Your Home and Garden June 2022

H CAPTION HEADING Doloribero quossuntus dolorepel mil illaboris restis aliquuntiat velesti oreius ut doloreium enis minvenis quaectatis accus sametum simus plaut eum vel illicia speribu scidele cae volestrum eatem quisAtem nem rest atem sit, velent venditatque quaerro cus eribeatias molo beatur, totatur? from a seaside market. He’s referred to as “Great Uncle travel adventures. Her foraging started out with shells from Festus” with a wink to enquiring guests. The living room beaches in the islands, but once the kids were independent, is a constant curiosity shop – a delight in every glance, the dynamic duo went on weeks-long motorcycle tours of the a memory in every step. US, Canada and Italy, where Delwyn would put small treasures in the side saddlebag of her bike. “What some people might “I’m a vegetarian and I don’t eat meat, but I love animal consider rubbish, I deem as decor.” hides,” Delwyn laughs. These soft furnishings drape luxuriously over the chairs, including an iconic secondhand The real estate agent’s best home hack stems from her love Paul Frankl cane chair. “You should have seen the look on for cushions. “Go to a couple of op-shops and look for feather my husband’s face when I came home with that.” inners, which you can often pick up for around a dollar,” advises Delwyn. “Don’t look at the cover of the cushion, you The living room flows to the modern monochrome can swap them out for nicer covers.” She loves to change these kitchen, the nucleus of daily life. A thick wooden benchtop soft furnishings, even lending some to clients. was encouraged by the couple’s love of chunky, natural products “because wood never dates”. With the exception While cushions come and go, the house has remained of the herringbone splashback, which has changed three largely the same over the years thanks to the classic design times, much of the space has remained the same since the choices. There’s some small work to be done to lower the renovation. “The kitchen is the hub of the home, so when front gate to improve kerb appeal, but for the most part we have parties, a lot of people comment that they feel like Delwyn and Craig are content with their coastal oasis. “As a they’re on holiday or that they’ve escaped somewhere.” family, we had moved five times before planting ourselves here,” they say. A move is always possible in the future, but the A collector’s paradise pair plan to never sell this home due to its blissful seaside location. “It’s nice to be settled and now feel at home.” Delwyn is the first to admit she isn’t a follower of trends. “I like to think that all my treasured items, no matter what size and how insignificant they are, tell a story that has a meaning or invokes a certain feeling,” she admits. “I wouldn’t just go out and buy a couch, I would rather have no couch until I find the right one or the right one finds me.” The result is a collection of repurposed and op-shopped treasures from all corners of the globe, thanks to Delwyn and Craig’s many YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 51

