Sonya Cotter
Design

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Based in
AUCKLANd NZ

Who we are

Sonya Cotter Design is a bespoke interior design studio based in Auckland. We create carefully considered beautiful interiors for living.

Explore our portfolio to see our past projects, and hear what our clients have to say about their experiences with us.

Let's work together to create a living space that reflects your dreams and lifestyle.

 
 

Our interiors feature a refined use of materials, sophisticated colour palettes and thought-provoking focal points. We work collaboratively with our clients to create carefully crafted home environments for your enjoyment. Our approach to every project is to look at it from a holistic point of view and consider all aspects of interiors, from space planning to bespoke design details, whilst having a little bit of fun along the way.

“Great design is a multi-layered relationship between human life and its environment.”

Naoto Fukasawa

Clifftops Home
Autumn 2021

Featured Project

We are honoured to be awarded Interior Home of the Year for Clifftops.

Nestled on the clifftops between two volcanic landmarks, Lake Pupuke and the majestic Rangitoto Island, the surrounding organic forms influenced the home's interiors.

Our client has a significant art collection and the home's architecture is a sculpture in its own right. We successfully created intimate spaces despite the almost overwhelming sense of scale. We filled the vast areas with textures in both surfaces and in form, customising unique finishes and adding warmth and a sense of welcoming.

We had a wonderful client who trusted us to create a home for his family with a design that was unique and would endure.

We worked closely with Bossley Architects and associated craftsmen and contractors to ensure this successful outcome.

PHOTOGRAPHY : JACKIE MEIRING

 
 
  • Custom Dining Table with vintage rug and Starlight Pendant by Henge at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom Dining Table with vintage rug and Starlight Pendant by Henge at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom designed furniture console in Walnut and Brass at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Claudy Jongstra bespoke curtain behind Poltrona Frau sofa at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Piet Boon Collection Kekke Barstool with custom kitchen island finished in Corian at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom brass kitchen cabinetry with leathered stone benchtop and splashback and Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Gaggenau wall ovens and Dornbracht tapware with custom cabinetry at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Patricia Urquiola Washbasin with Dornbracht tapware and custom wood and brass cabinetry at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom bathroom cabinetry in stone with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Agape bathtub with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom bathroom cabinetry in stone with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom wardrobe doors with brass handles upholstered headboard and seagrass wallpaper at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Specialty wall finish and Turkish bedding on custom bed at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Fluted cabinetry and Fiona Pardington albino kiwi at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Inax tiled walls with custom kitchen cabinetry and Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom bathroom cabinetry with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Ensuite Bathroom with Custom Vanity and Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom bathroom cabinetry in stone and sauna in Taj Mahal marble with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Bathroom design, Shower, Inax tiled walls with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Custom bathroom cabinetry with Dornbracht tapware at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design
  • Luxury Garage - Concrete waffle ceiling with walnut floor
  • Relaxed Luxury - Upholstered headboard and seagrass wallpaper with Society Limonta bed linen at Clifftops Home of the Year interiors by Sonya Cotter Design

Studio

Our studio offers a wealth of experience in interior architecture and interior decoration services, project management and procurement. With a portfolio of residential builds and extensive renovations, multi-residential interiors and boutique lodge villas.

 
 

Founder & CEO

Sonya Cotter

Sonya is well known for her refined use of materials, sophisticated colour palettes and thought-provoking design outcomes. Crafting interiors with timeless appeal

After moving to Matakana two years ago and having projects in Omaha,, Tara Iti and The Bay of Islands, Sonya set up a second studio in the area and splits her time between Auckland and Matakana.

Sonya is at the heart of every design decision, ensuring the project has a 360° vision.

Sonya Cotter Interior Designer Auckland

Design Services

Interior Design

The studio has more than 20 years creating a diverse interior design portfolio spanning high-end residential builds and extensive renovations, custom multi-residential interiors and boutique lodge villas.

We value our collaborative relationships with architects, builders, artisans and product suppliers. These crucial relationships directly benefit our clients.

Every project is well documented. We produce detailed drawings and 3D images to ensure successful project outcomes.

The essential decorative Finishing

Furniture & Styling

Sonya Cotter Design offers a furniture curation, selection and procurement service. From planning the furniture for the home through to the selection of individual pieces, materials & art curation.

We source and select lighting, rugs, bedding and decor. If needed, we design or customise furniture to suit the interior.

