For many of us, the decor of our homes is the extension of our personal style. We spend hours curating just the right elements to enhance our living spaces and make our lives more comfortable.
For local home and design brand BAYA, providing beautiful accents that make it easy to do just that, is the goal. In two years it has made its mark on the interiors scene with a considered range of floor rugs, throws, and cushions.
“Our collection blends timeless craftsmanship with sustainable practices, creating pieces that elevate your space while supporting the planet,” explains BAYA’s head designer Hannah Middleton.
The range of indoor pieces feature handwoven and hand-dyed textiles, created in collaboration with artisans in India. A serene palate of earthy hues and gentle textural finishes informs the range.
“These pieces embody craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and ethical production, while supporting fair-wage employment and preserving traditional techniques,” Middleton says.
With a background in spatial design, the designer has used her experience to develop pieces that fit naturally into indoor and outdoor spaces, balancing aesthetics and functionality.
“I’ve always been inspired by various art forms, especially spatial design and architecture,” she says.
“These influences shape my approach because soft furnishings and art are meant to inhabit and transform spaces. I’m passionate about making art accessible, extending beyond what’s on the walls, and this vision directly influences my approach to soft furnishings. By integrating art into everyday objects, I aim to create environments where creativity and beauty are seamlessly woven into every detail.”
Colours are inspired by Aotearoa’s natural textures and landscapes.
It’s easy to see how the stylish pieces fit into a room, but with summer arriving, much of our living is done outdoors. Gathering to celebrate with friends is a common weekend endeavor, as is relaxing in the sun with a book, so styling up spaces were we socialise and chill out becomes a goal.
We asked Middleton to share her thoughts on the best ways to update our outdoor spaces this summer.
“As we embrace the outdoors more than ever, outdoor spaces are becoming an extension of our homes, offering comfort, style, and functionality,” says Middleton.
Here are some top trends Middleton sees shaping outdoor spaces this season:
Rugs
Adding an outdoor rug can define the space and create a cosy atmosphere. Rugs instantly elevate the design of outdoor areas and help ground all furniture.
Furniture
Invest in comfortable seating, such as an outdoor sectional or plush lounge chairs. These pieces transform your outdoor spaces into areas where you can relax and lounge all day.
Shade
With the increasing strength of UV rays, shade is more important than ever. Consider installing fixed shade options like pergolas or umbrellas to create a cool, shaded spot for relaxing during hot afternoons.
Outdoor Cushions
Plump cushions can make your seating area more inviting and comfortable, especially for long, relaxing summer evenings. Look for cushions made from PET or other high-quality outdoor materials, and always choose a poly fill for durability.