SHOP THEIR STYLE Prized possessions collected from travels over the years enrich this house and give it a boho air 2 1 3 5 6 7 4 9 10 8 11 1 Botanical print, $95, from French Country. 2 Madam Stoltz cotton runner, $169, from Home Love & Mette K. 3 Mexican clay cross, $129, from Made in Mexico. 4 Raffia wall hanging, $85, from Ohaupo Beach Club. 5 Resene Biscay paint, $4.90 (testpot), from ColorShops. 6 Resene Macau 21424 wallpaper, $219.95 (per roll), from ColorShops. 7 Cycas revoluta plant, $79.99 (5L), from Kings Plant Barn. 8 Kunti shell necklace, $249, from Republic Home. 9 Palms velvet cushion, $47, from Spotlight. 10 House Doctor Juno vase, $94, from Home Love & Mette K. 11 Buddha head, $99, from World of Decor. 52 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H Floor plan KEY 1 Entrance 9 6 2 2 Office 4 1 3 Bedroom Honesty box 4 TV room 8 3 5 Bathroom What areas of your renovation 6 Dining did you save on? The old garage 7 3 7 Kitchen looked like it didn’t belong on 5 8 Family living the property, but we managed to 9 Courtyard keep it by recladding with black 10 Main bedroom stained Shadowclad and rough- 11 Walk-in sawn cedar rainscreen siding over the top. wardrobe Splurge on? High-end cabling and sound system provisions, 12 Ensuite which we’ve never used as we 13 Laundry prefer our ’70s record player 14 Scullery and big, old speakers. We also 15 Garage bought top-quality carpet, which is still like new. 10 11 Best lessons learned? Allow for 12 extras such as blending new into 13 14 existing older, wonky ‘40s walls. 15 We ended up having to reline some areas. well. He also made an artwork for What would you never do again? us that is still on the lounge wall. My husband jokes that we would It is made from the old wooden never reno again and would boards pulled out when we were in build new, but I know he likes the demo stage. He enjoyed the odd decorative ceilings and rimu floors surf or swim on his breaks, too. as much as I do. reliabuild.co.nz Any renovation or DIY disasters? Trying to live in the house while Shopping building. We washed dishes in a bathtub and had the washing Plantation Design Store The machine set up in the back yard grasscloth wallpaper, patterned with an outdoor shower. cushions, beach and tropical oil What’s the one thing you would painting on the wallpapered wall. change, if you could? We have plantationdesignstore.co.nz changed the splashback a couple Home Love & Mette K and of times as tastes have changed. Mee O Mi Cushions. We’re loving the black tiles in the homelovemettek.co.nz; herringbone pattern, it’s classic meeomi.co.nz and shouldn’t date. The hall is Koko Classics Bar stools, chairs narrow, but we can’t change that, in lounge, cowhide, fire pit and it is what it is. Other than that, we antler light in main bedroom. love our home. kokoclassics.co.nz What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had in your Palette 3 home? Always our social gatherings. We love family and 12 friends dropping in to visit or celebrating with us. it’s a very 1 Resene Wan White. 2 Black subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern for social house, the flow really helps. kitchen splashback. 3 Blue-grey bathroom wallpaper imported from UK. Contacts YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 53 Builder Russell Henderson, Reliabuild Ltd. It’s great to have a local builder who understands us

DINING The dining chairs are from Cult Auckland and are super practical when you have young grandchildren. The recycled matai dining table was made by a former neighbour in Cambridge and holds many cherished memories for Gaelene and Howard Falconer. The replica Moooi Heracleum round series suspension light looks stunning above the table. 54 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H An elevated section in the Bay of Plenty’s Te Puna hills, with its distant views to the sea, was the perfect spot for a spacious new build FALCONERS’ NEST Text Holly Jean Brooker Photography Alice Veysey YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 55

Meet & greet Gaelene (facilitator for Look Good Feel Better), and Howard Falconer (commercial property developer). For ex-farmers, Gaelene and Howard Falconer, a move to Tauranga in 2014 was a lifestyle change the hard-working couple was ready for. After many years farming, then more recently owning a large lifestyle block and property in Cambridge, they were ready to downsize and refocus their energies on building something new. Their priorities for a section were clear. “We weren’t used to having neighbours close to our home, so having space and elevation with a good view was important. We were used to seeing cows, not houses,” says Gaelene. The hunt begins While the hunt was on for the perfect piece of land, the adventurous couple took a few months off to go sightseeing and skiing in Europe, which offered plenty of time to gain perspective about this next phase of life. It took six months to find the magic spot – an elevated section in the Te Puna hills looking out over Tauranga with views to Whakaari/White Island and Slipper Island, while being close enough to their four children and eight grandchildren. The steep section had enough land for gardens, without being too much space to maintain. But first, a tiny home While they built this new home, Howard turned his hand to transforming a couple of 12 metre shipping containers into a two-bedroom semi-permanent home to live in. “We’d been renting while land hunting and decided to save rental costs during the build by living in a tiny house on the site. We planned to live there for a year, but it turned into three,” Gaelene explains. While the best-laid plans don’t always pan out, there’s always a silver lining. Howard reflects: “The area is prone to slips, and the geotech (ground engineering) was a lengthy process. It took a good year to get started on the build due to the consent process, then a further two years to build.” “The mud and dirt and mess was pretty crazy,” chips in Gaelene. “But we both loved this season in our life, it was genuinely a learning experience. We’d always lived in lovely, comfortable homes, and during this build we were

H ENTERTAINER’S DREAM The walk-in pantry features open shelving to display Gaelene’s crockery collection and cookbooks. LIGHT AND EASY (opposite) The dowel pendant lights above the kitchen island are by Tim Webber. The benchtop is Silestone Calacatta Gold engineered stone. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 57

