Interior designers can be intimidating. There is often a disconnect between a show home and a family haven. However, Rachel McLean has a reputation for taking each client’s unique sense of style and bringing it to life. Down-to-earth and uber-calm, her exquisite taste and, most importantly, her ability to work within a budget have seen Harper Interior Design become a boutique brand to covet. Harper Interior Design has become a boutique brand to covet. Scroll on to see her home and read her decor ideas by editor Trudi Brewer.
Rachel McLean in her Auckland Villa
If you are starting a renovation project or want to breathe new life into tired dècor, Rachel McLean could be the fresh eyes you need. Armed with a fine arts degree and a furniture and rug design background, her passion for interior design is infectious. She shares her home and plans to create an easy-living Auckland base for her family, with son Ollie and daughter Mia.
Home
How would you describe your home?
We are about to embark on an extensive renovation of our 1910 villa, so at the moment, it is an eclectic work in progress with furniture and décor items I have collected over the years. Some of these will go into the new home, along with some new ones.
What do you think makes a great interior style?
A great design style combines beauty with practicality and reflects the individuality of the occupants. It is not just about making a space pretty; it is about creating a vibe that feels like you, a space that reflects a bit of fun and personality.
Are there any rules with interior design that will help you create a beautiful space?
There is no point in creating a beautiful space if it’s not at all functional. This is most important in kitchens and bathrooms. There can also be a fine line between scale and proportion, ensuring all design elements are appropriate for the space and each other.
What's your most treasured possession?
My son Ollie’s artwork. I love having it framed and displayed around our home.
The living spaces in McLean’s home
What's your favourite room in your home?
Our lounge is where we dine, entertain friends, and watch a movie with the kids. I love the original fireplaces, high ceilings, and ceiling roses. The large walls allow me to hang all our large artwork.
What do you collect?
Artwork. I try to add to my collection with every special occasion, from birthdays to Christmas. Memorable pieces from artists I follow fill the walls and bring life, colour and a story into our home. My favourites are the drawings by Ant Bentley of the iconic buildings in Akaroa, where my husband's family has a property and where we got married, and the painting by Kaye McGarva, which we received for our wedding.
What hurdles did you come across creating your home design style?
Having to have my husband’s input and display his treasures.
Some of McLean’s husband’s treasures and the kitchen
Career
How did you become an interior designer?
I had always enjoyed helping my parents renovate their homes over the years, picking paint colours and carpets, but I had never really considered it as a career. After School, I studied fine arts at Whitecliffe but was not really sure where I was going with it. One of my best friends, who was also studying at Whitecliffe, told me about an interior spatial design course and asked if I would do it with her. I jumped at the opportunity and have loved it ever since.
What projects do you prefer?
When I work with clients on projects where, I can have more freedom with the design. They trust the process and are not afraid to be bold instead of keeping it safe.
Who has inspired you in your career?
I have followed other designers over the years, such as Kelly Wearstler. With her bold and eclectic style. But mainly from earlier in my career, working at David Shaw, where they taught me the art of designing and creating quality furniture, and I was introduced to the designers of brands like Henge and Roda and could follow their creative design process. I also worked at Designer Rugs, where we worked closely with artists and graphic and fashion designers, some of who have played a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping interior design concepts.
How do you come up with concepts and designs for each project?
Understanding the client’s needs, preferences, lifestyle and budget. I gather ideas from art, fashion, nature and architecture using social media, design magazines and reference materials. I then create mood boards, and with ArchiCAD, I design floor plans to visualise the spaces f’s feel and layout. I use 3D renderings and detailed drawings to refine and finalise the design.
McLean with their beautiful five-week-old baby Mia and in her interior design studio
What's been your career high to date, and what do you still dream of achieving?
I have just completed the internal and external areas of a large penthouse in Ponsonby, which I was thrilled to be involved with. I was given the opportunity to use all my design skills, and every element of the home, including the ceiling mouldings and skirting, was custom-designed. I would love to continue working on projects like this.
What has been the most challenging project?
Working on a historic category two apartment in Parnell that needed a complete re-design with a client based overseas. We had to contend with double brick walls and original pipe and electrical work to bring it up to a high-spec apartment that stayed sympathetic to the building’s era.
If you could choose one lesson you have learned in business, what would it be?
Keep good records and notes and put everything in writing. This helps the process run smoothly, having documents for everyone involved in the project to refer back to.
How do you juggle a young family and run a business?
I have a very hands-on husband who takes on many day-to-day tasks around the house and with the kids, freeing me up to focus on my business and give my clients my full attention. Also, my parents and doting grandparents are an enormous help to us when things get tricky.
What advice would you share with up-and-coming interior designers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to have as much knowledge as possible about all aspects of design to build your confidence and, therefore, your clients' confidence.
Mia’s baby room and McLean’s art collection
Beauty
Do you have a daily skincare routine?
I like a simple routine, as I do not have much time. I use La Roche Posay Cleansing Micellar Water for sensitive skin with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Fluid in the morning and evening. I always use their SPF. I love the La Roche Posay SPF50 Lightweight Tinted Sunscreen and use it daily under makeup. I also have La Roche Posay serums on rotation and La Roche-Posay LRP Thermal Spring Water, which are both affordable and excellent.
What are your go-to buys?
Nude by Nature Powder Foundation, Nude by Nature Natural Illusion Eye Shadow Palette and Nude by Nature Moisture Infusion Lip Gloss, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.
When you're tired, what is your best beauty hack?
I drink lots of water and use the La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum under my eyes. I also get as much sleep as I can with a 5-week-old.
What would we always find in your make-up bag?
I always apply Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, and Nude by Nature Moisture Infusion Lip Gloss before a meeting.
Favourite fragrance?
Chanel Gabriel Essence Eau de Parfum Spray has always been my go-to. I love it.
What are your favourite hair styling products?
O&M Know Knott Detangling Spray for my long, coarse hair and the NAK Hair Replends Creme Leave In Moisturiser.
Of Harper Interior design.