INSPIRATION BY DESIGN
WORDS Shelley Sweeney PHOTOS Dave Richards
Double wooden herringbone doors lead into the luxurious Eterno Design showroom in Merivale Mall, where interior architect Emma Morris works at the art of transformation.
Emma’s 25-year career has taken her around the world from Italy to Barbados, working for a broad range of clients and budgets. With Eterno Design, Emma brings her timeless international style, along with a wealth of experience and industry contacts, to create unique and beautiful spaces.
While Eterno Design has been in business for some years now, having a showroom gives clients a starting point, with beautifully staged areas for visual and tactile inspiration. The small team offers comprehensive design services, including designer kitchens and bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, fireplace joinery, lighting design, entertainment units, and custom-made furniture pieces for residential and commercial projects.
“We give our clients a high end, luxurious look for every budget. We’re all about creativity and pushing boundaries,” says Emma of her team, who work alongside the architects, designers, and trades involved in each project.
On entering the showroom, you are immediately struck by the sleek American Oak cabinetry of the kitchen. The blonde oak finish has been achieved with a bespoke stain. The seamless panelling in the cabinetry coupled with subtle and well-considered LED lighting is a signature style for Eterno Design.
The living area features a stunning sofa and artwork. “If a client likes a particular furniture designer, we can work with them to create a bespoke piece to perfectly complement the proportions of their space,” says Emma, who helps clients to source and commission art. Eterno Design also offers an interior furnishing package to style the complete interior of a home from curtains through to kitchen crockery.
A thoughtfully curated selection of bathroom tiling options can be found displayed in the showroom, from porcelain flooring to soft textured, large format stone. “I want to inspire our clients with a variety of textural, tonal materials to show them what’s possible,” she says.
The Eterno Design team has won many accolades, including the prestigious National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) and Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) NZ awards. For Emma, staying at the cutting edge of design trends is an integral part of her work. “There is a trend towards natural stone and tactile materials,” says Emma, who also notes the recent advancements in design technology have improved the durability of porcelain. This product is available in a broad selection of textures, making it an increasingly popular choice for its heat and stain-resistant qualities. The kitchen counter in the showroom is made from durable porcelain with a stylish matt finish.
When it comes to quality, Emma says, “We like to oversee everything we have manufactured. Nothing leaves the factory without sign off from the team.”
It’s this attention to detail that has earned Eterno Design a reputation for excellence. This thorough approach is carried through from start to finish, as each designer works as a project coordinator, holding regular meetings and site visits.
Every project starts with understanding how each client would like to inhabit their space to optimise the interior and exterior flow. The team works to create inviting spaces and bring continuity throughout every home with functional design and ‘wow’ factor.
By looking at the architect’s plans, the team considers all aspects of the design, including spatial layouts of kitchen and bathrooms, furniture, and custom cabinetry for a considered individual space.
To start your interior design or home renovation dream, book an appointment to visit the Eterno Design showroom in Merivale Mall. The team are there to offer a free, no-obligation consultation from Monday to Friday.