Here’s to the winner of my $10,000 room makeover prize!

Isn’t it great when a deserving candidate wins a big prize? That’s how I felt when I drew the winner of my 40th anniversary Room Makeover Giveaway: Alice Sollis.

As a singer, songwriter, production manager and theatre director, Alice lends a hand with everything from sound to ushering at local performing arts shows, and her work at Age Concern connecting older people with eager volunteers is also incredibly important. Alice told us that she screamed when she found out she had won – and her smile speaks volumes for how excited she is!

Of course, while the prize includes my services in spatial design, curtains and cushion making using James Dunlop fabrics, it’s not just about me. It’s the result of a handful of local businesses banding together to help inject some energy into our local industry, which to be honest, has been tough going in the last couple of years.

Steve Turnbull is donating his time to paint and wallpaper Alice’s choice of room, and the $10,000 prize also includes an ottoman by Montreux Furniture; feature wallpaper by Scion; paint from Resene and a rug courtesy of Flooring Xtra Timaru.

After owning her home for over 30 years, this full room transformation is guaranteed to be an exciting one for Alice. She admits to having an understanding for colour in the realm of theatre and lighting but sticking to neutrals in her own home. We’ll see what we can do about that, right Alice?

I want to thank everyone who entered this giveaway. It was heartening to feel so much support from our community. If you’re still thinking about making over your space, don’t hesitate to get in touch to see how we can help.

In the meantime, I’ll be dreaming about working with Alice’s new colour palette…