Sonya Cotter: A Light Touch
Crafting thoughtful interiors with timeless appeal. Sonya Cotter’s design philosophy relies on a refined palette of materials, sophisticated colour and thought-provoking focal points.
With extensive industry experience, a constantly updated knowledge base and a passion for product, design and innovation, the company’s design projects are always well informed.
Sonya Cotter Design can work with clients from design concept through to project completion. With a collaborative network of skilled and trusted craftspeople and builders Sonya ensures the smoothest possible project delivery. Her clients save time, money and frustration.
Her interior design philosophy relies on a refined use of materials, sophisticated colour and thought provoking focal points.
Sonya Cotter Design’s goal is to work with clients to develop ideas, solve problems and deliver customised design solutions.
Just as every design is individual, so is the service they offer. Sonya says the design process is adaptable and individual to suit client needs.
Every design is closely managed, delivering professional well-documented interior solutions that exceed clients’ expectations to add value to their projects.
Now unrecognisable from the simple bach it once was, this old-girl underwent a major facelift indoors and out. The brief was to create a place the clients could enjoy year round. Functional spaces and practical finishes were also a high priority in this busy bach.
The result was a Coastal Lodge aesthetic. Oiled oak flooring, schist features and the colour palette provide a connection to the environment. Versatile seating options in the living space take advantage of the views offered up by windows. Lighting features and the indoor fireplace are cosy in cooler months. Soft whites, blues and greys and warm wood tones are calm and breezy. This is the perfect place to unwind in any season.
When we first saw this property it was broken up into three flats complete with students sitting around watching the cricket. We saw past the chaos of tenants, the lean-to structures and unusual dividing walls to focus on the property’s
potential to once again be a home.
We worked with an architect opening up spaces to accommodate a modern lifestyle while great care was taken to reinstate some of the original elements. We played with traditional colour and texture to give this old
villa back her dignity.
This city-fringe villa was artfully updated to fit the owners’ busy lifestyle with children and a passion for entertaining. Working closely with the client in designing the entertainers’ kitchen complete with hidden scullery and under-floor cellar ensured we met brief.
Creating a harmony in contrast was the aesthetic design goal for the project. Crisp white walls provide the ideal backdrop for the layering textures of stone, marble, natural linens and oiled timbers. Modern iconic furniture, fittings and bespoke built-in feature cabinetry sit comfortably amongst the villa’s original features.
A generous hallway with art-covered walls sets the tone of the home and welcomes you through to an open plan kitchen living and dining space.
The project was a renovation or a small brick bungalow to a five bedroom family home with multiple living spaces located on Sydney’s North Shore.
The client wanted a soothing light palette of whites and greys warmed up with French oak floors throughout. There was no compromise on quality; the results are stunning. The success relies on the attention to detail.
Sonya Cotter Design is located in Auckland, and the project was in Sydney. That being said there were no issues with design communication across the team. This was primarily helped with the consistency of products and suppliers between New Zealand and Austraila, along with a number of Skype calls.
Sonya Cotter Design worked closely with the client. The brief included the selection of finishes, the colour palette, the design of the kitchen, bathroom and sourcing furniture and lighting.
Very early in the design of this home Sonya Cotter spotted this stunning stone slab and knew that it was the focal point and drama the kitchen needed. We showcased the stones natural flow by waterfalling it gracefully to the floor.
This kitchen is absolutely the heart of the home and filled with light and natural organic farm produce. On weekends when the property overflows with guests and family the traditional Smeg Victoria Range is in constant use.
Cleverly disguised doors within the back wall cabinetry lead though to a well appointed scullery, laundry and mudroom. The bespoke steel frame that clads the stone add to materiality and durability. This after all is a hard working kitchen on a hard working farm.
Sonya Cotter is passionate about the development of the design industry and is a professional member of the New Zealand Institute of Design. she can be contacted at: TELEPHONE : +64 21 802 587 or check the website: sonyacotterdesign.co.nz