Jenni Kayne’s Serene New Zealand Retreat at Te Arai Links

Living

The New Zealand Escape By Jenni Kayne Interiors

December 6, 2023

a home with indoor outdoor living space with large sliding doors opening to a courtyard

For Jenni Kayne Interiors’ most recent project, Jenni ventured to a destination across the world—but one that serves as a happy escape for her family: New Zealand. In designing the resort’s rooms at Te Arai Links and her parents’ private residence at Tara Iti, she sought to celebrate her surroundings in every way. The finished product is the epitome of dream-worthy. Read on as Jenni shares her inspiration, design details, and more.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, a large gray island with four wooden bar stools, two white pendant lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows letting in natural light—perfect for relaxing after a day at Te Arai Links.

The Destination

When it came to leading the interior design for Te Arai, Jenni knew the personal connection to the place would help drive her decisions. As her parents’ primary residence, New Zealand is a place near and dear to her—and she made sure to go the extra mile in design. With its slow pace, incredible landscape, and eye-catching views, Jenni knew that her interiors mindset would call on her surroundings in more than one way.

a family room with a green mohair ottoman and ivory custom bookshelves

A cozy modern living room with neutral tones features a round wooden table and four chairs, a white vase of flowers, and light sofa with a throw—perfect for relaxing after a day at te arai links, with views of the grassy yard outside.

Shop the Story

"New Zealand is truly the most beautiful place on Earth. I love visiting and spending time there, and having the chance to design a set of spaces that bring this effortless beauty to life was a dream."

Minimalist modern interior with wooden bar stools, built-in bench seating, light wood floors, and white walls. Steps lead to a hallway with a tall, abstract black sculpture near large glass doors—perfect for relaxing after a round at Te Arai Links.

a hallway leading to an ivory boucle small couch and floor to ceiling windows facing the ocean

an ivory upholstered bed in front of a wood paneled wall next to a wooden side table

Shop the Story

jk-new-zealand-home-tour-primary-bedroom-windows

a wood dining table in a wood paneled room with a rice paper lantern hung above the table

The Inspiration & Details

When drawing inspiration, Jenni took notes from the landscape, wanting to ensure the space felt clean yet warm—and very calming from the moment you entered.

Building the space from the ground up, it took many years to craft the space her parents call home. Jenni worked closely with architect Jeff Fearon of Fearon Hay and landscape designer Suzanne Turley along the way.

Jenni embraced the opportunity to highlight materials that would weather differently in the specific climate, opting for cedar with a natural finish and even indigenous wood from kauri trees.

Jenni’s favorite room is the great room—and with the indoor-outdoor flow, it’s easy to see why. In fact, the entire home is built like a wall-less glass space, allowing the landscape to shine through in the most beautiful way.