, or balconies can inspire your interior colour scheme.  

Inside, gorgeous visual symphonies can be created with fresh or realistic silk flowers, with spider orchids particularly popular.

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Beautiful bedroom styling

When it comes to bedrooms, creating a space that makes you feel happy will help with restful sleep. Kerry’s bedroom has an Italian theme, evoking fond memories of her European travels. The bed is usually the focal point of a bedroom and where the eye will naturally be drawn to. Kerry recommends having one row of pillows to sleep on, one row of decorative pillows in front, then one or two statement cushions in contrasting shapes and textures.  

If your bedroom is large, draping a quilt over the bottom third of the bed will make the 
room feel cosier. For smaller bedrooms, drape a beautiful pashmina or wool rug over one corner instead.

Large velvet headboards are very popular. However, some out-of-the-box options to consider for the wall behind the bed are a timber screen, a large artwork, a beautiful rug or kimono on a frame, feature wallpaper, or a painted wall in a contrasting colour. Kerry has shutters above her bed which fit perfectly with the Italian theme.

“My bedroom is a wonderful room to wake up in,” she says.

Embrace your individuality 

Living in a Ryman village, Kerry has the freedom to make her apartment into a truly unique home. She doesn’t try to follow fashion, and her own personality and individual sense of style shine through in all aspects of her life. 

When she isn’t decorating her world with colour, she is busy pursuing her many passions outside and inside the village. A social butterfly, she enjoys befriending other village residents and learning about their lives. 

“I feel very blessed to be able to live here,” she says. 

Between lifelong friends, her five grandchildren, and the friendly village community, Kerry’s life is full of energy and joy. Her grandchildren particularly love visiting ‘Nanny Kerry’ at the village to use the swimming pool and go to the on-site café with her. 

“Life is so exuberant and out there, and colourful!” laughs Kerry.