MADE BY HAND Large concrete blocks feature throughout the house and look particularly striking in the main entrance with the antique storage box, which was bought 30 years ago. “Howard made one block each day, then we rusticated them to get them a little rougher to suit our style,” says Gaelene. TV ROOM (opposite) This cosy area off the main family room was built with the grandchildren in mind, but it has become a space the couple also enjoy using in the evenings to unwind. 58 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H jumping around living in different using Howard’s practical skills to rental properties, and then a tiny build the house himself. Having little space. It was hard at times, trained as an aircraft electrical especially when we were looking engineer before moving into farming after grandkids in a small space. when the couple got married, his But we all got to love it. Our kids practical, get-it-done mentality meant always say, ‘Home is where Mum he was ideally suited to the project. and Dad are’.” “I remember him at 22, building The design the dairy shed on his dad’s farm,” recalls Gaelene. “He has always The vision for the design was for renovated our houses, and lately, he’s a Black Barn-like, family-friendly developed commercial properties. contemporary home, focused around Howard has to make everything. four gabled pod sections. The In fact, it’s a running joke in our three-bedroom, three-bathroom family that whenever the kids house is connected with flat sections, want something, they say, ‘Dad will with cedar cladding and shingles make it’.” used on the exterior. Facing north towards the distant ocean views, an But it certainly wasn’t a solo effort. elevated driveway would create a Gaelene was just as much on the dramatic entrance and outlook. tools as Howard. “Yes, I was his lackey. I would be on the roof with With architectural plans by him lifting the iron into place and designer Tane Cox from Red helping carry Gib board. Admittedly, Architecture and motivation in I would get very sore shoulders from spades, the Falconers got stuck in the hard labour,” she says. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 59

FAMILY ROOM The social couple like to entertain and the open-plan space flows easily to the outdoor living area. The Escea gas fireplace keeps everyone warm in this large area on cooler nights. 60 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H The layout The main bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and dining is to the right of the home and the hallway in the central section connects the two gabled sections. The left side of the home contains the guest wing, with the TV room at the back. The open-plan kitchen, dining and family room is located at the back of the property and overlooks Te Puna, with extensive views of the coastal region of Tauranga harbour and Mount Maunganui. In this entertaining space, the flooring features French oak, contrasted above with cathedral-like height in the white tongue-and- groove ceilings. “The large triangle-shaped window wasn’t in the plans, the architect had designed a flat ceiling. But Howard wanted expanse and I wanted big beams, so we compromised and got a coved ceiling,” says Gaelene. The kitchen features black oak timber panelling for the cabinetry, which is a stunning contrast to the white-panelled ceilings above and the timber floor below. In this space, Gaelene worked closely with The Kitchen Business to design a functional space in a simple, classic style that was built to last. The adjoining family living area features an Escea gas fireplace, nestled into rough concrete block work. Every block was made by Howard prior to the floor going down. “Howard made one block each day, then we rusticated them to get them little rougher to suit our style.” The block work also features in the entrance at the front. For the social couple, the inviting dining space flows out to outdoor living, which suits their lifestyle. A separate media room offers a quieter YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 61

Tip When mixing metals in the bathroom stick to two types – and use each metal more than once. 62 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H BEDROOMS Much of the artwork in the house, such as these skateboards made by graphic designer daughter Sally for a final exam, was created by the Falconer children. The bunk beds were built in the office, near the main bedroom, and each of the guest rooms has its own ensuite. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 63

