Get to know our Team
We sat down and chatted to our wonderful Store Managers about their style, what they're loving instore at the moment, dreamy holiday destinations and more.
Come and get to know them! 
Tell us about you
I’m Tayla! Born and raised in Auckland, I’m a matcha lover, and an interiors enthusiast. Outside of work you’ll usually find me chasing after my little one and spending time with family and friends. I’ve recently stepped into the Area Manager role at A&C, and I feel really lucky to be working alongside such an inspiring team every day.
How would you describe your design style?
Relaxed and lived in, with a focus on warmth and natural textures. I love combining earthy tones with layered materials to create spaces that feel homely yet elevated.
The coolest place you’ve been is:
New York!
Your go-to local eatery:
Ozone for brunch (their eggs benny is the best in the biz) & Blue Breeze Inn for dinner.
Favourite interior (or other) account to follow & why:
@amberinteriors – Her use of earthy tones, natural textures, and layered materials create a cosy, homely, and liveable space. Her interiors feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish, combining modern and vintage elements.
Current A&C favourites:
Right now I’m obsessed with my new Lake Stripe duvet and pillowcases, paired with the Mae linen bolster in Maple. Such a dreamy combo, it makes my whole bedroom feel calm and put together.
2025 will be the year for:
2025 will be the year for adventures, new beginnings, and saying yes to more of the good stuff.
What’s your favourite secret spot in your town/city?
There’s a little tucked-away spot at Cheltenham Beach in Devonport that feels like a total escape without leaving the city.
Tell us about you
I’m Grace, I’m a Mount Eden local and I have been with A&C for the past year and a half. I’m inspired by nature, which flows through to my earthy design style and love for organic colours and textures. I love to help and chat all things interiors, so if you have any hard to figure out styling questions, or simply just want to browse some beautiful curated homewares, pop into Bloc for a coffee and a chat, we’d love to see you.
How would you describe your design style?
I tend to gravitate towards mid-century modern aesthetics as I love the saturated, warm, earthy colour ways associated with this period. This often translates as retro standing lamps, deep warm wood, and a few little eclectic statement pieces in my home. I’m very lucky to have art pieces from my very talented and successful artist Nana which I often use to build the colour story of a room.
The coolest place you’ve been is:
So far, I’d definitely have to say Barcelona. The Gaudi architecture is a true work of art and every building tells a story. I loved how walkable the city was and how communal the hostels that I stayed in were - there was always such a wonderful shared appreciation of being in such a beautiful city and the ways of life that it houses.
Your go-to local eatery:
I’d have to say Cazador in Mount Eden. Popping down for a pastry and a coffee is a regular in my routine. The team is so friendly and it’s a great little spot to park up for good company and a great coffee.
Favourite interior or other account to follow & why:
@erenatepaa for her use of shape and texture, @alice.lines for showcasing beautiful New Zealand homes, and @thedesignfiles for general dreamscaping
Current A&C favourites
1. Our Nova Coffee and Side Tables in the new walnut colour way - they’re a mid-century modern dream
2. Taper Table Lamp - Olive, these have been on my wishlist for a while now, so I think one of these days one’s going to have to come home with me.
3. Cedar Stripe Cotton Sheets - these are definitely my next bedding purchase
4. Bayrut cookbook - a beautiful cookbook that I think myself and my flatmates would get a lot of use out of
5. Brie Leon Organica Day Bag - the burnt coffee colour of this bag is so dreamy
2025 will be the year for…
Change!
What’s your favourite secret spot in your town/city?
Kaitarakihi beach out in Huia is pure bliss on a summer's day. It’s treasured amongst us Westies!
Tell us about you
Hi, I’m Olivia, the Store Manager here at Orakei! I grew up in the small, but growing, town of Mangawhai and made the move to Auckland after high school to pursue my studies. I’ve recently completed my degree in Residential Interior Design and have been working here throughout my studies, so I’m excited to have stepped into this role.
While adjusting to city life was a bit of a change, I’ve really come to enjoy the fast pace of Auckland and all the opportunities it brings. That said, I still keep a pretty relaxed lifestyle and love escaping to the beach whenever I can.
How would you describe your design style?
This is such a tough question because I genuinely admire so many different design styles. I’m drawn to elements of modern minimalism, mid-century modern, French country, industrial, and even eclectic design. I love them all in their own way.
The coolest place you’ve been is:
Fun fact: I only recently went on my first overseas trip, but I caught the travel bug almost instantly! I’ve already managed to check off a few incredible destinations, though I’m still dreaming of my big Europe adventure. So far, my favorite place has to be Melbourne, I’m a huge foodie, so the endless restaurants were a dream come true. The architecture was amazing, and the shopping? Don’t even get me started!
Oh, and Queenstown - wow! It’s absolutely stunning.
Your go-to local eatery:
I live on the North Shore, so Duo is definitely one of my faves. It’s just down the road, and their menu is absolutely amazing.
Favourite interior or other account to follow & why:
Spatial Studio, is one of my favourites, they do such incredible work. I also recently discovered Slow Stone Studio on Instagram and TikTok, and I’m obsessed with her bedding combinations, they’re so fun and creative!
