Michelle's stunning home, featuring our Astep Model 2065 Pendant Lamp
Could you tell us a bit about your background? Have you always had an aesthetic eye?
I’ve always been creative and drawn to design but my move into interiors came later in life. I was working in magazine publishing and the interior titles were always my favourite. As the world began moving in a digital direction and while taking time out from the corporate world to start a family I began reading a couple of international design blogs, and that’s when the idea for starting my own blog began brewing. Spending time on Pinterest creating interior focused boards, I was surprised at how quickly my following grew. It was clear that my eye for design resonated on a global scale, and it wasn’t long before I was itching to start my own platform to share what I loved. Launching The Design Chaser (TDC) was a natural step which over the years has evolved into a full-time interior styling and design business where I get to do what I love everyday. I feel very lucky!
Where did your love for Scandinavian interiors and design come from?
I started honing in on Nordic design while on Pinterest. I was naturally drawn to the clean lines, quality craftsmanship and combination of form and function. In terms of interior spaces, the pared back approach and focus on natural materials and light resonated strongly. I loved the feeling of the spaces – uncluttered yet warm and layered with textural elements. When we decided to build around 10 years ago, my overall vision for the interior design was largely infuenced by Nordic design – light and airy with pale wood fooring, textural fnishes and what has been a slow curation of furniture, lighting and objects from favourite Scandinavian brands, especially Danish design. Since then, my work has provided the opportunity to travel to Denmark and take part in design tours with some of the Danish design greats, where the craftsmanship and sense of history is palpable. Meeting with the designers and visiting factories to see how the pieces are crafted has truly deepened my appreciation for authentic design.
I loved the feeling of the spaces – uncluttered yet warm and layered with textural elements.
What does your creative process entail when styling an interior, room, campaign, etc.?
It depends on the brief and location. A studio shoot often involves building the set from scratch so there can be a lot involved in terms of set design (and working with a set builder) to create and paint walls and install fooring, whereas location shoots are more about working with and enhancing what’s there. For sets I tend to work from the ground up, frstly selecting flooring and paint colours before layering key pieces including rugs, furniture and lighting. Finishing touches greatly impact the overall design, look and feel of a space, creating depth, texture and interest, and I spend hours sourcing products from ceramics, textile pieces and artworks through to books, candles and foliage. Even though my styling is understated, I always like to have a lot of pieces to play with on the day of the shoot. Through a process of editing and refinement, often stepping back and reflecting on the space, I decide where something needs to be added, taken away or modifed. Collaboration with the photographer to achieve the right lighting is also key. Like any creative process, you know when you’ve achieved the fnal product!
Your work feels minimal and understated, yet warm and welcoming with lots of varying tones, textures, and pieces for the eye to gravitate toward. How do you balance this in a space?
Thank you, that’s something I always try and achieve. My styling is very intuitive and I pay a lot of attention to composition by playing with proportions, varying heights and select groupings of objects. I love working with a neutral backdrop, creating depth and contrast with the use of warm tones and tactile surfaces, and bringing interest with sculptural shapes.
2020/21 has been a challenging time with lockdowns and travel restrictions. How have you been staying inspired?
It hasn’t been easy, but I do get excited when my favourite Scandinavian publications arrive, and I’ve been sent some wonderful design books. Of course there’s no shortage of inspiration online, but I love getting away from it all and spending time in nature. Our local reserve has been my go-to throughout the lockdowns and we are lucky to have so many inspiring scenic holiday destinations on our doorstep.
What would be the most cherished pieces in your home?
Our Danish design pieces which extend beyond furniture and lighting to precious small objects like our Book Box (by Norm Architects, August Sandgren and Karimoku Case Study) and iconic Stoff Nagel candleholders. Also our handcrafted rugs, artworks by favourite NZ artists and my extensive collection of design books.
Campaign Imagery for Jacobsen Bespoke Flooring
Art Direction, Set Design and Styling by Michelle Halford
Photography by Helen Bankers
Mood Board Imagery for Jacobsen Flooring
Art Direction and Styling by Michelle Halford
Photography by Helen Bankers
Through a process of editing and refinement, often stepping back and reflecting on the space, I decide where something needs to be added, taken away or modifed.
Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for August Sandgren x Karimoku Case Study
What objects attract you?
Beautifully crafted objects made from natural materials.
Sculptural objects with tactile fnishes.
Objects inspired by architectural design.
What is the best thing about the design world right now? What makes you excited?
Seeing how the design world is adapting to the pandemic. Shifts that were already taking place such as better home and work set ups, more work-life balance, and moving out of cities to be closer to nature have been sped up. There is a growing appreciation for our surroundings and the enormous impact they have on the way we live and feel, resulting in a growing focus on quality, simplicity, sustainability and human-centred design.
While I often look globally for inspiration, in particular towards Scandinavian, Belgian and Japanese design, I know that NZ design is undoubtedly world class. I’m excited to see more local projects emerge, with NZ designers gaining recognition here and overseas, along with more women designers leading the way.
What are you currently working on? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
Alongside styling work, there's a design collaboration with a NZ brand, and I’m also working on a new brand with a close friend/colleague that will launch in 2022.
And fnally, what are your top 5 picks at Good Form right now?
Karimoku Case Study N-CC01 Lounge Chair
Karimoku Case Study N-CT01 Coffee Table
Astep Pepa Table Lamp
Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Low Vase
Ercol Canvas Tall Cabinet
Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for Stoff Nagel
While I often look globally for inspiration, in particular towards Scandinavian, Belgian and Japanese design, I know that NZ design is undoubtedly world class.
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