Meet the Maker: Gem Boner
We’re delighted to introduce the brilliant Gem Boner, founder of Restaries, as the next in our Meet the Makers series. A true creative at heart, Gem has crafted a soulful retreat that blends relaxed luxury with thoughtful design, each detail designed to make guests feel instantly at home.
Her journey began with a deep love of hosting and a desire to create meaningful experiences. From a long-held dream to a beautifully realised vision, Restaries is the result of Gem’s intuitive approach to interiors and her reverence for the natural world.
In our Q&A, Gem shares the inspiration behind Restaries, her grounding design philosophy, and the quiet joy of creating spaces that invite comfort, creativity, and connection.
What inspired you to start Restaries, and how did the vision come to life?
I've always loved hosting events and making people feel special. It’s something that comes naturally to me and brings me a lot of joy. I’ve long dreamed of creating a space where I could craft bespoke moments and meaningful memories for others. Restaries was born from that passion—a place where I could truly pour my heart and soul into every detail and experience. And that vision is still evolving today, with every guest experience and detail thoughtfully considered.
How would you describe your approach to interiors – is there a common thread that runs through everything you create?
I'm inspired by everything around me, but with Restaries, nature really led the way. Mother Nature and her palette were our starting point—we wanted the space to feel grounded and respectful of the heritage of the grounds, while still allowing our personality to shine through. My approach is always about balance: creating spaces that feel both relaxed and elevated, comforting yet inspiring.
We worked with Design and That to bring these ideas to life. They helped us translate our vision into a space that feels both considered and expressive—somewhere people can feel at ease, yet creatively sparked.
Can you share a favourite corner or detail at Restaries that feels especially personal to you?
Like with kids, I know I’m not supposed to have favourites—but I absolutely love the Gate House. It’s such a calming, natural space—like walking into a hug. The huge arched window fills the room with light, the roll-top bath is a dream, and in the mornings, the alpacas often peek over the fence while you sip your coffee. Oh, and the hot tub? Even dreamier in the rain. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
Where do you find inspiration – are there particular people or places that spark ideas?
I find inspiration everywhere—whether it’s a space, a texture, a small detail, or even a feeling. I’m constantly observing and asking, What would our take on that be? or How could we do this better for our guests? I'm always thinking about ways to elevate the experience. Honestly, my brain never really switches off.