Condos
This Beauty Entrepreneur’s Auckland Loft Is Chic & Feminine
Published on May 5, 2021
When Jaimee Lupton moved into this one-bedroom heritage loft in Auckland, New Zealand, with her partner Nick Mowbray in June 2019, they were on the cusp of launching a haircare brand that would take the internet by storm. Monday, which became available in Canada earlier this year, is known for its Instagram-worthy millennial pink packaging, luxurious formulas and affordable prices. So, it’s no surprise that its cool-girl aesthetic translated into Jaimee and Nick’s 1,240-square-foot apartment. See how the couple added their own modern touches to the historic interior, like punchy artwork and sleek furniture, along with subtle pops of pink. Scroll down!
Jaimee’s apartment is located in the Endeans Building which was built in 1915 and sits right on Auckland’s waterfront. “The apartment itself was a beautiful blank canvas,” says Jaimee. “It’s light-filled with 12-foot ceilings and a wrought iron window overlooking the harbour, wharf and the beautiful old ferry building.”
The living and dining space are open concept. Above the couch hangs one of Jaimee’s favorite art pieces by Sydney-based artist Vicki Lee. “It’s an abstract floral shot she created with husband, photographer Ted O’Donnell,” explains Jaimee.
Jaimee added an oversized mirror to the dining area to help give the illusion of extra space. The candelabra is from Simon James Design. The dining table was custom made and serves as a shared desk for Jaimee and Nick when they’re working from home. “The light and view feels invigorating, and the space is calm and quiet, which helps me feel grounded while I’m working,” says Jaimee.
“We made the most of the sweeping ceilings with suspended pendant lights from Simon James,” says Jaimee. “Lamps would have taken up precious floor space.”
Two abstract prints hang above a sleek bar cart. “They’re from an artist I discovered on the street in New York,” says Jaimee. “I was walking along and I spotted them straight away. The tones and colors work perfectly in the space.”
The floors were originally a dark oak parquet, but the couple had them whitewashed prior to moving in “to match our furniture and art and make the space feel even more light and open,” explains Jaimee.
Jaimee and Nick admit that they’re not big on cooking, but this monochromatic kitchen is a great spot to gather. “We added a marble benchtop to make a centrepiece that we could entertain around.”
There’s a glass wall that separates the living area from their bedroom. “It’s only Nick and I who live here so privacy isn’t really an issue, and we wanted to retain the feeling of spaciousness,” says Jaimee.
Another Vicki Lee artwork holds pride of place in the bedroom. “My works from Vicki bring me so much joy,” says Jaimee. “I’m a little obsessed. Hers was one of the first pieces I bought for myself, and now I have five others.”
The bathroom is next on their home renovation list. “I’d really love to do a Monday-inspired bathroom with pink hues, soft marble and gentle curves — taking inspiration from our bottle,” says Jaimee.
Simon Wilson