Welcome to our Home Show Expert Series, where we chat with industry leaders to uncover trusted, stylish, and practical advice for anyone building, renovating, or refreshing their home.
This week, we sat down with Kelly Gammie of Rare Birds Interiors—a creative powerhouse whose passion for design shines through every project. With over eight years of experience and a philosophy rooted in both creativity and functionality, Kelly brings a refreshing perspective on what truly makes a house a home.
Creativity in the Blood
For Kelly, design was always inevitable. With a father who worked as an art director in film and a mother who was a draughtsperson, creativity runs in her family. While other children sketched horses, Kelly was happily drawing house floorplans—complete with fish tanks in the walls. “It’s always been in there,” she says with a smile.
That passion evolved into Rare Birds Interiors, which Kelly runs with her business partner Shaun. Together, their different strengths—Kelly’s big-picture vision and Shaun’s detail-driven approach—allow them to take on everything from high-end kitchens to full new builds.
The Sooner You Start, the Better
One of Kelly’s strongest messages is this: engage your design team early.
“Building or renovating always carries some stress,” she explains, “but when designers are involved from the beginning, we can work with architects and builders to smooth out potential issues before they even start. That saves clients stress, time, and money.”
Style with Substance: Organic Modernism
When asked to define her personal design style, Kelly lands on organic modernism—a look that layers organic shapes and natural materials with contemporary touches. Inspired by New Zealand’s landscapes, her designs often blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
A strong believer in biophilia—the use of natural elements in interiors—Kelly says this connection to nature isn’t just aesthetic, it’s emotional. “Interior design is about creating spaces people feel good in. At its core, it’s about emotional connection.”
Trends vs. Timelessness
Trends, Kelly believes, are fleeting. While they influence the retail market, they shouldn’t dictate personal spaces.
“If it’s trendy now, in five years it won’t be. We want clients to walk into their homes in 10 years and still love it.”
Instead of chasing fads, Kelly encourages clients to choose pieces and finishes they genuinely connect with. “If you love it now, you’ll probably love it in 10 years.”
That doesn’t mean ignoring trends altogether—just using them sparingly to keep a home feeling relevant without losing timeless appeal.
Design on a Budget
Many homeowners hesitate to engage a designer, assuming it will be too expensive. Kelly challenges that belief.
“Designers add value. We save you time by narrowing down overwhelming choices, and we often save you money by avoiding costly mistakes. Many studios, including ours, pass on trade discounts to clients—that alone can offset our fee.”
She also points out that engaging a designer doesn’t have to mean a full-service contract. Even a few hours of consultation can help homeowners feel confident in their direction.
Small Changes, Big Impact
For those not ready for a major renovation, Kelly shares her go-to refresh tips:
- Move furniture around – create new layouts to change the feel of a room.
- Add greenery – plants bring life, oxygen, and vibrancy.
- Switch up accessories – cushions, artwork, or lighting can give a space new energy.
- Repaint – a relatively simple way to transform mood and style.
The Psychology of Design
A recurring theme in Kelly’s approach is understanding people.
“So much of interior design is psychology,” she explains. “It’s about coaxing clients into being braver while ensuring they feel comfortable in their space. Sometimes we’re even mediators between couples with different ideas!”
That emotional intelligence is just as important as creative vision. It ensures clients end up not only with a beautiful space but one that truly reflects how they want to live.
Why the Auckland Home Show Matters
For Kelly, sharing knowledge is a big part of her role—which is why she loves speaking at the Auckland Home Show.
“It’s about giving back. Not everyone will engage a designer, but everyone can learn. The Home Show brings all the experts under one roof, so people can ask questions, see what’s available, and build connections with professionals they trust.”
She also stresses the value of meeting people in person. “Renovating or building is often your biggest financial investment. You need to trust the people you bring into that process—and the Home Show is the perfect place to start building that trust.”
WATCH FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE:
Final Word of Advice
Kelly’s biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid of working with designers.
“Interior designers aren’t just about making your home look beautiful—we save you time, money, and stress. We can even save your relationship!” she laughs.
By engaging your design team early, being brave with choices, and focusing on timeless design that feels personal, your home can become more than just a space—it becomes a place where memories are made, and life feels better every day.
Meet Kelly and other design experts at the Auckland Home Show, where you can attend free seminars, get personalised advice, and be inspired for your next project.
For more ticket information: click here
