Q&A: Meet award-winning renovator Isis Winter

Over the past 10 years, Isis Winter has completed 24 full-scope renovation projects across the country.

The newest member of the MasterStroke By Resene team is Isis Winter, an Arrowtown-based project manager, interior designer and prolific renovator who buys, refreshes and sells property. Last year she also won the Resene Renovation of the Year Award.

Over the past 10 years, she’s completed 24 full-scope renovation projects across the country, from run-down rentals to large-scale lifestyle estates. Lately she’s started sharing the behind-the-scenes of my work with her online community.

We chatted to Isis about her style, inspiration and career highlights, and picked her brain for the best home renovating tips.

How did your journey into interiors begin?

I know a lot of interior lovers will relate to this: I moved often growing up and every time I’d redesign my new room, so that’s definitely where the spark was lit. I’ve always been deeply affected by my surroundings. Beautiful spaces lift and inspire me, while messy, thoughtless or poorly designed ones throw me off completely. When I started working in property, it all clicked. I’d found the perfect blend of creativity and commercial strategy – bringing beauty and function together in a way that just made sense.

How would you describe your style?

I’m a bit of a chameleon, always adapting to suit the architecture. But at heart, I’m a traditionalist. I gravitate toward timeless design and classic detailing, so I’m thrilled to see this coming back into vogue. The days of everything ‘beige’ are well and truly over!

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Travel is a big one – boutique hotels, alpine lodges and old European villas are my design happy place. I also take a lot of inspiration from my natural surroundings, particularly where I live in Central Otago.

This Kent Street transformation was one of the properties that helped Isis win the Resene Renovator of the Year Award at the New Zealand Property Investors Federation Awards. House painted in Resene Element.

Tell us about your Diploma in Interior Design

It felt like I could finally put a name to the ‘thing’ I’d been drawn to since I was little. I also gained the technical skills to support my instincts, which drastically improved the professionalism of my work.

What sets you apart from others?

I love spreadsheets and numbers. What most people don’t see is the financial strategy behind every project. A lot of people can renovate, but doing it on time, within budget and creating a profitable asset? That’s an art.

What do you love about the renovation process?

I live for a good before-and-after photo. Plus the process is full of contrast – one day I’m wearing my comfies at the computer pulling together mood boards and budgets, the next, I’m on-site in a Stoney Creek jacket with the tradies, and then I’m styling and shooting in something chic. It’s never dull and I love that.

What’s been your biggest career highlight?

Winning the Resene Renovation of the Year Award was a definite standout. It felt like recognition not just for the design itself, but for the layers of strategy and commercial viability woven into the project.

What has been your favourite project?

The White Lodge was a renovation of a large rural estate – 450m2 of home on 1.7ha of land. A true labour of love, completely exhausting at times but deeply rewarding. It was an absolute joy to transform – and to live in afterwards!

And the most challenging?

Orchard Cottage, our current family home in Arrowtown, is well and truly in the planning stages of a significant renovation. It’s stretching me both creatively and technically, as I’m incorporating ideas we rarely see executed locally. Watch this space…

The White Lodge before (left) and after, painted in Resene Black White.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way?

Success is in the planning. Plan the purchase. Plan the design. Plan the scope, the budget (and contingency!) and the schedule. Renovations will always throw curveballs, but thoughtful planning gives you the best chance of staying calm and on track. Do I nail my plan every time? Definitely not! It’s a lesson I keep learning, project after project.

How do you engage with your online community?

I share the real process, before and after photos, renovation hacks and styling inspiration. I try to be honest and helpful but still make it easy on the eye.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Show up. Show up when it’s hard. Show up when you don’t feel like it. Show up today and tomorrow will take care of itself.

What’s on the horizon for 2025?

Completing Orchard Cottage, my most personal and ambitious project to date.
Launching my new website as a central place for design advice, renovation guides and behind-the-scenes content.
Events! I’ve recently started speaking and love connecting with others who share this passion. Next up, I’ll be presenting at the NZ Property Investors Federation on buying.

The White Lodge outdoor living before (left) and after, painted in Resene Black White.

What do you love about working with Resene products?

Resene has been with me from the very beginning. It’s a trusted Kiwi brand with consistently great colours, excellent performance and staff who know their stuff.

Favourite Resene colour?

Tough one – it changes daily. Today, it’s Resene Sambuca.

Favourite Resene product?

It may not be sexy, but Resene Sureseal is my secret weapon. It’s brilliant for sealing tricky surfaces like brick, stained walls or watermarks, and gives you the perfect foundation for a flawless finish.

The White Lodge entrance before (left) and after, painted in Resene Half Black White.

Isis’ top five budget-friendly tips for home renovators:

Mood board: Define your style (e.g. Modern Organic, Industrial Lodge, Bohemian Chic) and collect visuals for each space. It helps you achieve a cohesive, designer finish.
Scope of work: Write a detailed, room-by-room list of all the things to do (by room or trade). This helps with accurate budgeting, quoting and scheduling.
Get three quotes: For anything over $3000, get at least three quotes. It’ll force you to clarify your scope and allow you to compare pricing and professionalism.
Don’t be afraid of colour: White can feel ‘safe’ but it’s often the most forgettable. A thoughtful colour palette adds interest and depth to a design for the same cost.
Smart upgrades: You don’t always need to extend or rearrange floor plans to get an amazing result. Some of my favourite lower-cost upgrades include:
- Replacing switchgear.
- Adding recessed LED downlights.
- Installing mouldings (skirtings, panelling, scotia).
- Choosing custom window furnishings over ready-made.
- Adding built-ins using low-cost materials (e.g. v-groove ply, flat pack cabinetry).
- Installing new internal doors (and hardware) in a colour.

Isis cites winning the Resene Renovator of the Year Award for her work transforming what was described as “two unappealing Queenstown Airbnbs into a winning investment”, as a career highlight.