Stephanie Murray, a local fashion icon and director of Stephanie Murray Mortgages, assists first-time home buyers, commercial property investors, and home builders in locating the best mortgage for their needs. Stephanie showed MOOD Magazine around her New Plymouth home, built by Location Homes and furnished by Plantation Design Store.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I have always had a passion for property and have been involved in the property market since I was 17 years old in my first bank role. Although it was probably actually prior to that via my parents and family. In my banking roles, I learned how to help others achieve their financial and personal goals through property ownership. Wind the clock forward a lot of years and experiences later, and now SMM is a team of Mortgage Advisors nationwide that love to assist in property transactions every day.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF STEPHANIE LOOK LIKE?
No day is ever the same in Steph's world! It often takes me a minute or two to figure out where I am when I wake up. My typical day always starts with scanning media to see what is relevant in the financial world, followed by some exercise before my emails and phone goes crazy. I travel at least half of my life for clients, team SMM, sponsorship, networking, planning our charity events, board representation… the list goes on. Nothing is ever typical! Usually 12 hours later, I wind down with a quiet vino, a bit of yoga practice or a walk somewhere scenic.
Image by Sandra Henderson Photography
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STYLE OF YOUR HOME?
I would describe it as minimal opulence. I love quality and a touch of luxury. I also would say it is vintage and new as I have many of my late family pieces that I treasure incorporated into the house style.
Image by Sandra Henderson Photography
WHICH ROOM IN YOUR HOME IS YOUR FAVOURITE, AND WHY?
It would have to be my wardrobe/dressing room – enough said.
Image by Sandra Henderson Photography
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BUY BRAND NEW INSTEAD OF DOING UP AN EXISTING HOUSE?
Building a brand-new house means you can have exactly what you want. I have done this a number of times now and enjoy the process. I was able to incorporate my dressing room into where a bedroom would normally be and have room for everything important to me, even the little things like wine storage. I find a new home so warm and inviting and a canvas for new memories. Also, it is very important to me to have a low-maintenance house that is “lock and leave”.
Image by Sandra Henderson Photography
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE IN YOUR HOME?
The clean modern lines and the attention to small details make it so special. I particularly love the lighting. The home is beautiful to come home to at night, inside and out.
IF YOU WERE TO REDESIGN YOUR HOME AGAIN, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE?
Probably just more wine storage! But I probably just need to buy less wine - another passion.
HOW WAS IT WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I would say for a time poor person like myself, it is the only way to go. I know what I like, and working with a fabulous designer that understands you as a person means they will come to you with options that you didn’t even know that you loved until they presented them to you. An eye for interiors and style is a gift – and it’s a must to use a professional. It is time efficient and extremely cost effective as they know how to hunt a bargain.
IS THIS GOING TO BE YOUR FOREVER HOME?
No, but it’s a fabulous space. I love how it has come together to be a reflection of me as a person. I love the time I spend in this home and have intentions of being here a long time yet.
If Stephanie's home has inspired you to consider building new, start by downloading our style guide, which is filled with homes that we've built over the years. To get your digital copy, click the link below!