Interview: Kate Coughlan talks about New Zealand Rustic

Writer Kate Coughlan, art director Yolanta Woldendorp, and photographer Tessa Chrisp — the creative force behind some of New Zealand’s most iconic publications, including NZ Life & Leisure and NZ House & Garden — bring their deep storytelling experience and visual mastery to life in New Zealand Rustic: Creating a home inspired by nature. Their shared design sensibility and editorial insight bring these spaces to life, offering inspiration for readers seeking authenticity, connection, and character in their own homes.

New Zealand Rustic is a visually rich and thoughtfully curated celebration of homes designed in harmony with the land—evoking a deep sense of place, belonging, and timeless beauty. It captures Aotearoa’s growing appreciation for artisanship, natural materials, and low impact living.

We asked them to tell us how the book came about and what rustic style means in a New Zealand context.

New Zealand Rustic is such a visually rich celebration of homes and landscapes. What first sparked the idea for this book?

In NZ we are so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful natural beauty, and we take that into our homes in a way that is unique to us. Publisher Malcolm Rough looked for a book showcasing a distinctive New Zealand approach to rustic interior decor and he realised there wasn’t one. His own home, a farmhouse on the beautiful coast near Mahia, is in that style and he is fascinated by how others express their connection with the land through their homes. 

You’ve drawn together places that feel both grounded and imaginative. How did you go about choosing the homes and people featured?

He contacted Kate Coughlan because the magazine she produced at that time (NZ Life & Leisure) was very close to what he was looking for in terms of connection to the land. Together with renowned art director Yolanta Woldendorp and Tessa Chrisp, a highly skilled photographer, the team set out to create New Zealand Rustic. 

Malcolm wanted some directional “how to” chapters to explain how a rustic home can be created in terms of Lighting, Styling, Natural Light and Air, Textures and Colour. Following these introductory passages are six homes; all in varying styles but all under the umbrella of rustic decor. Each is extensively captured in beautiful photography. Three are right on the coast, another on a tidal estuary, one tucked among schist outcrops in Central Otago and the final house overlooks magnificent mountains and an alpine lake. It took many months to identify homes for the perfect mix for a sumptuous book rich in variation and deep in insight.

There’s a strong sense of connection to land and history throughout the book. Why do you think rustic design resonates so deeply with New Zealanders today?

Kiwis love heading off “on holiday” often to locations much closer to nature than day-to-day life and into simple dwellings such as caravans, tents or rustic baches. They’ve done so for generations. The physical surroundings of bush or beach are the attraction, and these are places where “happy tanks” are refilled. In these precious holiday spaces, natural materials provided by nature often serve a direct use. Maybe a convenient rock becomes a “dining table” or a stand of Manuka provides a “wall” for a room.  Living so close to nature grounds us and many wish to take this feeling into their day-to-day life with more rustic-inspired homes.

Artisanship, sustainability, and the use of reclaimed materials are recurring threads. Were there any discoveries that particularly surprised or delighted you during the making of the book?

In an era of very cheap mass production, carefully crafted items take on a whole new value. A beautiful old brass tap has been turned into a lamp (page 41) making us smile at this clever repurposing was a fun item when photographing the Waiau Homestead. Every home shows treasured possessions, many of which have been with the owners for decades and happily moving from home to home.

The homes you showcase range from humble to grand, yet they all share an honesty of texture and tone. What, for you, defines “rustic” in a New Zealand context?

Such a good question: Rustic emphasises natural materials, earthy tones, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere that reflects our country’s rural heritage and our love for connecting with nature. It often incorporates elements such as exposed wood, stone and handcrafted details. The result is always a warm, authentic and timeless aesthetic which speaks to human comfort.

The photography captures both intimacy and atmosphere—what was your approach to ensuring each space felt authentic on the page?

Each home was selected for its unique interpretation of rustic design, shaped by its surrounding landscape. It was important to highlight not just the space itself, but also the textures and colors that reflected the personality of each home. It became clear to the art director that the homes were not just inspired by their surroundings — they were in dialogue with them.

In researching and visiting these homes, did you notice shifts in how people are choosing to live—particularly in relation to the environment?

The planetary and monetary cost of building has focused attention on reusing resources, renewing old items for future use. It has become a matter of pride for the modern consumer to minimise their footprint.

People wish to display their personality in their homes with more seeking a distinctive look of their own and less “following of fashion” in home decor.

Do you have a personal favourite detail or story from the book that still lingers with you?

Every house lives in our minds but the Rumble Bay house is modern and intelligently linked to its landscape. It hunkers into 150 tonnes of earth to protect its south-east flanks from the brutal winds of an exposed coastal environment while opening its arms (figuratively) to all the light and sun of the north and west. The relocated coastal property overlooking Wainui Beach near Gisborne shows the timelessness of good design as the house is well into its second century of life and still a charming and gracious home. The rammed earth home in Central Otago is a triumph of designing for challenging physical conditions.  They are all wonderful homes with an expression of their place and relationship with the close environment.

And finally—what do you hope readers will take away when they close New Zealand Rustic? Inspiration? Comfort? Perhaps a nudge toward living a little differently?

We hope readers see that budget is not the defining characteristic of a successful rustic-inspired home. It is about a consistency of approach (colour, texture, style) and an appreciation of what nature is doing, then learning from it. It is about being true to your own beliefs and passions, steering clear of faddish fashions, and taking the long view about home decor.

Rough & Co