House of Leah Da Gloria

The House of Leah Da Gloria is an immersive head office and bridal atelier designed by the couturier herself.

Inspired by the quiet anticipation, vulnerability, intimacy, and sense of occasion surrounding the bridal process, Leah sought to transform the former dance school into a retreat-like space – elevated but never intimidating.

Thoughtfully renovated, the architectural details offer subtle reference to the romance and structure of her collections. “Choosing a gown isn’t just a decision,” says Leah, “it’s layered with expectation and memory. By shaping the atelier personally, I could ensure the environment supports that experience to be calm, intentional, and deeply nurturing.”

To create subtle depth, a soft palette of blush pink, warm ivory, and beige is layered throughout the space. Textural limewash walls shift and tone with the light, creating a space which is delicate without feeling overly sweet.

Alongside tactile ivory upholsteries and honeyed-timber flooring are expansive curtains in Satnin, Catherine Martin by Mokum’s luxurious sateen weave linen.

The Loft Bar

Born out of a desire to reimagine what a sports-focused hospitality venue could be, The Loft Bar in Christchurch’s central city is a modern space where style, culture, and sport come together.

Local design firm Element 17 were enlisted to create a venue that felt elevated, inclusive, and intentionally different from the traditional sports bar.

“We wanted to create a venue where sport plays a meaningful role in the atmosphere but doesn’t dominate it,” says Naomi Edwards of Element 17. “We explored how this energy could be translated into spatial language and materiality, without falling back on masculine clichés or visual clutter.”

“This meant designing elements that would speak to a shared cultural love of sport, while also being sensitive to a broad audience by elevating the overall design to welcome guests to enjoy a game or just enjoy the atmosphere over evening cocktails.”

Vintage sporting elements and artworks, such as the custom-built, elegantly oversized tennis racquet chandelier, nod to the venue’s purpose without overpowering the space.

Drawing inspiration from the architectural language and vintage charm of New York’s quintessential loft hospitality spaces, velvet and leather upholsteries, layered lighting, and brass details soften the brick veneer and timber clad beams.

ANIML, Toronto

A tucked-away treasure in a former loading dock in downtown Toronto, Charles Khabouth and INK Entertainment’s ANIML Steakhouse is an unexpectedly luxurious, playful experience.

Known for embracing storytelling, local design firm Nivek Remas were enlisted to transform the existing space into something both daring and inviting, that went beyond the predictably masculine steakhouse aesthetic.

“We approached ANIML with the goal of creating a unique world that felt indulgent, bold, and really fun. It wasn’t just about dining, but about creating a moment guests could step into,” says Samer Shaath of Nivek Remas. “We were tasked with balancing that sense of glamour with comfort, ensuring the space felt both intimate and magnetic, a place where guests could unwind, celebrate, and feel transported all at once.”

Composed of blush, oxblood, and gold, the palette is intentionally moody. “It’s a combination that feels timeless but indulgent, giving the entire space a glow that immediately envelopes you as you enter. These hues allowed us to build a visual language that feels both nostalgic and contemporary – a nod to the past with its own modern edge.”

Swell Hotel, Byron Bay

Inspired by nostalgic ideas of Australian road trips, Swell Hotel captures the essence of Byron Bay’s laid-back coastal-cool.

With expertise in hospitality design and a deep understanding of the area’s evolving aesthetic, interior designer Nyree MacKenzie was engaged to transform the 16-room seaside motel into a sepia-toned adults-only escape.

“At the heart of Swell Hotel is an artful blend of coastal sophistication and organic retro charm, infused with Byron Bay’s free-spirited surf culture, creative energy, and wellness-driven lifestyle,” notes Nyree.

Whilst decorative mid-century brickwork, geometric shapes, and exterior-facing doors were preserved, the damp carpets, worn tiles, and peeling timber veneers were removed to make way for contemporary comforts.

“Catherine Martin’s Mokum fabrics were a pivotal influence in defining the colour palette and custom upholstery throughout Swell Hotel,” says Nyree. An organic, earthen palette flows through the communal spaces and suites, harmonizing with organic materials including red travertine tiles, pink clay-rendered walls, local spotted gum timbers, and natural stone detailing.

The exclusive garden bar-come-lobby welcomes guests with morning coffees and evening cocktails from the comfort of a custom-made conversation pit sofa, clad in Catherine Martin by Mokum’s Monarque velvet. “This statement piece enhances the space’s refined yet effortlessly cool aesthetic,” says Nyree, “anchoring the retro-luxe design with its plush texture and warm caramel hue.”