Steven and Yuki’s Kumeu home is a warm, modern sanctuary where clean architecture meets natural materials and subtle Japanese influences. Designed by Michael Cooper Architects, the two-level house pairs crisp lines with cedar, light-filled spaces, and the timeless calm of engineered timber floors that anchor the entire interior.
From the moment you step inside, the flooring sets the tone. The natural timber adds warmth to the modern structure and creates a cohesive foundation for the couple’s aesthetic — a blend of oak furniture, soft tones, and Japanese-inspired simplicity. Their travels, especially to Japan, have shaped their appreciation for thoughtful materials and a calming, understated approach to design, something the timber floors echo beautifully.
When updating the home, the existing timber floors became the benchmark for every decision, especially when selecting their new wool carpet. Steven wanted something that brightened the space, complemented the timber, and maintained a sense of harmony. The final choice — a soft, linear sea-salt-toned wool — mirrors the straight, clean lines of the timber and enhances the home’s calming atmosphere.
For Steven, the floors are one of the most important elements in the house: durable, warm, and endlessly adaptable.
His advice for others choosing flooring is simple — trust the experts, test samples in your own light, and choose materials that will feel timeless as your style evolves. In their beautifully balanced home, the timber floors remain the quiet constant that ties everything together.
Homeowners: Steven & Yuki Floors
Installed By: North West Flooring Xtra
Photography: Olivia Pitcher