“We wanted our home to feel homely, and although the house is new, we wanted our past to be honoured.” GAELENE FALCONER EXTERIOR Concrete blocks to match the interior were also used outside. The front door is made of mill steel panels, an old timber door covered in steel in three places. 64 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H FINAL FLOURISHES Beautiful interiors are a passion for homemaker Gaelene and her attention to detail can be seen in every room, such as this fruit bowl arrangement. The couple splurged on cedar cladding and shingles, with Gaelene oiling every piece used on the couple’s pretty garden shed (below). space to sneak away to when there are lots of people. of our antique furniture as it didn’t suit our new home, “We built this TV room off the main family room with but kept a few special pieces.” the children in mind. But it’s a room we use ourselves in the evenings to unwind. If we have a big family Sofas and chairs were recovered, apart from the dinner here someone will end up lying on the couch in couches in the family room because Gaelene likes the the TV room because it’s so relaxing,” says Gaelene. lived-in look. “I love the memories many of our older pieces hold, like our dining table, which our neighbour “We built bunks for the younger children in the in Cambridge built. The kids did their school assignments office next to our main bedroom for when they stay, so on that table and I remember [son] Sean reloading his they’re close to us,” she says. rifle bullets on it. It’s made from recycled matai, which was popular 35 years ago. Sean’s a clever craftsman Green fingers and is about to build us a replica-sized table.” Living on site during the build meant keen gardener Dream team Gaelene had time to establish the landscaping. “I love formal gardens, structure and repeat planting. Now With 40-plus years of marriage under the belt, the they are established, it’s not too much work.” couple know how to keep fun at the centre of everything they do. “It was a fabulous journey and a With the house positioned on a hill to optimise the fun project to do together. Living on site was great, we views, the couple also invested in a lot of native both got stuck in, We’d be exhausted after a hard day’s planting. At the front of the house, Podocarpus totara labour, but it was great for our relationship. It’s been ‘Matapouri Blue’ hedging helps to screen the new a wonderful whirlwind time.” neighbouring house below them. The styling For Gaelene, homemaking and beautiful interiors is a passion that flows into her volunteer work at the Look Good, Feel Better charity. She’s been involved for nearly 30 years facilitating the workshops, which offers a free makeover for cancer patients dealing with the visual side effects of treatment. Many of Gaelene’s pieces hold special meaning and history, her sentimental nature flowing through her home, along with a minimalist approach. “We wanted our home to feel homely, and although the house is new, we wanted our past to be honoured. We sold a lot YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 65

SHOP THEIR STYLE 3 Misty greys and soft rusts prove a winning combination for this luxe build 1 2 4 5 6 9 78 10 11 1 Dreamtime rectangle cushion in mist, $69.90, from Wallace Cotton. 2 Mellor weave throw in terracotta, $49, from Nood. 3 Tait canvas, $899, from Freedom. 4 Full bloom dried flower wreath, $160, from Jane Smith. 5 Pylon candle, $18 each, from Deliberately Plain. 6 Raphael pear trivet, $23, from Leopold Hall. 7 Sketch tam bar stool, $545, from Bauhaus. 8 Bowen table lamp, $338, from Inspiry. 9 Acacia rectangle chopping board, $44.90, from Citta. 10 Resene Ashanti paint, $4.90 (testpot), from ColorShops. 11 Resene Monkey paint, $4.90 (testpot) from ColorShops. 66 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

Honesty box Best lessons learned? Make a plan H and stay on track with decisions, What areas of your renovation did overthought too many things.
YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 67 you save on? We saved so much by What’s the one thing you’d doing a lof of things ourselves. change about your home if you Obviously, Howard built the home could? There are always things but we worked together. I oiled you’d do differently. I wanted every piece of cedar cladding a rustic concrete bench but opted before it went up and Howard did for the stone. It’s beautiful but not the roofing, internal fit-out and really me. painting, which saved thousands. What is the most memorable Splurge on? Engaging an architect experience you’ve had in your to get a great design, as well as home? Having all the family here cedar shingles and cedar vertical for our first Christmas together – cladding. We loved the texture that’s what I missed in the and the concept of what had container house. been specified. Floor plan 1 23 2 4 58 1 6 79 KEY 11 1 Deck 2 Living 8 3 Dining 4 Kitchen 12 10 5 Pantry 14 6 Hall 7 7 Cupboard 10 6 13 8 Wardrobe 9 Main bedroom 8 10 Ensuite 11 Bathroom 12 12 Bedroom 10 13 Laundry 14 Entry 15 15 Garage

