Description:

This 1930’s bungalow was a modest family home which was passed from one generation to the next. The new young family wanted to refresh the home and having lived for the previous 10 years moving from country to country with their work in competitive sailing, they were keen to create a space that they could settle into and base themselves long-term. Situated on a large north facing site in Remuera, the house was well maintained but needed to be modernised to reflect the personalities and needs of the new inhabitants. The client briefing provided an opportunity to design a large extension and renovation to bring the bungalow into the present and create an urban sanctum.

As a busy, working family, the clients were wanting to extend the home to create spaces where they could work, live and play together or apart. The existing house was to be given far better sun penetration and light -- especially the hallway. They were wanting a new master bedroom plus en-suite. In addition to the kitchen and open lounge they were wanting a formal living and dining room for entertaining. An elegant powder room was to be created for guests. There also needed to be a provision for work from space.

In terms of aesthetics, they were passionate about mid-century furniture and wanted a mix of colours, a touch of Hollywood glam and a nod to the heritage values of the home.

We were to create different feelings and moods within each room, but making sure that they sat well with one another. Drawing from the natural aesthetics of dark and stormy oceans, room colours range from light to darker shades which contrast with the use of rich timbers, polished brass and veined marbles. By using various tones from the blue and neutrals palette across all rooms we have created a calm yet modern interior that sets the scene where the clients’ art, textiles and accessories shine.

The choice of materials support the design of this home and were used as a common thread throughout the house to tie rooms together. To embrace the mid-century modern style that the clients love, walnut was the chosen timber to repeat throughout the house and link areas. From the entrance way and master bedroom where the walnut is battened and French polished through to the powder room and the kitchen where it is crown cut. To include Hollywood glam, brass was used as an accent piece and repeated through rooms via mirrors, lighting, handles and tapware. Marble with strong veining was used in the kitchen and bathrooms to create drama and a luxe statement. The heritage values of the home were highlighted in the lead light windows and wall panelling, the verticality of which was repeated in the use of finger tiles in all bathrooms.

The outcome of this design is a modernised home which has a variety of spaces with different moods and feelings to create the ultimate at home sanctuary for its inhabitants.