JENNI KAYNE’S NEW ZEALAND RETREAT IS PRECISELY THE NEUTRAL-TONED HAVEN YOU’D EXPECT

Jenni Kayne, renowned for her minimalist and elevated approach to fashion, demonstrated her keen eye for design long before founding her fashion brand at 19. Her early affinity for rearranging her bedroom as a teenager showcased her inherent talent for creating inviting spaces. Despite focusing on building her lifestyle label, which gained fame for its simplicity and neutral palette, Kayne’s knack for interior design resurfaced with the launch of Jenni Kayne Home. From her base in Beverly Hills, she brought her cozy California aesthetic to life, influencing the design of her parents’ coastal compound in New Zealand.

a gray wood framed courtyard with facing wood sofas with white cushions, two round wood end tables, steps leading to the interior and to a garden area with shrubs and flowers, a large window with a view of the sea

Situated among striking sand dunes in Mangawhai, New Zealand, the Kayne family’s residence is a seamless integration into its natural surroundings. The project reflects Ric Kayne’s profound love for New Zealand and golf. After discovering the picturesque location in 1996 during a golf trip, he established Tara Iti, a renowned golf course and a 48-room hotel, both overlooking the scenic landscape. The family’s home, designed by Jeff Fearon of Fearon Hay, features a large and angular structure. Jenni Kayne took charge of the interiors, blending classical and ultramodern preferences to create a warm and cozy atmosphere that resonates with her family’s diverse tastes.

by a dirt road is a swimming pool with umbrellas and chairs by a pool house built into the grassy hillside

Renowned landscape designer Suzanne Turley played a crucial role in enhancing the property with a harmonious mix of native vegetation. Going beyond traditional landscaping, Turley integrated lush and soft plantings into three interior courtyards. The exterior design concept involved a gradient transition from browns at the center of the home to verdant greens extending toward the lawn. This thoughtful landscaping not only complements the architectural design but also establishes a seamless connection between the residence and its natural surroundings.

The interior furnishings showcase a curated blend of Jenni Kayne’s own designs, complemented by antiques and specially commissioned pieces. Many of the paints and fixtures are sourced from partner brands affiliated with Jenni Kayne, including Portola Paints, Waterworks, and Plain English. The collaborative design process involved an intuitive approach, with Suzanne Kayne, Jenni’s mother, providing the creative freedom for Jenni to lead the project. The two maintained constant communication, actively reviewing floor plans and discussing furniture selections throughout the design process.

a room with glass walls has a bed with fabric headboard against a wood panel with long armed sconces, white bedding, a foot bench, and a view of the grass lawn and sea beyond

Jenni Kayne’s design ethos, characterized by its airy and uncluttered aesthetic, seamlessly harmonizes with the natural surroundings of the coastal compound. Expansive untreated windows frame picturesque views of the sea and imposing sand dunes, creating a cinematic and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Kayne’s enduring commitment to neutrals, a signature style she has maintained for over two decades, is approached as a creative challenge. She believes in the expressive potential of materials and textures, utilizing them to introduce subtle variations while preferring to infuse pops of color through carefully curated art pieces. According to Kayne, this approach ensures a timeless and enduring appeal, steering clear of design elements that might become overwhelming or tiresome.

a kitchen with a wood floor and wood floor to ceiling cabinets, gray limestone island with wood stools, two large cone shaped white pendants, glass wall

Jenni Kayne’s design choices for the coastal compound include custom pieces that adhere to her rule of using neutrals and emphasizing materials and textures. One standout feature is the dining table designed by Parisian designer Joseph Dirand, crafted from white oak. This bespoke piece injects a subtle yet impactful element of drama into the great room, serving as a focal point in the open and inviting space. Kayne expresses a particular fondness for this area of the house, emphasizing its welcoming ambiance with doors that are always open. She follows a relaxed routine of taking off her shoes upon entering and only putting them back on when it’s time to depart—a testament to the comfort and informality that defines the home.