A home to play in

Pseudo-random: Open spaces and a high stud presented Phillippa King with a decorating challenge. Photo / Emily Andrews

Given her extensive shoe collection, it's fitting that Phillippa King's Grey Lynn home was originally a shoe factory. The 1920s building has also served as premises for a parachute manufacturer and acted as a television studio.

"I love the fact that this place has such a varied history. I think it suits me," says King, a freelance stylist. She used to work as a camera assistant in the film industry but when her son Jaive arrived nine years ago, she needed work with more regular hours.

She took on a job in casting, then launched her own talent management company, but after five years of running her own business she needed a change.

"I knew I was going to have to either commit to being consumed 24/7 by my work or find an alternative," she says. "My priorities needed a makeover. One of the great things about working as a freelance stylist is that it gives me more time to spend with my family."

It's also been a blessing when it comes to giving the open-plan spaces of her building a homely feel. Although her rooms look perfectly groomed, she says many of the arrangements are the result of happy accidents.

"I know what I like but never think of how they might fit together," she says. "I have been nesting since Jaive was born and my home is a collection of things I've acquired from family (namely my mum), saved for, splurged on, admired and lusted after. Now I feel like I have everything I need and I would quite like to start again."

That sort of chance or "pseudo-random" approach is something that King has also applied to colour.

"I've noticed that, depending on my mood, a different colour pops up for me. I find it fascinating that one day it's turquoise, the next it's orange. But if I had to name a favourite colour it has always been red."

While the open spaces and high stud present a decorating challenge, she loves these aspects of her home.
"It is so spacious and light; it feels like you're in a tree hut," she says. "It's a little playground for me and Jaive, somewhere far less grown-up than our last home. It's great for shoots too; there is plenty of room for me to haul in props and wardrobe."

King also likes to experiment with how people use the home and move about it — the set of steps that doubles as a bookcase is a good example.

"I like to play with paths, creating natural streams for traffic. The effect is like magic. In feng shui, it's all about energy flow and it's not rocket science — move things around until they feel right and no doubt it will look good, too."

Style tips

Seasonal shift: Phillippa King changes her home with the seasons. "We need more open areas in summer. My home has a life of its own; where I place things can make it breathe differently."

Scavenger hunt: Op shops and recycle boutiques are her favourite haunts for finding unique pieces, especially in rural towns or overseas. Turnover time: If King tires of something, she might put it into storage for a future styling job — otherwise she'll give it away or sell it online.