Real Life with Rhino: Inside a Grand Designs NZ Luxury Home

Every element of an architecturally designed home should contribute to the overall vision—and flooring is no exception. Beyond aesthetics, the right carpet brings warmth, comfort and texture, creating inviting spaces that feel as good as they look.

Featured on Grand Designs NZ, The Three Chimneys is a striking Martinborough home where no detail has been overlooked. We spoke with homeowners Sally and Tim Roach about why Rhino Memphis was the perfect choice for the bedrooms and media room, and how it's delivered the comfort, durability and timeless style they were looking for.

What qualities were you looking for when selecting carpet for The Three Chimneys?

We wanted a carpet that immediately made the house feel warm and welcoming while still looking refined enough for luxury accommodation. Comfort was incredibly important because we wanted guests to feel relaxed from the moment they arrived. At the same time, it needed to be durable, stain resistant and easy to maintain.

What was it about the colour, texture or overall feel of Rhino Memphis that appealed to you?

Rhino Memphis Weathered Plank struck the perfect balance. The colour has a beautiful natural warmth that complements the timber, stone and neutral tones throughout the house without dominating the spaces. The texture feels luxurious underfoot, which is something visitors regularly comment on, while also having enough depth to disguise the little marks that inevitably come with everyday living. It feels timeless rather than following a passing trend.

How did carpet fit into your overall vision for the interiors of The Three Chimneys?

The Three Chimneys was designed to be a place where people could slow down and unwind, so creating warmth and comfort was central to every design decision. The carpet plays a big role in softening the interiors and making the bedrooms feel warm and inviting. It helps balance the harder natural materials used elsewhere in the home and creates a sense of understated luxury throughout.

Now that you've lived with the carpet, what stands out most about it?

The biggest surprise has been how well it continues to look despite regular use. It still feels as soft and luxurious as when it was first installed, and it’s been remarkably easy to keep looking fresh.

Most importantly, it’s very easy to clean when there have been spills, which gives real peace of mind in a busy home.

Can you share your experience working with Carpet Court?

Danielle from the Carpet Court Masterton was incredibly patient and helpful. We were working under tight deadlines due to overseas visitors arriving for our son’s wedding, and the Carpet Court team were very accommodating in helping us meet those timeframes.

The team took the time to understand the look we were trying to achieve and guided us through the options without making the process overwhelming. Their advice was practical and thoughtful, communication was excellent, and the installation was completed to a very high standard. It was a genuinely smooth and enjoyable process.