Tell us about your work

I have run a consultancy company called Mission Impossible for the past five years. I take on the ‘to do’ list of busy business owners. Take the stress away by re-organising their businesses, the way they run their admin etc. Many of these people are trying to do too many roles so I show them how they can outsource, or reorganise to make their lives better and their companies run more efficiently.

How would you describe your personal style?

Everyone who comes to my house says it’s homely. I like my house to look lived in and cosy, to make people feel at home and comfortable. I have old leather couches and paintings that are colourful and abstract, also signs that say ‘indulge’, relax’ and ‘laugh’. I don’t like a lot of black.

What is your favourite colour and why?

Dark royal blue. My eyes are blue, I’ve always been into blue. I love water, so this colour represents a place I like to be the most – in the water, swimming. It’s a colour that has depth but also warmth.

What is your favourite decorating colour or combination of colours and why?

When I decorate I tend to go for earthy and natural colours. I have a photo wall and collect antiques so I need colours that I can put a lot of different items with and which will match a lot of colours – a nice subdued background.

Have those choices changed during the years? If so, what influenced that? I have always liked earthy colours which was perhaps influenced by my mum who was a property developer. She used earthy creams and stone colours, which let anyone who walked into a property feel they could make it their own with accent colours and accessories.

Is there a colour you would never use in your own home?

I would never use orange. It’s just not a colour I’m drawn to nor would I ever wear it. It’s funny though, because we used orange on the Resene challenge on The Apprentice.

What are your three favourite colours from Resene’s new The Range 2011/12, and why?

Resene Jumpstart because it has a rich, leathery feel. Resene Bluegrass because it has an earthy tone but would lift up any room. Resene True Blue because it represents my favourite colour.