Living in an Auckland apartment doesn’t mean you have to settle for ordinary. Even in a compact city space, thoughtful interior design and decoration can make your spaces feel expansive, personal, and unexpected. As a specialist in residential interior design, I don’t just work on family homes, I love apartment projects.

As I’ve stated in other articles, the interiors I design are expressive, art-driven, and designed without thinking about what is on trend – I take inspiration from the client and their vision and bring this to fruition through colour, texture, textiles and finishes.

Why Apartment Design Is Different

Auckland apartments come with their own quirks: small footprints, unusual layouts, and sometimes limited natural light. Or perhaps you live a beautiful high stud apartment with vast walls. These can be see as constraints or opportunities. The right design approach can make your apartment feel larger, lighter, and entirely custom —all while keeping it practical for daily life.

Making the Most of Your Space

1. Work With What You Have

Every square metre counts. Clever storage, furniture that pulls double duty, and layouts that flow make a big difference. Built-in shelves, hidden cupboards, or benches with storage underneath can feel effortless while keeping life organised.

2. Let Colour and Texture Work Together

Colour isn’t just decoration—it’s the backdrop for how a space feels. Warm neutrals can open up a room, while unexpected pops of colour bring personality. Pair this with layered textures—from soft rugs to tactile wall finishes—to add depth and richness.

3. Custom Pieces and Curated Objects

In apartments, personality comes from the details. Bespoke furniture, curated art, or one-off objects can make a small space feel memorable. As we often look for those diamonds in the rough that will make your home stand out from the rest, I ensure every piece in your apartment feels intentional and unique.

4. Flow and Zones

Open-plan living can make apartments feel larger and more connected. Use rugs, lighting, and furniture placement to define areas—a lounge, dining space, or home office—without breaking the natural flow of the space.

5. Mix Eras, Mix Stories

Apartments shouldn’t feel like a time capsule of one style. Layering different design eras and textures keeps interiors lively and dynamic. As I do in other projects, “we look to bring spaces to life by mixing design eras so you aren’t stuck in a time warp with pieces all from the same era.” This approach makes your apartment feel curated, personal, and full of character.

Why work with Stacey Gillies?

My role is more than someone who picks colours or furniture. I will translate your vision to transform the spaces in your apartment. As a designer and decoration specialist I can:

· Turn compact layouts into functional, stylish spaces

· Combine practicality with style in unexpected ways

· Curate furniture, art and object that feel personal

· Create interiors that are unique, confident, and layered.

Please get in touch if you would like to talk about your residential interior design project.

Interior Design and Styling for Auckland Apartment Living