Restoring glory

Michelle Deery from Hotel De Bretts. Photo / Babiche Martens

You may have heard by now that Auckland's infamous Hotel DeBrett has reopened. The inner-city boutique hotel has been refurbished by interior designer Michelle Deery, who is also part-owner of the iconic spot.

Deery's modern fit-out includes a mix of art deco and contemporary design as well as New Zealand art and photography - everything from specially made Judy Darragh chandeliers to plastic Eames chairs to retro Crown Lynn.

She tells us all about some of her favourite design pieces, from within the hotel and in her own St Mary's Bay home.

1 Verekets patchwork rugs

These are a reinterpretation of antique Turkish rugs, stitched together to create something altogether different and quirky. I love the idea of something old being given new life, and of it sitting very comfortably in a contemporary environment.

2 Prada heels

My one personal treat in the past year, a pair of cerise and pearl Prada heels brought back from Italy by a friend. Just back from being on loan to a friend for her wedding, I'm looking forward to wearing them with black, opaque tights for the winter. A dear friend recently found the perfect card for me.

It reads, "Sometimes, the best thing to do is just look in the mirror and say, 'What shoes go with this STRESS?"'

3 Judy Darragh chandeliers

The chandeliers in the atrium of Hotel DeBrett designed by old friend Judy Darragh are a quirky combination of glass shades salvaged from the old DeBretts and newly spun copper. In the evening they appear to float above the space, and during the day, with the sun from above, they create shadows on the plastered walls and stone floor, which are art works in themselves. And they are always a great starting point for a conversation on the restoration of the building.

4 Handprinted throws

Designed by Helen and Nicola from Front Room in St Kevin's Arcade. They are such an amazing mix of contrasting colours and textures, from earthy linens to sumptuous velvet and satins, with a whole range of fantastical screenprint designs.

5 Mosaic tiles

The mirror mosaic tiles that we had laid on the walls of the hotel lift - they're not as unforgiving as most mirrors in lifts, and they reflect distorted, broken images of our very unique, custom-made striped carpet. I had a secret desire to use them on the bathroom walls, but had a feeling we might have trouble convincing our absolutely amazing head housekeeper it was a good idea.

6 Harbour view

The view of the harbour in its many moods, which awaits me as I turn off Jervois Rd into St Mary's Bay every evening - or any time of the day for that matter. It's what drew me to the area when I first turned into Seymour St in the 1980s, and I have never tired of it. Since then I have left NZ for several long stints overseas, but haven't found anywhere I would rather live. The view, the birdlife and the people combine to create a very unique community so close to the heart of the city.

7 Pearl

Any item of clothing from Pearl in West Lynn - Cris and Beth and their staff always have time to put a "look" together; their clothes are about style rather than fashion, and work with various items in my wardrobe, from Glassons merino, to this season's gorgeous Zambesi knits that are perfect for snuggling up in on these cool autumn evenings.

8 Chris Cathie sculpture

A beautiful cast glass ribbon sculpture by Chris Cathie which greets me every time I walk up the stairs at home. It has no real colour, so the form is what you see. With halogen spots under the glass shelf it rests on, it is quite ethereal.

9 Crown Lynn swan

My original Crown Lynn white swan which my mum gave me, always filled with a collection of white flowers from Bhana Brothers - it roves around the living room, depending on my mood, and reminds me of my childhood (although there was undoubtedly a time when I thought it was terribly kitsch), and my mum, who has been willing and ready to drop everything when I have needed her over the past two years. Paired with Diptique scented candles - both Baies and Figure - from World Beauty, they create instant atmosphere when I haven't had time to prepare for guests.

10 Bracelets

I love to mix it up, and as with other accessories, I never throw them away. At the moment I am wearing multi-coloured African rubber bracelets from Akie on Jervois Rd - accessories with a conscience, as the proceeds go directly to the craftswomen who make them. I team them with fine silver individual charm bracelets from La Madu in Brown St, Ponsonby.