PERFECTLY PLACED A couple finds the joy in indoor-outdoor living with a new build framed amongst rolling farm hills Photography Swell Productions 1 THE DESIGN area facing out across the farmland and 2 THE MATERIALS hills,” says Andrew. A rural outlook was the With the kids all grown up, it was time for number one priority for the two, a sight The country abode is clad in Linea Oblique a change of scene for Greta Martin and that is framed by sliding stacker doors Weatherboard by James Hardie, laid Andrew Morgan. The pair wanted a home throughout the living areas. vertically and alternating between 200mm for their cats and dogs to roam freely, and 300mm panels for a stunning visual as well as a base for their whānau to Having two new builds already under effect, finished in Resene All Black. “We reconnect come holiday season. After their belt, the couple chose a plan based had seen the weatherboard used in a seven years commuting between on a Nixon Homes show home, allowing variety of different houses around Cambridge and Auckland, the couple found them to relish in the flexibility of adapting Cambridge and in magazines,” the pair a perfect middle ground in the idyllic the design and features to their lifestyle. explain. “We loved the clean lines and village of Te Kauwhata. “Greta loved the The result is a four-bedroom masterpiece contemporary look that allowed us to site and the township straight away so the centred around two living spaces that open complement the cedar shiplap panels we decision to buy was simple. It’s allowed us to the outdoors. had previously decided we wanted as part to have a native bush outlook on the living of the overall look of the house.” Thanks to side of the house and the indoor-outdoor MEET & GREET Greta Martin and Andrew Morgan (co-owners of Cafe Coffee & Bakery Systems) and their four cats and dogs.

an automated louvre system, the couple YH&G + JAMES HARDIE can admire their sleek weatherboard finishing year-round, regardless of weather. RURAL RETREAT Linea Oblique Weatherboard 3 THE INTERIOR by James Hardie were placed vertically and Modern contemporary decor inspired Greta painted in Resene All and Andrew throughout the build. “We Black. Complemented by have always been influenced by the use of cedar shiplap panelling, space rather than cluttered areas,” they say. the homeowners love “We like the subtle but sophisticated finish “the clean lines and of the natural wood finishes coupled with contemporary look”. the clean lines of the Linea Oblique Weatherboards.” The kitchen and the butler’s pantry is awash with matte black and oak cabinetry, celebrating a feature battened oak wall that comes complete with integrated fridges, a wine rack and drinks bar. The finished look is rounded off by a Dekton benchtop, which according to Greta and Andrew, “balanced the whole kitchen equally so each element had its own statement”. The bathroom and ensuite boast Italian wall and floor tiles, having first spotted them in a display window on an Arrowtown holiday and promptly fell in love. “The oversized wall and floor tiles add a level of luxury in addition to the patterned designer tiles of each room.” 4 CONTEMPORARY BLISS The road appeal is the couple’s favourite part of the house, who say, “while there’s lots to love about the living areas inside, the house is exactly how we imagined it, with the mix of cedar and Linea Oblique Weatherboards and the shaped driveway from the gates. It’s a nice feeling to know we compromised on the total house size for the additional exterior finishes and features that we get to enjoy daily.” The couple now spend their evenings sitting on the deck with a bottle of wine, watching the sun hit the top of the trees around the surrounding hills. There are no plans to leave and plenty of landscaping to keep idle hands busy.

NEW-BUILD WORKSHEET FINISHES 15 13 14 One level RESENE LINEA™ OBLIQUE™ 12 ALL BLACK 10 2 WEATHERBOARD 11 Easy to install and 10 4 3 engineered to withstand 9 5 2 harsh conditions, Linea 76 1 Oblique Weatherboard by 8 James Hardie can be painted any colour including dark shades and is cost-effective and long-lasting. Designed to complement classic and modern designs, the weatherboard can be used vertically and horizontally, even on internal walls. KEY HONESTY BOX BUDGET 1 Entry 2 Living What are the lessons you’ve How much did the build cost? 3 Dining learned along the way? A budget Just over $1,000,000 with the 4 Kitchen is a goal rather than a fixed target addition of landscaping but 5 Pantry when you’re building a home excluding land. 6 Storage around your new lifestyle. We had How did you keep track of costs 7 Toilet plenty of advice as the build went during the build? Nixon Homes 8 Garage on about small but critical options uses the Buildertrend app, which 9 Laundry and changes that improved the we found excellent in managing 10 Bedroom overall quality and presentation the progress payments, variations, 11 Bathroom of certain areas. sign-offs and final costing. 12 Study What are a couple of tips you’d How did your budget forecast 13 Main bedroom give to anyone planning to build? compare to your actual spend? 14 Ensuite Spend the time on the little things in We had a budget of $949,000 and 15 Walk-in wardrobe the plans and don’t be afraid to add we came in at $985,682 before the extras at the start especially outside landscaping, excluding land. with the electrician and external lighting and power. Services are CONTACTS the hardest and most expensive to change after starting. Builder Nixon Homes, What’s the one thing you’d change nixonhomes.co.nz about your home if you could? We Electrical Laser Electrical Te Rapa, now wish we had gone with laserelectrical.co.nz floor-to-ceiling cavity stacking Garden Indetail Garden design doors to the outdoors, even though James Hardie jameshardie.co.nz the opening is amazing. Having that Plumbing Astro Plumbing, additional finish to the ceiling would astroplumbing.co.nz have balanced the view. Tiles Casa Italiana Tiles, casaitaliana.co.nz

