In this weeks creative Q&A session we discuss all aspects of the incredibly talented Annika Rownson's career. From her background and what inspired her to start a kitchen design company in New Plymouth, to the challenges she faces today. We are so inspired by Annika's approach. Cooper Interior's favourite Rowson Kitchen design to date is 'White and Bright' (featured below). The mixture of raw dark timber and the clean white polished cabinetry and surfaces are a perfect contrast.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background? Have you always been creative?
I worked as a photographer in the early stages of my career, I enjoyed this at high school and my love for this still continues now. It taught me composition and the appreciation for natural light which I apply to my kitchen designs. I have always loved interiors and have enjoyed renovating three homes plus a recent new build. We are now renovating a 1940's home in the dress circle in New Plymouth which is a beautiful change. I'm thoroughly enjoying living in a character home with all of its lovely heritage features.
What inspired you to start Rowson Kitchens?
My children - our eldest son was three and our youngest a newborn. We were striving to find a better work/life balance and could see the need for a quality and design focused joinery business in New Plymouth. My husband is a joiner and I had been designing for another company. The time was right to put our skills together and create our own company.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I always find inspiration from travel - seeing beautiful environments and drawing from the key elements that catch my eye. I always bring back design elements from our travels and implement these into my current designs. I am also very lucky to have a close circle of very creative ladies, we work so well together - collaboration is key.
What is your favourite project you've ever worked on and why?
I have enjoyed all of my projects so that is a very hard question! But if I had to narrow it down one would be a beautiful project that I designed that won 2 national awards in the NKBA 2017 awards, and also our own personal kitchen on our recently sold new build which received a highly commended Trends Internal Design Award. I designed this during a very challenging personal time and it pushed me beyond my own limitations. The result was breathtaking. While I always think outside the square this was a game changer for my design aesthetic.
In terms of your design process, which parts do you find most challenging, and how do you usually overcome these?
Generally budgets and client expectation - in an instant world of vast technology clients are flooded with inspirational images but very little information of how the results of these spaces are achieved and the costs involved. We overcome this by focusing on the
design first. Next, we carefully guide our clients through the process of selecting product that best suits their budgets.
How would you describe New Zealand's design culture?
Our design culture is incredibly diverse, very textured and layered. I feel very lucky to work in a thriving city with many acclaimed designers. With more of a move towards eclectic and organic product it is exciting to see more fabulous projects and products emerging.
Who are your favourite Kiwi creatives?
I have always admired Morgan Cronin for his elegant and timeless kitchen designs. I also admire Alice Lines (Editor of Homestyle magazine) for her personal style and composition - it's flawless.
And finally, what does your kitchen look like?
We have only just purchased our recent project and are amidst renovations, with the new kitchen soon to be installed so I will keep you guessing until then! But my previous kitchen was a mix of matte black, timber, Corian, herringbone tiles and brass - set off by marble concrete floors. There are elements I will be using from this, blended in with the traditional aspects of a character home. And a peacock - there is always a peacock nearby! I am a huge fan of taxidermy.
Photography by: The Virtue | For further information on design services and previous projects, you can visit the Rowson Kitchen website rowsonkitchens.co.nz. You can also like them on Facebook here or follow them on Instagram here (click the provided links).
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