We trust in a collaborative approach with industry professionals and artisans to craft the best results for your home.

Clifftop Home
Autumn 2021

 

Our Work

With over two decades of work to show, we’re devoted to helping our clients build a more beautiful world to live within.

 

Services

Everything we do follows a strict process, eliminating the guesswork and allowing us to most effectively craft the interiors we’re known for. Projects vary by need & scope; we handle the challenges every step of the way.

here’s how we can help.

 
 

  • We understand that every project calls for an individual approach. Our team enjoy working collaboratively and closely with our clients and industry peers, outlining the objective with close attention to detail and providing expert advice to achieve the highest possible result.

  • Our journey begins as we develop the unique aspects of every project. Design development addresses the functional elements of the brief and the visual concept of the design through the production of 3D conceptual sketches or sourcing concept images and physical materials to bring the project to life, enabling clients to understand each proposed design detail.

  • The success of many interior design projects is based on spatial awareness and understanding. We look beyond the obvious and explore the operational and physical requirements of different spaces and how that can influence the design layout of the dwelling.

  • Each project is detailed and documented to the highest standard through superior knowledge of space planning, joinery construction techniques, and specific interior detailing. Sonya Cotter Design's high level of technical capability ensures the accuracy of all project documentation, allowing for ease of construction. Design documentation ensures that all parties understand and approve the proposed design before construction begins.

  • The studio works with clients to understand their needs for these hard-working spaces in the home. We offer full design and specification but can also oversee the project from start to finish. We produce detailed plans and elevations with 3D visuals for client approval.

    We have a longstanding relationship with bespoke cabinetmakers who turn our developed concepts into reality.

  • We pride ourselves on looking beyond the obvious and creating a unique and individual conceptual direction tailored to each project. Our knowledge and ability to access an extensive range of materials results in a level of finish to meet every client's expectations and sets our designs apart.

  • Our intention to create a unique interior is accentuated throughout the detailed styling of each project. Custom-designed furniture is layered with a selection of artwork, accessories and products, all complementing the client's existing pieces.

  • The studio strives to design well-considered, aesthetically driven pieces while not overlooking functionality. We regularly collaborate with local tradespeople and artisans to handcraft our furniture. Each piece can be customised to meld with existing or planned spaces.

Clifftop Home
Autumn 2021

 

What People Are Saying

“I can highly recommend Sonya Cotter for all your interior design, colour advice and kitchen design work. She was a dream to work with, especially as it was our first time building and we both work full time also. Sonya has an impeccable eye for style but also really considered all of our functionality requirements, particularly important in key areas such as the kitchen and living spaces.

We will build again and I will certainly be using Sonya when we do”

Tiffani Graydon

“1 had the pleasure of working with Sonya on a top-end project in Fisher Parade.

As the builder and project manager, it’s important to me that I get on with the designers and that they can deliver. Sonya has great ideas were easy to work with and gave me the answers I needed quickly. This keeps the job moving which is crucial at the thin end of the job

I would happily work with Sonya again in the future.”

Craig - Evolution Builders Ltd

“A new home is a daunting task and the scale of the decision-making on a remote farm build almost had me heading for the city and reneging on my dream abode. But Sonya made it all so easy for me. Once she knew my general preferences she honed in on cleverly curated recommendations like an expert sharpshooter finds a target. She made it so easy for me to simply select my personal favourite. It cut out hours of decision-making and days of trudging from one stockiest to the next. Sonya has it all sussed from lighting to paint colours, limestone tiles, bathroom fittings, curtains, furnishing and the kitchen Oh sweet lord the kitchen. I LOVE my kitchen and I am eternally grateful that Sonya gently coerced me (the only time) into the black stone bench top and its solid steel cradle. It is a memorable show-stopper and everyone marvels at it.

I’m excited to get to our beautiful new farmhouse each weekend and the moment I approach it I feel pleased and at ease.”

Deborah Pead, Pead PR

Contact

 
Find Interior Design Products Auckland
 
 

Think we might be a good fit for your upcoming project? Reach out — we’d love to talk details and see how we can help.

We have multiple models of engagement: We can work directly with individuals for private residences, partner with builders and contractors or simply be involved in the planning process.

If you have any questions or ideas, we’d be happy to schedule a consultation.

PHONE
Sonya Cotter : 021 802 587

EMAIL
INFO@SONYACOTTERDESIGN.CO.NZ