CALL TO SMALL ENTER ROOM WHAT WE’RE Get your entry in AWARDS LOOKING FOR: by June 16, 2022 and you could be (BUT BIG IN IMPACT) • Fearless use of colour one of our first and/or pattern 2022 finalists. • Exciting use of wallpaper Have you done something bold or interesting with • Imaginative decoration paint or wallpaper in a and finishing. small room in your house? It could be an office, nursery, laundry or powder room – the only criteria is it’s small in space but big in impact. We’d love to see your efforts. Send us some images of your chosen room and be in to win $1000 in our inaugural Small Room Awards. HOW TO ENTER Email photos and a 200-word description of your space to [email protected] with your last name and ‘Resene Small Room’ in the subject line. Please include your name, home address, email address, daytime phone number, the names of the Resene colours used, and details of when your space was painted and/or wallpapered. Please credit anyone who assisted you in choosing your colours. The five finalists will each appear in Your Home and Garden. Every finalist will receive a $250 Resene ColorShop voucher and a feature in the magazine, with the winner taking out the Resene Small Room Awards and $1000 cash, plus a story on the winning home will feature in the January 2023 issue. TERMS & CONDITIONS Instructions on how to enter are part of the conditions of entry. This competition is open to New Zealand residents, except employees of Are Media, Resene and their immediate families and agencies. The five finalists and overall winner will be notified by telephone and/ or email. All entries are eligible for consideration for the Resene website. Any non-finalists selected for the Resene website will receive a free gift from Resene.

HOT TOPIC There are PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION so many options to heat your home. What’s right for you comes down to the size and age of your house and personal preference. Turn to page 82 for the lowdown. 72 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

RENOVATION 74 Welcome back New meets old in this ’60s state house. 82 The heat is on Warm thoughts to beat the big chill. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 73

Welcome back From the outside, new meets old at this ’60s state house in Auckland, but it’s an entirely different matter on the inside Text Debbie Harrison Photography Babiche Martens 74 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R OUTDOOR ROOM Rebecca and Matt Saunders are both keen gardeners and have achieved a lot in a small space. Matt built the deck and the seating. The squabs on the built-in seating and Acapulco chairs are from Bunnings Warehouse.

BEFORE BEFORE Meet & greet Matt (brand and creative consultant and co-founder of RAAD) and Rebecca Saunders (marketing contractor and co-founder of RAAD), Zoe, seven, and Issy, three. When Rebecca and Matt Saunders trying to get to other suburbs, but it’s also close enough found their first home nine years to Auckland city, where Matt and I have always worked,” ago, they couldn’t believe their explains Rebecca. luck. They’d been searching for months for a home they could call Finding their dream home in their preferred suburb, their own and had settled on however, wasn’t quite so simple. At the time, most Auckland’s Te Atatū Peninsula as an area where they houses on the market were do-ups and Rebecca and wanted to live. For them, the peninsula had the small- Matt didn’t have the capacity to oversee a renovation. town vibe they were used to when growing up in rural Luckily, Rebecca’s brother came through with the New Zealand, but it was just a short commute to the city. jackpot when he mentioned that his friend Simon had just finished work on a ’60s former state house. “Te Atatū really resonated with us because it’s got Simon had gutted and fully renovated the 82sqm house, that real community feel, schools are within walking complete with polished floors and a new bathroom and distance, and the local shops have everything you need kitchen. With 2.5 bedrooms and a 405sqm section, it was so you don’t need to leave the suburb if you don’t want just what the couple had been looking for. to. It’s a destination place, not a throughway for people “It was the dream house for us. It was a proper house, after years of apartment living, with enough land for us to enjoy and start our own garden. Then, in 2014, we had our first daughter Zoe. While the house was still great for our small family of three, we started to feel like we needed something bigger. In true ’60s style, the house had small windows and no indoor-outdoor flow. You were either inside or you were out; for Zoe to play outdoors, we had to be out there too, otherwise we couldn’t keep an eye on her. It just didn’t work for family life.” The couple started searching for a larger home in the area but soon came to the conclusion that a renovation 76 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R CASUAL LIVING The dining chairs are from Kmart and the dried floral wreath was made by Rebecca, who used to be a florist. The wooden platter on the table is a gift from Rebecca’s mother. The Saunders agree removing the back wall to the garden was their best decision, saying, “We absolutely love the sliding doors onto the deck.” YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 77

