Deborah Still Interior Design

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Deborah Still Design Studio 18 Matilda St Timaru

23/10/2026

I’ve always had a creative streak.

From a young age, I found myself drawn to art, colour and all things creative. Even during times when I wasn’t well, creativity was something I could always turn to.

42 years on in interior design, that love of creativity has never left me.

One of the greatest joys of my work has been the opportunity to work alongside artists and other creative people, sharing ideas and bringing something special to life.

It’s that passion for creativity, and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, that has kept me inspired all these years.

Here’s a little more about my story and what has shaped my journey in interior design.

18/10/2026

BEHIND THE STAY | 01: 4 Queen Street, Waimate

Welcome to Behind the Stay, a little series where I’ll be sharing the stories, creative decisions and little details behind the accommodation spaces I’ve helped bring to life.

First up is an AirBnB on Queen Street in Waimate, a little house with plenty of character.

When I was asked to help transform this charming 1954 home into a short-term rental, I wanted to celebrate what made it special rather than strip away its history. From the original timber panelling and 1950s wallpaper to the decorative plasterwork, there were so many lovely details worth preserving.

We spent time exploring second-hand shops, searching for pieces that would complement the home’s character and give it a personality of its own. We found plates featuring Queen Elizabeth as a playful nod to the Queen Street address, and even included a periodic table shower curtain with the locum doctors who would be staying here in mind.

Having worked with this client before, there was a wonderful level of trust between us, which made the creative process all the more enjoyable.

For me, thoughtful design is about understanding a space, appreciating its character and considering the people who will use it. I have learned over the years that sometimes it’s the quirks and unexpected details that make a place truly memorable.

- Deborah

15/10/2026

I was always told never to work with children or animals… 😂

I think I might have to add camera-shy, very clever builders to that list!

The skirting was tricky, the workmanship was spot on… but the interview? Not so much! 🤣🔨

10/10/2026

INSIDE A CREATIVE MIND | Part 1

Have you ever read something that immediately sparked your imagination?

That’s exactly what happened when I came across a passage in John of John by Douglas Stuart, describing the colours of Scotland.

The way the landscape, nature and textiles were described had my mind wandering through all the beautiful, unexpected colour combinations that surround us.

After 42 years working in design, I still find inspiration in the most unexpected places. Sometimes it’s a building, a conversation, a garden, or even a few words in a book.

That’s what this new series, Inside a Creative Mind, is all about. Sharing a little of what inspires me, how I see the world, and the things that get my imagination going.

I’d love to know, where do you find inspiration?

03/10/2026

A little September recap

A month of reconnecting with wonderful past and existing clients, revisiting projects, welcoming new clients and finding plenty of inspiration along the way.

From Wānaka to Hanmer, Christchurch and back home again, it’s been a busy month, but one filled with the things I love most about design: people, places, beautiful materials and seeing ideas come to life.

02/09/2026

Watch how this feature wall came to life. Beautiful spaces are built on great craftsmanship. This Mind The Gap wallpaper is one of the standout features of this bedroom, and in the video you’ll see the precision and care that went into creating such a seamless finish. So grateful to work alongside talented tradespeople like Steve Turnbull, who genuinely love what they do.

28/08/2026

If you saw my recent Wabi Sabi bathroom transformation, this is the bedroom that sits alongside it.

When designing this bedroom, I wanted it to feel connected to the adjoining bathroom, while still allowing it to have an identity of its own.

The existing timber beams in the ceiling were something I wanted to retain and celebrate, so they became part of the foundation for the room. From there, I carried through some of the same tones and textures used in the bathroom, drawing again from the fluidity of water and the colours and textures found in nature.

Here, rich timber, layered pattern, warm metallic details and earthy tones come together to create a space that feels moody without feeling heavy.

A bedroom with plenty of character, but ultimately somewhere designed to retreat to at the end of the day.

And, of course, bringing a design from an idea to a finished space is always a collaborative effort. I’m incredibly appreciative of the builders, trades and craftspeople whose skill helped bring this one to fruition.

Address

18 Matilda Street
Timaru
7910

Website

http://www.deborahstilldesign.co.nz/

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