Widdess designer's dream home

Yvonna Van Hulsen's home in Mt Eden was once a factory, so has lots of concrete and old brickwork. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Auckland designer Yvonna Van Hulzen lives with her partner, Vincent Langford, four teenagers, a cat and a dog in a converted Mt Eden warehouse. The expansive two-storey building also doubles as Van Hulzen's and Langford's workspace.

Van Hulzen, who started her label Widdess 10 years ago, credits her fascination for fabric and clothing to her childhood, when she watched her mother do needlework and tapestry.

Memories of her European-born mother continue to provide inspiration. "She would save up to buy a couture garment, such as a Chanel skirt, and then make sure she wore it as often as possible, even if that meant looking fabulously overdressed while doing the housework."

Van Hulzen, who hand-stitches the buttons and personally finishes each garment, says she is fortunate to be able to do something that she loves every day.

"It's the craft of making clothes that I enjoy."

Langford, who plays a strong role in the business, is also an accomplished artist.

How would you describe the look of your home?

The first word that comes to mind is large. Because it was once a factory, there is a lot of concrete and old brickwork. We have random pipes running through our lounge, and everywhere you look there is another interesting angle.

What changes have you made since you moved in?

Structurally, nothing. But we have made it our own with paint and furnishings. It was harder than we thought to change it to a family home, but once we painted the floor white and brought in softer pieces of furniture and objects then things started to work.

Now that you have lived in a warehouse, would you ever go back to a conventional home?

I don't think any of us would want to go back to a conventional home. This is the second large space we have lived in. The first was a renovated barn in rural West Auckland. We all enjoy the open-plan living space, having one TV, and the feeling of all being together in the lounge.

What is your favourite space?

The main room, which has a 7m stud in parts and the most unusual concrete wall. I love the light from the skylights. And we recently had a pellet fire-box installed and that's kept us cosy this past winter.

Do you entertain much at home?

Yes. It is a wonderful place to relax and have fun in. We have dinner parties and we have parties for the kids. We have a second table that we bring in to make one enormous table. It's such a large space that a table for 20 seems small and it's also easy to add atmosphere. I like to move things around to create a scene in the dining area.

What is your favourite piece of furniture?

I have two. Our blue vintage French couch that reminds me of a tiara and the Girl Guide lockers we got from Agnes Curran.

Are you an art or furniture person?

Definitely both. Art is furniture and furniture can be art.

What influences do you draw on when putting together the look of your home?

Shopping. When we find something we like we bring it home and hope it works. Mostly, it does.

What is your favourite designer piece?

The chandelier Vincent made me for Valentine's Day. He made it out of the steel frame from a broken coffee table. He hung it upside down and added lots of jewels and gems and things. We often add to it.

Do you have any pre-loved objects or furniture in your home?

Our house is full of pre-loved furniture and objects. We try to find new pieces but they don't seem to fit.

Does your work as a designer influence the look of your home?

I can't help being a designer, whether it be clothes or the house. I am always trying to achieve different looks.