About us
A story worth sharing
Established in 2016 in Wanaka, New Zealand, The Workroom traces its beginnings back to the sun-soaked veranda of an Italian vineyard. Admiring the story-steeped style adorning the villa around her, our Owner and Director Anna Baxter decided she needed to bring the best of what she’d discovered abroad, back to the wild beauty of her adopted hometown.
Assembling a team of design experts just as inspired, they got to work building a studio that would specialise in considered spaces, curated with care for each client. From the first in-store impression to interior designs that leave a lasting one, our space is an experience — designed to transform yours.
A space worth visiting
The 100-year-old cottage in the heart of Wanaka, and the new home of The Workroom.
With deep respect for its heritage and a fierce commitment to retaining the old cottage's character, renovations began in early 2023. Gently enhancing the structure with her now-signature style, by summer, the studio had become the design house it is today. Internationally influenced, locally inspired, a space specialising in curating ones as original as their owners — and as striking as their surroundings.
Retail space
Interior Design Sample lounge
Blooms
What we offer
Interior solutions designed for a more personal space — and style. We specialise in bespoke and beautiful arrangements, from bouquets to living room furniture. Working alongside you to form, and paint, the bigger picture, we also curate the finer details to frame it.
Assembling a community of skilled artisans and tradespeople, our network ensures each project is executed to perfection. Inspired by international trends and our clients' individual styles, we weave together personal narratives with an artful aesthetic.
Our Interior Design Sample Lounge
The Bloom Room
Artfully arranged each morning by our master florists, our blooms can be collected in-store, delivered locally on the same day, or custom-created for weddings and special occasions. Understanding that time is as precious as the moments we’re entrusted with, we offer personal consultations to deliver an bespoke experience in the studio — and on your special day.
The Hearth to Home Boutique
The pieces that make our projects; from books to bespoke furniture, to bedding, tableware, and pottery. From the heart of our space to yours, welcome to everything that makes home, home.
Our Team
Our team of interior experts oversee every aspect of the design process, from the initial concept to curation to the final polish. Piece-by-piece, from the bigger picture to the finer details, we specialise in spaces as original as their owners.
Anna Baxter
Director & Interior DesignerBehind the Design
Driven by a steady hand and a meticulous eye for detail, Anna Baxter is not just the Director of The Workroom— she’s the hands and heart too. Not only an award-winning creative, but a leader who takes pride in bringing a vision to fruition, she has been instrumental in building The Workroom since its inception in 2016.
The Art of Balance
Outside of the work(room), she embraces the local lifestyle, beginning her days with Pilates or a run with her dog, and always complemented by an almond flat white afterwards.
Her inspiration:
Wanaka’s countryside in summer
Travelling through Europe
Anemones and single-species bunches
Illy Sadowski-Synnott
Junior Florist, Retail & Interiors AssistantBehind the Arrangement
The perfect blend of creativity and practicality, Illy’s passion stems from how she can bring spaces to life — and a new light. Designing bouquets as intimate as the occasions she’s entrusted with, her devotion ensures that even after the flowers have faded — the memories never will.
The Art of Balance
Making time to stop and smell the roses, when she’s not arranging them, there’s a reservation at Paloma, and a Malfy Grapefruit Gin & Tonic, with her name on it.
Her inspiration:
Every sight Wanaka has to offer
Country-style, rustic, and muted colour palettes
Hellebore and made-to-order bouquets
Dayna Eldridge
Head FloristBehind the Arrangement
Floristry is the art by which nature and creativity intertwine and, in Dayna’s case, it paints an appreciation of how nature’s gifts can be tended to by her hands — to evoke joy long after leaving them. Her hand-crafted arrangements express the emotions and connections for which words cannot because, for her, a bouquet is worth a thousand.
The Art of Balance
Embracing home sweet homemade, she starts her day with a granola at home before drinking in the view of Wanaka, and a matcha at Curbside Coffee & Bagels.
Her inspiration:
Wanaka’s mountains and lakes
Living by the motto, ‘walk softly’
Big trailing bar arrangements and Belladonna Delphinium
Maddison Halcrow
Retail ManagerBehind the Counter
In her element when in good company, Madison’s charismatic and empathetic nature grows meaningful connections — and cultivates lasting ones. When she isn’t delivering embracing welcomes or acting as a source of optimism for the team, she’s across every detail — and meeting them to a letter.
The Art of Balance
When the studio is left in someone else's capable hands, she has her hands full strolling along the river track with her dog, Fred, and a coffee in the other.
Her inspiration:
Wanaka’s dreamy, winter mornings
Old English country interior designs
Poppies and wildflowers
Nicole Ruske
Interior DesignerBehind the Design
For Nicole, every day brings new inspiration and opportunities to bring homes and people
closer together. With an eye for transforming spaces, and another for how the environment
interacts with them, she curates each design to ensure a personalised fit — for purpose.
The Art of Balance
Whether you find Nicole playing basketball, cooking her signature weekend breakfast, or
lifeguarding at the Wanaka pool, she’s always finding joy in life’s simplest pleasures.
Her inspiration:
Biophilic and natural designs inspired by Wanaka’s nature.
Mixing textures and colour to bring life to spaces.
How interior elements can be elevated by architectural ones.
Allandra Richmond
Retail Store and e commerce Sales AssociateBehind the Counter
Allandra thrives in the company of others, where her warmth, friendliness, and approachable nature create genuine connections. Her positive energy lifts the spirits of those around her. When she’s not greeting customers with a smile or offering encouragement to the team, she’s focused on the details — ensuring everything flows smoothly and effortlessly.
The Art of Balance
When the shop is in the capable hands of others, Allandra finds peace in quiet moments, taking leisurely strolls along the lake. It’s her perfect way to unwind and appreciate the simple pleasures life has to offer.
A Change of Pace
Originally from Canada, Allandra has come to New Zealand for a rewarding overseas experience. With a background in Counselling & Psychology, this change of pace gives her the opportunity to reconnect with the small things and enjoy the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasure of reading a good book. A cheerful and easy-going spirit, she draws inspiration from gardening and slow, peaceful mornings.
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