Paykel's interior motive

Sarah Paykel renovated her home overlooking the Waitemata while she was pregnant and launching her PR business. Pictures / Brett Phibbs

Sarah Paykel doesn't do anything by halves. While renovating her Auckland home and heavily pregnant with her first child, she launched her public relations company. Almost two years later, the 35-year-old is enjoying combining motherhood with working from home, running her company that represents leading fashion and beauty brands.

"I'm in a great space right now because I get to be a mum while enjoying the stimulation of a career," says Paykel, who employs a nanny two days a week for 19-month-old Ella. "Working from home allows to me feel really in touch with Ella's world."

After several years of living and working overseas, Paykel and her husband, Craig Greenwood, are enjoying being back in Auckland.

"It seemed natural to set up a PR company specialising in beauty and fashion brands," says Paykel, who worked for British Vogue in London before moving to Australia, where she launched the British cosmetics brand Lush.

The couple's home features a large open-plan living space that makes the most of stunning harbour views and lets in plenty of natural light.

"We did the classic conversion from old style to a contemporary space," says Paykel. "We knocked out three walls, opening up what was a dark living area divided into lots of small spaces. We painted the walls white, lightened the floors, and created a space that feels airy, spacious, warm and welcoming."

Where do you live and why?

In Orakei, Auckland. We love the sea view, proximity to Tamaki Drive, and the fact that it's an easy drive to the city.

How would you describe the look of your home?

Our house is an eclectic mix of old and new. It is not one definitive style but tends to be more modern, as we favour easy living.

What is your favourite room in your home?

The open-plan kitchen, living and dining room, which is where we spend all our time. This room has a lovely view of the harbour. And with a toddler who wants to be near you all the time it's easy having one large room where we can all be.

Do you entertain much at home?

We do have friends with their children over for breakfast in the weekends quite a bit as we find this works well with little ones. We can all catch up and the kids can have a run around while we tuck in to a yummy cooked breakfast. We don't entertain often in the evening in winter but now that summer has arrived we are having lots of barbecues. We are not formal entertainers - we prefer to invite friends around for a relaxed meal.

What is your favourite piece of furniture?

Our dining-room table, which is a Spanish oak refectory table that we bought at an antique fair in Sydney. It has separate ends that you can add or take off to adjust the size.

What is your best buy?

A painting that Craig and I bought at a girlfriend's gallery in Sydney, by Melbourne artist Tanya Hoddinott. This was the first piece of art we bought together and it has special memories of the three years we lived in Sydney.

What influences do you draw on when putting together the look of your home?

I am influenced by a number of looks from English country houses, to the cottages of Nantucket and the simplicity of minimalist design, but this all has to fit comfortably into a New Zealand environment. My style is very much based on bringing pieces together that personally appeal but are also practical for our lifestyle.

What is your favourite designer piece?

I don't have a particular favourite designer piece. I tend to look for things that are a bit quirky with personality or beautiful colours or textures. Pieces can attract my eye whether I find them in a fleamarket or designer store.

What is your most treasured possession?

My photographs of family and friends, which hold so many happy memories. I also decorated a lamp for my daughter's nursery when I was pregnant and I love it. It's very satisfying to look at something you've made yourself.

Do you have any pre-loved objects or furniture in your home?

We have several sofas my parents gave us when we moved in, as we moved from an apartment with only a small amount of furniture to a house that required more than one sofa to fill it. They were renovating, so we got lucky.

Has your home decor changed much since you became a parent?

We haven't had to change much at all, which has been great. I have a philosophy of teaching children not to touch things rather than moving them, and so far this has worked. We don't live with a lot of clutter which makes it much easier with children.