How did you come to be in the world of interior design?

Karla Devine (KD): With a prior career in the fashion industry, I pivoted to interior design whilst living in London, where my passion for design really blossomed with everything I had at my fingertips. I’d always had a natural inclination for spatial planning — drawing floor plans and rearranging rooms — since childhood. Art, design and architecture were my focus throughout my education, so transitioning into interiors felt like a natural evolution. I moved from London to Wellington five years ago and have been running House Party ever since.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

KD: Having spent many years travelling and working abroad, I’ve gathered a wealth of inspiration from diverse cultures and design traditions. European design, with its bold approach, meticulous attention to detail and fearless use of colour, continually shapes my work, driving me to create spaces that are expressive, joyful and distinctly personal. I admire the way many European interiors are approached with a sense of joyful abandon — spaces designed for living and enjoyment, not just aesthetics. I’d love to see more of that risk-taking spirit embraced here in New Zealand. Closer to home, I’m inspired by designers who curate expressive interiors that transcend time, place or style, yet feel perfectly at home in real living spaces. Studios such as Flack, Arent & Pyke, and WOWOWA exemplify this approach, creating environments that are both playful and sophisticated.

What role does colour play in your projects?

KD: Colour is absolutely central to my design philosophy. It’s the most powerful and accessible tool in my creative arsenal, capable of transforming any space, regardless of budget. I gravitate towards bold, vibrant palettes, embracing a maximalist approach that celebrates individuality and joy. Interiors should be memorable and uplifting — spaces that evoke emotion and truly invite people to live in them. Colour is always my starting point and remains a guiding force throughout the entire design process, shaping the mood and character of each project.

How did you arrive at the concept for your collab?

KD: A few years ago, I discovered the Mattonelle Margherita glazed porcelain tile collection by French artist Nathalie Du Pasquier for Mutina. I love geometric patterns but it was the combination of colour and nostalgia that reminded me of sun-soaked days in Croatia and Italy. Incorporating these tiles into my own bathroom brought a slice of the Mediterranean to my Wellington home — a vibrant reminder of warmer times and the emotional power of colour. This collaboration draws its inspiration from the vibrant colours of summer, curated from a mood board filled with evocative European scenes, chosen for their soul and character. My palette captures the energy and warmth of the Mediterranean — reflecting the lively hues of multicoloured façades, bustling markets with fresh fruit stalls and leisurely seafood lunches sat oceanside.

How did you go about choosing these specific colours?

KD: I live by the ocean now and the first colour I chose for my own home was Resene Raindance – a striking blue that sets the tone for my living and bedroom spaces, often anchored by the deeper Resene Aviator. Blue is a perennial favourite of mine; it makes me most happy when paired beautifully with energetic oranges and reds, like Resene Fireball and Resene Carpe Diem, evoking the Mediterranean spirit. To balance these bold hues, I introduced Resene Bone, a neutral shade that grounds the palette, much like a stone wall or sandy beach, creating harmony and depth.

Karla Devine was an Emerging Design Professional finalist in the 2025 Interior Awards, watch her finalist presentation here.