Current A&C favourites
1. Linen Quilted Bed Cover - Oatmeal: This is the perfect all-year-round piece, keeps you cozy on those chilly winter nights but light enough for the hot summer ones.
2. Cedar Stripe Cotton Sheets: super lightweight, and Oeko-Tex certified, so no nasties or harsh chemicals.
3. Arnold Circus Stool - Cocoa: I can picture this in my bathroom. It’s the perfect blend of style and practicality, love the cocoa colour too.
4. Nova Coffee Table - Walnut: I can’t stop thinking about this coffee table. The walnut finish is gorgeous, would really elevate my space.
5. Blob Full-Length Wall Mirror: This one speaks for itself - so cool, so chic.
2025 will be the year for…
Growth & travel
What’s your favourite secret spot in your town/city?
I don’t really have a secret spot (which now I'm thinking of it, I definitely need to find one) but one of my favourite places is a quiet spot by the beach. It’s the perfect place to unwind. 
Tell us about you
I’m Jane, I’ve been hanging around at A&C for quite a few years now and have loved every minute of it! I’ve got a background in design and love having a go at anything creative. Originally from Taranaki, I have a deep love for my mountain and the coastline there, but have been in Auckland since I came up for University, where I have built my life and family. I currently have a 22 year old “flatmate” (my son) and my 19 year old daughter breezes in and out with all her gorgeous friends when she is home from university in Dunedin.
How would you describe your design style?
A little bit eclectic - I definitely sway towards colours and materials from the 50s, 60s, and 70s but like to add a few contemporary pieces into the mix. I try to buy items that I know I am going to love forever whether that be secondhand or new.
The coolest place you’ve been is:
Tokyo – such a mixture of overwhelming colour, busyness, a bit of crazy, amazing buildings and art, delicious food and pristine cleanliness.
Your go-to local eatery:
I do like to keep it local – we’re lucky to have two fun little wine bars right on our doorstep, Stafford Road Wine Bar (walking distance from home!) and the newer Bon Pinard. A nice glass of wine and some yummy nibbles with friends: perfect.
Favourite interior or other account to follow & why:
I love @midcenturyhome for some amazing architecture in the style I love and @midcentury_avenue for the interiors.
Amazing New Zealand artist I have recently discovered @kerridgehelen
For some gorgeous lighting pieces to drool over, @snellingstudio.
Current A&C favourites:
1. Always an Arnold Circus Stool! Khaki or Paperbark
2. Linen Quilted Bedcover - Oatmeal
3. Sandringham Floor Rug – Moss
4. Francesca Velvet Cushion – Copper
5. Love the Three Monthly Planners from Made of Tomorrow, so you only have to be organised for three months at a time!
2026 will be the year for…
Being happy. I just want to surround myself with great friends and family, make some fun memories, maybe take some chances, and enjoy life. All the important stuff!
What’s your favourite secret spot in your town/city?
I love to wander through the Central Flea Market in Mt Eden on a Sunday morning, looking for treasures to add to my little collections. Crown Lynn plates and jugs, and amber glassware always draw me in (but I don’t really need any more!)
Tell us about you
I’m a Welly girl born and raised, third generation immigrant. I’m happiest when I’m sitting in my mamas kitchen as she makes Batata nu Shaak, Roti, or a fresh pot of sweet chai. You see, I’m a massive foodie and nothing makes me feel warmer than sitting around a table with my favourite people.
How would you describe your design style?
I would say my style is Wabi Sabi. I like a more empty space with a few selective pieces. Think uneven shapes, wood, pottery, and neutral tones. I love melding old-fashioned pieces with modern bits, and allowing the space to change over time as I add to it.
The coolest place you’ve been is:
The Middle East. You cannot beat the way the sun sets in the ocean, the golden sand, or a morning meander through markets full of fresh fruit, flatbreads and baklava.
Your go-to local eatery:
Child Sister, I crave the Gochujang Shakshuka!
Favourite interior or other account to follow & why:
Not interior design but still creative, Daniel Arnold @arnold_daniel. He’s a New York street photographer become cult figure.
Current A&C favourites:
1. Too many!
2. Timothy Teak Bench (wabi as!)
3. Ashley and Co. Powerhouse (obsessed)
4. Oatmeal Quilt
5. Smoked Cocktail Glasses
6. The Omnioutil Buckets
7. Tate Stool
2025 will be the year for:
New adventures and trying things that I’ve never done before.
What’s your favourite secret spot in your town/city?
There’s a tiny beach at the bottom of the Godley Heads track called Boulder Bay. It’s hard to easily access and feels story-bookish.
Visit the girls in-store
Come visit us in-store and browse a selection of NZ fashion, homewares, furniture and gifts to make your space feel like home, along with the practical styling, interior and renovation advice from the girls to make any project a reality.
The Crossing
18/166 Cashel Street
Kettlewell Lane
The Crossing
Christchurch
Birkenhead
7 Enterprise Street
Birkenhead, Auckland
Ōrākei
Ōrākei Bay Village
228 Orakei Road
Remuera, Auckland
Bloc Mt Eden
Level 2 BLOC
20 Normanby Road
Mt Eden, Auckland
See more store details here.
