About
The Story Behind the Studio
Hi, I’m Dayna. I’m an Interior Designer with a love for traditional soul and the bravery to step outside the "white box" norm.
My journey didn’t start in a design school, it started on a construction site. While building my own homes, I went searching for inspiration that resonated with me. I visited show-home after show-home, only to be met with a sea of clinical white walls and minimalist "trends" that felt cold and hollow. My first build ended up white but with a big splash of botanical wallpaper.
My next build I envisioned something entirely different, the texture of panelled walls, the depth of bold dark colours, the storied feel of vintage florals, and the unexpected charm of a painted ceiling. I’d seen it in magazines, I’d seen it on tv, I wanted to live in it myself.
From Vision to Reality
Through hours of research and a lot of gut instinct, I brought that vision to life. Today, I live in the kind of home I used to only dream about, a home filled with rich, moody colours and rustic touches.
I realised three things during that process:
Creating a home with true character is a challenge when the world only offers you "white-on-white."
Ignore the constant ‘you can’t do thats’ and the ‘we don’t do it that way’, there is always a way.
Having someone in your corner to offer a bit of "hand-holding" and a boost of confidence makes all the difference.
Why Raw. Mood. Studio?
I founded this studio to be the partner I wish I’d had. My philosophy is built on the balance of the Raw—the honest, natural materials like timber and stone—and the Mood—the layers of textiles and lighting that make a room feel like a sanctuary.
I’m not here to follow the crowd. Whether we are honouring the clean lines of Mid-Century Modern or the timeless weight of Traditional Design, my goal is to help you find your own "unapologetic" style.
Let’s Be Brave Together
Stepping away from the "standard" doesn’t have to be scary. Whether it’s choosing chunky mouldings over skinny skirtings or swapping roller blinds for heavy, floor-to-ceiling drapes, I’ll be there to guide you.
I believe your home should be a personal reflection of you—a place that feels warm, lived-in, and loved. Let’s create something together. Let’s create a space that finally feels like home.
New Zealand