Ben Lewis says he learned about the industry from his grandfather, who ran a furniture business.
Inspired by his grandfather’s furniture business Ben Lewis designed his first sofa at 14. Now the Christchurch-based interior designer is making waves internationally, recently winning the prestigious Australasia Regional Award in the SBID (Society of British International & Interior Design) awards.
He has been a finalist for this SBID International Design Award eight years in a row, and the Harewood project featured below saw him take top honours. However, he has won other awards in his run-up to the top. Lewis and his brother Hamish Lewis founded Trenzseater 20 years ago, following a vision Ben had to fulfil a niche in the market for custom-made luxury furniture and interior design.
Ben Lewis is general manager and head interior designer of the manufacturing and importing business that has three stores in New Zealand. He says being brought up in the industry meant he was frequently visiting his grandfather’s furniture factory and was continually exposed to great design.
“I was inspired by his drive and passion for manufacturing some of the finest furniture in New Zealand,” Lewis says. “The first sofa I designed that went into production when I was 14, was just the start.”
His prize-winning project was a total house “refresh” for longstanding clients who had just bought a house that was around 10 years old. And by “refresh”, Lewis means replacing everything, including the flooring, wall coverings, paint, furniture, furniture and lighting. However, the beautiful marble kitchen and bathrooms were retained.
“The interior was rather dated,” Lewis says. “It needed a bit of a lift to bring it up to date. I have done lots of projects for these clients, so I am familiar with their tastes and styles. “The interior has quite a distinctive look, classic and timeless. It is not something that will have a date stamp on it. But it’s also practical. We wanted to make sure the clients can live in it and not be too precious about it.”
The long hallway was designed for the all-important first impression. Black seagrass wallpaper features on the wall that has a large painting – the covering was chosen to better showcase the art, which is reflected in a huge mirror behind a console. “We customised the mirror so it extends down below the console, reflecting not only what is on the console, but also what is beneath. It helps to visually widen the rather narrow entryway, and we accentuated the space with a long runner from Finland.” The console features Kelly Wearstler marble table lamps, and a bronze Lonely Dog sculpture from Queenstown sculptor Ivan Clarke.
The Trenzseater chairs are covered in a Ralph Lauren fabric. In the living room, there are custom sofas and a custom coffee table, plus a Trenzseater bench seat. The leather chairs from Italy feature walnut frames. Other highlights include beautiful pendant lights above the dining table. Imported from Venice, the metal lights have gold leaf interiors.
The Trenzseater dining table is teamed with Koki dining chairs and bar stools from Desalto. And the rug is from Limited Editions. Lewis says classic detailing has become a signature style. “I am continuously inspired by design, architecture and classic furniture. I also enjoy and find inspiration in fashion, art, antiques, and natural materials – the unique, classic quality in marble and stone, and the character you get from solid timbers.
Clients want to see something that looks real and natural.” The designer loves to layer his interiors with contrasting textural elements that add interest and personality. Lewis lives in Christchurch with wife Vicky and four children, but he frequently visits the other showrooms in Auckland and Queenstown.
The family has a holiday home in Akaroa, and the designer says it’s important when you lead a busy and important work career that you have balance. He has one message for people thinking of updating their home interiors: “There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart – pursue those.”
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