Amber Hamilton gives new meaning to fashion first

15 Jun 2021

Designer Amber Hamilton began her career back in the late 80s as a professional artist and graphic designer working in the news media. She had a particular interest in fashion and used to draw and photograph garments for advertising clients and direct photoshoots for fashion magazine covers. 

Given how many fashion trends flow through to interior decorating and that the major textile houses in Europe sell to both the fashion and home furnishing industries, it was an organic shift for her career to flow from fashion to interiors after she gave birth to her first son, Luke, in 2002. When he was a few months old, Amber retrained in the midst of buying, renovating and selling houses in Christchurch – something she says is a real passion of hers.

“I love making something sad and tired look beautiful again by giving a home and garden a new lease on life,” she says.

Amber tells us more about her business, why colour is so important to her work and, of course, her favourite Resene hues.

What drew you to start your business and what type of project typologies do your specialise in?

"My interiors business complements my husband Johnny’s construction company very well. It’s funny, as I think a few people that meet us think I do most of my work on jobs with Johnny. However, only about 5% of my work is for our shared clients. His core business is heritage and character renovations and extensions, which take a lot of time, so for every one of his jobs I would possibly have got through a dozen of my own!

"I mostly work on residential homes, however, I am happy to cross over to commercial projects as well. I work with a couple of different construction/project management companies and we have totally transformed some older ‘big white elephant’ type commercial properties into something much more modern and cool."

Why is colour important in your work?

"Colour is an extension of your personality! I love working with clients to fulfil their brief and create an exterior or interior that not only makes the absolute most of the home’s aesthetic but also suits their personality and adds value for the future, should they ever wish to sell."

Amber went for a dark and dramatic colour scheme for her home office with walls and ceiling in Resene Porter and trims in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream. It is lit with recessed, directional and natural lighting to maintain its moody vibe.

Where do you look to for inspiration for your projects?

"Like most people, I have favourite designers that I follow. I have always loved Ralph Lauren with his ‘Classic Country Style’ that extends through to ‘New York Penthouse’. I also subscribe to the annual Andrew Martin Design Review which shows global trends, plus I love to look to nature, natural surroundings and travel."

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? 

"Working on a client’s home is always an absolute privilege and being able to bring it all together gives great satisfaction. It’s like doing a hobby for a job! While I love being able to start from scratch and specify the myriad of finishes, hardware, fittings and textures needed for new home projects, my heart still lies with older character homes.

"An all-time favourite project of mine is a gorgeous Hamptons-style heritage listed home in Fendalton, Christchurch. I had originally done much of the interior for the previous owner, who undertook a large scale renovation using John Hamilton Construction. That home resold a couple of years ago, and I have been working with the delightful new owners to add further layers and finishing touches to this uber glamorous yet welcoming and homely property."

Amber won a Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour Maestro Award for the design of this gorgeous heritage villa, which features walls in Resene Double Canterbury Clay, a ceiling in Resene Cafe Royale and trims in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream.

Are there any projects you’re currently working on that you’re really excited to see come together?

"I currently have around 16 projects on the go that are all at different stages. It’s really exciting when the installations start happening and the window furnishings, furniture, lighting, mirrors/art etc. all start going in.

"I am really looking forward, in a positive sense, to the next 12 months when COVID-related delays, overseas factory temporary shutdowns and logistical issues start clearing up again."

What’s the best piece of industry-related advice you’ve ever been given?

"Quality lasts! There’s no two ways about it. The old adage that quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten is certainly true. 

"My own advice to myself and anyone else out there starting out is to back yourself – don’t be afraid to make your own rules and march to the beat of your own drum. I love combining gold and silver accents together, for instance."

A mirror helps reflect more light back into the space while leopard print wallpaper reveals another facet of Amber’s personality. Left wall in Resene Wallpaper Collection 36503-2, other walls and ceiling in Resene Porter and trims in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.

What do you love about Resene? 

I love the pigmented bases Resene uses and the innovative products. I also think they do a great job of the resources they have available for both the industry as well as first home DIYers. I particularly love the ease of ordering A4 drawdown swatches online and how quick they are to arrive.

What are your favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?

One of my favourite whites is Resene Wan White from Resene’s Karen Walker Collection. It’s a beautiful soft warm white, fantastic for hiding a multitude of sins but not stark and cold or too yellow! Some other favourites are Resene Baltic Sea, Resene Porter and I’m in love with Resene Cafe Royale. Resene Truffle and Resene Craigieburn along with their reduced strengths are also gorgeous and make great accent colours for exteriors, too. 

images Kia Dirkkson, IBK Photography

Published: 15 Jun 2021