When internationally celebrated interior stylist Tim Neve takes on a project, you can expect more than just a stylish makeover - he creates environments that tell a story, stir emotions and spark imagination. His latest transformation at Hipwell Haus, a restored 100-year-old art deco warehouse in Newcastle, is no exception. This time, the story extends beyond walls and ceilings, spilling into a thoughtfully curated backyard sanctuary where design meets wellness.
At the heart of it all? A sleek, timber-clad Kiva Wellness 4-Person Rise Far-Infrared Sauna -ย the star of a dreamy outdoor retreat designed for pure relaxation.
ย
ย
ย
Where It All Began: A Creative Spark From Childhood
Timโs love affair with interiors began long before Hipwell Haus came to life.
โI was one of those kids who wanted to redesign their own bedroom growing up,โ Tim recalls. โI remember going to a furniture store and choosing a designer dining chair for my study desk instead of a regular office chair. I was so proud of that choice!โ
That early eye for form, function and flair has evolved into a global design career spanning two decades, with his work featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Living among others. Today, Tim is not only a sought-after stylist and design educator but also the visionary behind The Styling Department, his online classroom for up-and-coming creatives.
ย
ย
Why Kiva Wellness? A Match Made in Design Heaven
When Tim set out to complete the alfresco area of Hipwell Haus, the space needed more than just outdoor furniture -ย it needed soul.
โIt really was love at first sight when I saw the Kiva Wellness saunas,โ he says. โThereโs a lot on the market right now, but from a design point of view, Kiva Wellnessโsย saunas stood out immediately. The materials are simple, the lines are clean - theyโre versatile and can sit comfortably in almost any style of space.โ
Tim carefully chose the 4 Person Rise Sauna and paired it with Colorbondโs Night Sky cladding, creating a dramatic contrast that elevates the natural warmth of the Canadian Hemlock timber.
ย
From Backyard to Boutique Retreat
This wasn't just a functional install - it was a holistic design experience. Tim envisioned something that felt like a day spa at home. The sauna was only the beginning.
A copper outdoor shower, offering both hot and cold water, enhances the wellness ritual. Plush outdoor lounges provide the perfect post-sauna spot to recline. Clever, practical details, like a roll-down cafรฉ blind and easy power-point planning, make the whole setup as seamless as it is stylish.
โThe whole process was so smooth,โ Tim shares. โThe sauna arrived flat-packed and a local team had it built on-site in under an hour. I was amazed!โ
ย
Living the Lifestyle: Timโs Wellness Ritual
Tim admits he wasnโt always sure he was a โsauna person.โ That changed quickly.
โNow Iโm hooked! I love heading into the sauna for just 15 minutes, putting on a meditation, and tuning out. Wrapped in the warmth of the timber, itโs a sensory experience.โ
Kivaโs touchpad controls allow users to adjust the temperature, lighting and sound mid-session. With Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, and LED colour lighting, the sauna becomes a fully customisable escape. Timโs verdict? โItโs a relaxing little world of its own.โ
ย
Designing for Functionality and Flow
For Tim, the design isnโt just about aesthetics - itโs about creating functional spaces people actually use. Thatโs why the backyard at Hipwell Haus has been thoughtfully zoned for different moods and moments: a lounge area for slow mornings, a firepit circle for cozy evenings and the sauna sanctuary for daily renewal.
โPeople often struggle with making alfresco areas functional,โ he explains. โIf you donโt get it right, you just wonโt use it. I love creating outdoor โroomsโ that make you want to stay awhile.โ
His outdoor space now flows effortlessly into the interiors, with consistent textures and tones that blur the boundaries between inside and out. Itโs a true example of integrated design - where wellness doesnโt live in isolation but becomes part of the everyday.
ย
The Takeaway: Wellness Is a Design Element
Timโs collaboration with Kiva Wellness is a masterclass in how wellness can be designed into beautiful, functional spaces. ย Whether itโs a full-blown backyard transformation or a small step toward self care, the goal is the same- creating a home that nurtures body and mind.
โIโve learned so much from using the sauna regularly. Itโs not just about heat therapy - itโs about taking time to unwind, reset and feel good in your space,โ Tim says.
And thatโs something we could all use a little more of.
ย
Inspired to Create Your Own Sanctuary?
Whether youโre dreaming up your own alfresco retreat or starting small with daily rituals, Kiva Wellness is here to help you bring the vision to life.