Home renovation: From tired and falling down to coastal dream

A neutral palette and timeless finishes were selected in this airy open-plan living area which was moved to sit at the north-west end of the house to take advantage of the winter sun. To modernise the existing dark brick, walls were plastered and painted in Dulux White on White, which enhances the sense of space and light throughout the house. An alcove for artworks was defined in Resene Paints Lumbersider Satin in Tapa which complements the ‘Strata’ sofa in Mokum ‘Ficus’ fabric from King Furniture and the replica George Nelson ‘Platform’ bench-cum-coffee table from Matt Blatt. The Australian landscape lithograph, Diptych, in the alcove is by David Rankin.

Glass was one of the biggest expenses of the renovation, yet with some tricks of the trade, savings were made. A big island bench was chosen to be the hub of the kitchen and as it was over 700mm-wide the cooker was far away enough from the glass that it didn’t need to be heat-treated, saving money. The island bench is topped with a slab of honed Bianco Carrara marble, with feature panels in Eveneer ‘Aged Oak’ timber veneer. An energy- and water-efficient Asko dishwasher, cooktop and Bosch over and rangehood were selected and came in a special package price.

Re-using old furniture and giving them a facelift helped to keep costs down and keep much-loved family items. A Parker couch was reupholstered in Mokum ‘Smara’ fabric, topped with cushions in Marimekko and Cloth fabric to give it new life.

To maintain an open airy feel in the master bedroom, a part-height divider wall separates the bed from the walk-in robe and ensuite, yet still enables natural light to filter through the space. Tuftmaster ‘Paragon Twist’ carpet from Master Kelwin Floors makes a soft contrast to the tiles and timber throughout the rest of the house.

Stealing the show is the ‘Bette Starlet’ bath from Rogerseller. The big tub is perfect for a long hot soak and coupled with the white walls and lush greenery outside adds tranquility to the room. A ‘Rombi’ stool by Join is the perfect height to keep a towel – or a glass of wine – close at hand while bathing.

The hardwood timber floors were one original element preserved in the house. Polished with a satin polyurethane finish, the floor’s patina reveals the home’s history. Sun has discoloured the timber in different areas which adds to the character of the house. A pair of 1950s Parker chairs were re-covered in charcoal felt.

The family wanted to keep everything ‘floating’ and streamlined in the ensuite to enhance the sense of space so opted for a suspended storage cabinet, a wall-mounted ‘Catalano C3 70’ washbasin from Rogerseller and a recessed shelf, in lieu of a vanity.