Work in progress: Kurow Motels
In this occasional series, I take you behind the scenes of an interior design project I’m working on.
When long-time clients Kyle and Glenna told me they were looking at purchasing Kurow Motels, I had an inkling this would be a special project. This pair owns several motels in Twizel, so they know their stuff when it comes to managing accommodation. However, while many of these are modern units with clean lines and crisp interiors, from the outset I could see that Kurow was never going to be that kind of place.
Rather than try to convert it into something shiny and contemporary, I proposed we embrace the retro elements of the buildings, creating themed rooms that might become a drawcard in their own right.
In the era of social media, motel rooms with their own unique character can be hugely popular, providing a snappable backdrop for videos and images on Instagram and Tiktok. I could see a retro-style motel with modern conveniences and visual flair being a major drawcard for visitors passing through the Waitaki Valley.
Putting together a retro palette from my own deadstock and thrifted fabrics
Thankfully, Kyle and Glenna loved the idea and trusted in me to make it work. When it came to choosing themes, I looked to the town’s history, landmarks and claims to fame. One room is named ‘All Black’ as a celebration of Kurow native Richie McCaw. The Simply Sublime unit has a musical theme after the Sublime recording studio in Kurow, while other units are themed around Kiwiana, kitsch, classic cars (there’s an amazing feature in the works for this room!), hunting, and fishing.
Inspiration for the Simply Sublime unit
To truly make these spaces sing, I’ve been raiding second hand stores and vintage markets for retro fabrics, bric-a-brac and furnishings. Luckily, I have some friends with keen eyes for thrifting, who have been happy to join the hunt! Often a stylish but tired-looking piece of 1970s furniture just requires new upholstery to bring it back to life. The forms from that era are curvaceous and comfortable. They’re built to last, too!
A reupholstered retro sofa makes a statement centrepiece in the living space: before and after
It’s a lot of fun seeing these rooms come together – and I look forward to staying there when it’s all finished too. Which room will I choose?
Deborah’s five top tips for thrifting
A secondhand or repurposed item can often shift an interior design from the expected to the unexpected. To create that element of surprise and delight, try browsing TradeMe, Facebook marketplace or your local op shop.
New Zealand op shops can be a treasure trove if you know what you’re looking and don’t mind digging for it. If you’re not a fan of thrifting yourself, start a chat group with friends who are, especially if they’re in different parts of the country — more eyes on the prize is a good thing! Here are my rules of engagement when shopping secondhand:
Make a list of what you want (this keeps you on track)
Keep to your budget
Buy only what you love
Buy with purpose
Allow plenty of time
