When it comes to creating a home that feels truly yours, Emma from Sample Workshop has a philosophy that goes far beyond trends and showroom-perfect spaces. Known for her engaging seminars at the Auckland Home Show, Emma has built a reputation as a designer who values personality, meaning, and the joy of making design accessible.
We sat down with her to talk about inspiration, styling mistakes to avoid, and how anyone—whether renovating or building new—can create a cohesive, beautiful home that reflects who they are.
A Design Journey with Purpose
Emma’s passion for design began early, inspired by time spent with her father on building sites. But what really drove her was a desire to make design approachable. “Design has often been seen as something only for the wealthy,” she explains. “I wanted to create a space where anyone could explore, experiment, and feel supported.”
That dream became Sample Workshop, now home to more than 7,000 removable samples—everything from flooring to tiles to drapery. It’s a “one-stop sample shop” where clients can build concepts in real time and see how all the elements work together.
Inspiration Everywhere
While trends are fun, Emma’s true inspiration comes from her clients. “I love getting to know people, their stories, and even the heirloom pieces they want to keep. Building a design around something meaningful makes the whole space feel personal.”
But she’s always keeping her eyes open. A detail spotted in a restaurant or a texture from a seaside walk often sparks ideas that later resurface in a client project.
The Magic of Mood Boards
When starting from scratch, Emma’s advice is simple: slow down. Instead of rushing, she suggests collecting inspiration on Pinterest or from magazines, then revisiting it after a month or two. “That’s when you’ll clearly see what you love and what you don’t.”
Mood boards, she explains, aren’t just about furniture—they’re essential for creating a cohesive flow across the whole home, especially if renovations happen in stages.
Styling with Personality
The biggest mistake Emma sees? People ditching all their old furniture and starting fresh. “That’s how you end up with a space that looks like a show home,” she says. Instead, mix old and new—an heirloom timber piece paired with modern textures instantly creates character.
Her golden rule: don’t match everything. A sofa and armchair don’t need to be a set—in fact, contrasting pieces often feel more sophisticated. And instead of cluttering, use texture—cushions, rugs, throws—to elevate a room.
Trends with Staying Power
While fashion cycles fast, home trends in New Zealand have been steady. Emma sees earthy greens, soft pinks, warm timbers, and ocean-inspired blues continuing to dominate. Their popularity stems from our love of indoor-outdoor flow and natural living. “If you love it, don’t worry about whether it’s in trend—your home should feel like you.”
Why Planning Matters
Emma’s strongest advice for anyone starting a project? Plan, plan, plan. Think about how you’ll live in the home, how long you’ll stay, and what budget makes sense. “It’s not just about colours. It’s about the little details—where you’ll need power points, how you move through a space. Those are what make life easier every day.”
Experience Sample Workshop at the Auckland Home Show
At this year’s Auckland Home Show, visitors can experience Sample Workshop in three ways:
On the stand: chat to the team, get hands-on with samples, and start building your own design ideas.
Seminars: learn from Emma about design trends and how to visualise your space.
Workshops: try your hand at creating a sample board you can take home for future projects.
“You’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiration you can apply straight away,” Emma says.
Emma’s design philosophy is simple yet powerful: start with who you are, plan with care, and never be afraid to mix old with new. Her passion for helping people create homes with heart shines through everything she does.
At the Auckland Home Show, visitors can learn directly from Emma, discover the secrets of styling, and walk away ready to make their homes as unique as they are.
You can watch the full interview here
