The inside advantage

Spanning more than a decade in business, Vanessa built Dress My Nest around a full-service approach to interior design. Rather than stepping in at the end to choose paint colours and curtain swatches, Vanessa  comes on board during the concept plan phase, when ideas are still flexible and decisions can genuinely shape how a home will live day to day.

“It’s often the little things that get forgotten early on, like where the curtains will stack,” says Vanessa. 

“You might have a beautiful big window on the plan, but once it’s built there’s actually nowhere for the curtains to sit properly. Those are the things we talk about early, so we don’t run into frustration later.”

Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the first spaces locked in, with functionality leading the way.

“We start with kitchens and bathrooms because they’re the most technical spaces,” she says. “If someone wants a rain head as well as a slider, or full-height tiling, we need to allow for that in the plumbing and the pricing from day one.”

Liveability sits at the centre of every conversation. Families talk through what they want each space to achieve, then Vanessa reviews the plans with that brief front of mind.

“You might say, ‘this is our dream bathroom, and these are our must-haves’,” she says. “Then we look at the space that’s been drawn up and ask, is this actually going to achieve that?”

By meeting with clients before the contract is signed, Vanessa helps refine and price key selections while there’s still flexibility to adjust. Instead of navigating upgrades during the build, clients move ahead with a clear understanding of how their decisions shape the overall level of investment. The result is fewer surprises and a contract that reflects the home they genuinely want to create.

Beyond the technical decisions, Vanessa’s attention turns to shaping the overall visual direction of the home. Rather than treating rooms individually, she considers how materials, tones, and textures will flow from one space to the next.

Often, it starts with a single feature such as a stone benchtop, a backsplash, or a key piece of furniture.

“Once you find that hero piece, everything else kind of falls into place around it,” she says.

Timber tones, layered fabrics, and earthy palettes are frequently explored as part of the conversation, bringing warmth and texture without overwhelming the architecture. 

“I really like bringing natural elements into a space,” she says. “It just makes a home feel better to be in.”

The Landmark Homes Wellington Showhome in Kāpiti reflects that thinking. A grounded palette of sage greens, warm neutrals, black accents, and timber tones runs throughout the interior, creating continuity without feeling repetitive. Textured wallpapers introduce depth, while the black ceiling in the main living area adds contrast and drama.

Building in Wellington often requires careful planning. Sloping sections and complex sites can extend the design and consent stages before construction begins. Throughout that journey, Vanessa remains a steady presence.

“Especially in Wellington, the sites can be incredibly tricky,” she says. “You can be working with clients for a long time before their home is finished. You build a really strong relationship.”

Regular conversations mean decisions are talked through as they arise. For clients, that continuity brings reassurance. Rather than revisiting earlier choices or second-guessing details, they have a consistent point of reference from concept through to completion.

Over the years, Dress My Nest has been recognised within the industry, with finalist placings in design and business awards. While accolades are appreciated, Vanessa remains focused on what matters most: homes that feel personal, functional, and well resolved.