Designed by Hayley Peterson of Peterson Design & Build
Built by PJ Builders
Carpet is Rhino New Haven Misty Isle
Industrial edge meets waterfront elegance in this Gold award winning Whitianga home. Inspired by the character of a New York loft apartment yet designed to embrace its light-filled coastal setting, this striking residence masterfully balances masculine architectural detail with a fresh, modern aesthetic.
We spoke with Hayley Peterson, the designer behind the project, to explore the vision, selecting the right carpet and why Rhino carpet was chosen to deliver luxury and high-performance underfoot.
Can you tell us about the vision behind this home?
I love the vibe of a New York loft apartment so I incorporated some of the features of a New York loft into the build while still keeping it modern and fresh. The reclaimed brick features on the front elevation and the beading on the windows of the upper level voids. I used the same joinery line visuals on the wardrobe slider doors in the bedrooms and again on the media room glass slider barn door, adding a timeless, modern and masculine edge. The barn door itself and its black steel tracks, adding an element of industrial chic. It was a tricky balance to get right as the home is waterfront and I wanted it to still have a light, summery feel to the interior of the home.
Can you share details about the awards the home has received?
The home won Gold in the Master Builders 2025 House of the Year awards. It was also the Regional Category Winner (Auckland and Coromandel Region) and achieved Top 100 Homes in NZ Status.
What were you looking for in a carpet for this project?
I wanted a product that would be very durable and stain resistant but was mindful of selecting a carpet that had the right colour and softness for a timeless, clean, luxurious look.
What made you choose Rhino carpet?
I loved the nano-technology that prevents liquid absorption, making it exceptionally easy to clean, even with red wine or mud. It is stain and fade resistant, and yet soft and silky underfoot. There was a large selection of clean, modern colours too.
As a designer, what advice do you give homeowners selecting carpet?
Choosing carpet is about balancing aesthetics with practicality and price. You will always get what you pay for, so be mindful not to rush and select whatever is the cheapest option.
Carpet sets the tone in your home, and choosing the right carpet can make a huge impact to the overall feel of every room. I recommend choosing lighter colours as these make rooms feel larger and more spacious.
Paying to upgrade the underlay is often more effective than purchasing from a more expensive carpet range or a longer pile.
What flooring trends are you seeing emerging in luxury homes?
High-performance products using sustainable materials, while still providing comfort and beauty, with a great selection of colours.
It is really hard to find a flooring product that ticks all of the boxes however the Rhino Carpet stands out as one of the few leading the charge in all of these areas.
Can you share your experience working with Carpet Court Whitianga?
They were fabulous to work with. Great communication, friendly and very knowledgeable on all flooring products.
Looking for luxury flooring?
Explore Carpet Court’s full flooring range online, visit your local showroom for inspiration, or book a free measure and quote to get expert advice tailored to your goals and your budget.
