OUR WORK
Projects that tell a story
A curated selection of residential and commercial projects across Palmerston North, Manawatu and beyond. Each one a unique collaboration between our studio and the people who live and work in these spaces.
SELECTED WORK
Residential & commercial projects across Palmerston North
A Sculpted Gathering
A quintessential modern new build in Palmerston North, designed concept to completion for a blended family. Centred around a pool that anchors the home's social heart, the design balances connection with independence across generous communal and private zones. The interiors are where the project truly comes alive - layered with pops of colour, sculptural curves, contrasting textures and moments of unexpected detail. A compelling demonstration of how considered design thinking and strategic material investment can achieve a high-end, bespoke outcome without relying on expensive finishes alone.
Lyndhurst Street
A dual-dwelling development in Palmerston North combining a compact 52m2 tiny home with a modernised 131m2 existing dwelling on a newly subdivided section. The tiny home features a pitched roof, mezzanine with skylight, attic truss storage and solar-ready design. The project navigated complex resource consent and subdivision requirements in collaboration with Pirie Consultants and Cresco Engineers, delivering a sustainable and functional living solution that respects the surrounding landscape.
Palmerston North Dream Home
A visionary 345m2 forever home concept for a blended family, set within expansive Palmerston North landscapes. Designed with separate wings for sleeping and entertainment, the U-shaped pavilion layout embraces a central pool and maximises northern solar gain while providing shelter from prevailing westerly winds. A sleek black exterior is complemented by fully integrated interior design, bespoke finishes and a discreetly positioned storage shed screened by natural tree lines.
Worchester Street
A residential bathroom renovation in Palmerston North that demonstrates the impact of considered material selection and spatial refinement in a compact space. Clean lines, quality tiling and carefully specified fixtures transform a dated bathroom into a refined, functional retreat.
Arts & Crafts
A sensitive renovation of a character Arts and Crafts home in Palmerston North, balancing the preservation of original period features with the introduction of contemporary living standards. The project demonstrates Emma Brown Design's ability to work with heritage residential architecture, updating the home's spatial arrangement, materiality and interior design while retaining its inherent character and charm.
Stanley Ave
A residential interior design and project management build on Stanley Avenue, Palmerston North. We coordinated both the design vision and construction delivery to transform the home's interior, managing trades and timelines to ensure a seamless renovation experience for the client.
Collingwood Street
The kitchen design maximised storage space, providing organised and accessible areas for all essentials while enhancing the aesthetic appeal. By reconfiguring the layout, we also established a harmonious connection between the kitchen and the living area, creating a natural flow that brought warmth and cohesion to the entire home.
Field Way
A residential interior renovation on Field Way, Palmerston North, bringing a fresh and cohesive design approach to an existing home. The project focuses on creating a relaxed, liveable interior that balances aesthetics with practicality, with careful attention to material selections and the integration of updated fixtures and finishes throughout.
Montgomery Terrace
A house is not a home until you bring who you are to the design and function of the spaces. Our clients at Montgomery Terrace have great taste and a strong desire to make their house into a really finely crafted home. Our design response brings a refined set of joinery solutions throughout the house to highlight their personality and allow their lifestyle to sing.
Glamour Nail & Beauty
Glamour Nail & Beauty Salon was designed around the idea of being transported to a pampering paradise. The client required an interior that provided a stark contrast to the exterior and masked the hustle and bustle outside. The design needed to ensure visibility from the street to attract spontaneous clients, while the spatial planning had to accommodate a kitchenette, accessible bathroom, two private beauty rooms, and dedicated areas for manicures, pedicures, and a client waiting area within a limited 76m² space. Through careful planning, we were able to meet all the client's needs.
The design emphasises the contrast between rough, raw materials and soft, elegant furnishings. We incorporated concrete plaster render and organic brick white-faced tiles, softened with boucle fabric on the waiting area chairs, soft pink sheer privacy curtains, and mushroom-coloured custom joinery.
Aranui Road
The bespoke kitchen and bar unit, while distinctly different in design, complement each other beautifully, transforming the spaces. The kitchen features sleek, contemporary elements that align with modern home trends, while the bar unit adds a unique touch that enhances the overall character of the home. Together, they create a harmonious and practical environment, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.
Magnolia lane
Emma Brown had several things she wanted to achieve in her second new build home. First, to create a spacious home better suited for her growing family. Secondly, to showcase design elements and styles that her clients could see and touch by experiencing them first-hand. But most importantly, she wanted a home that embodied everything about her style – a striking design with a homely feel.
Ready to bring your design vision to life?
The first step is a free 15-minute chat. No obligation. Just a conversation about what's possible.