BEFORE STUDY IN BEFORE into plans and they started work in 2017. The CONTRASTS Resene renovation included building a new extension, which Double White Pointer would be cheaper and would give them the included a two-car garage, a hallway connecting new was used on the house opportunity to create a home that really worked with old, a new bedroom downstairs, and a main exterior. The modern for them. bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite upstairs. A new laundry was incorporated into the garage, extension features The reno plans removing it from its previous home in the kitchen. Colorsteel roofing that goes up one side of the Matt originally trained as an architect and Rebecca The couple gently rejigged the layout of the original house and over the roof, has always been creative, so from day one they home without touching the structure too much. They brainstormed ideas of what they’d do with the space didn’t change the kitchen or bathroom, which would with a few panels of if they renovated. have pushed the cost up – instead, they got a lot more weatherboard to subtly bang for buck by keeping it simple. By removing the “We’re pleased we lived in it for a few years first smallest existing bedroom from the centre of the connect it with the because it meant we got to really understand the house house, they suddenly had space for a dining room, original home. and how it might work better for us as a family,” says which also created better flow between the kitchen Rebecca. “In Zoe’s early years she was an incredibly and lounge. light sleeper – and because there was no buffer between our living area and the bedrooms, Matt and “That small room had been Zoe’s and it received I would spend our nights whispering with the TV so much sun in summer that it would be roasting in volume turned down low. That was something we there. Removing those walls and using that space wanted to address with the renovation.” as a dining room meant we suddenly had all that gorgeous sunshine flooding into our open-plan area,” An architect friend turned the couple’s concepts Rebecca says. Previously, a bank of kitchen cabinets had sat along the exterior wall of Zoe’s bedroom – when they went, it turned the narrow galley kitchen into a more open L-shape. The couple agree that their best move was replacing the back wall to the garden with a massive four-metre stacking slider that leads out onto a new deck. “When the sliding door went in, it was a transformational moment. It opened up the house so much and gave us that indoor-outdoor flow we were desperate for. Now, our backyard courtyard is another room and a great social space in summer. In winter, when the doors are shut, there’s so much glass that you still feel like you’re connected with outside – when it’s raining, you can be indoors feeling cosy but not completely shut off from the garden.” The new addition There was a lot of debate about whether to have the new extension blend in with the original white state house or to go big and bold instead. “We decided we weren’t going to try to match it or pretend it wasn’t an extension. Instead, it was a deliberate move to make a distinction between “this is new, this is old”, juxtaposing the two styles of modern and traditional, black and white. We have some black weatherboards at the entrance as a nod to the 78 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R LOUNGE The artwork above the fireplace was made by Rebecca and rug from Onehunga Carpets. The leather pouffe is a gift from Rebecca’s brother while travelling in Morocco, the coolie chair was bought off Trade Me and white planter with fig plant from Palmers Garden Centre. MAIN BEDROOM Rebecca loves the high ceilings in this room. The table is from Kmart and bedside table lamps from Freedom. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 79

ENSUITE Adding a weatherboard on the original house, but otherwise insulated, it’s used as a second lounge/playroom. second bathroom has they are two very different styles,” she says. While the parents are entertaining guests on the deck outside, Zoe, Issy and their friends love to been a boon for the The original house was built on piles and the steps pull up bean bags and watch a movie on the big family, but they have that led to the original front door are now in the screen using their projector. It’s also where Rebecca had reason to regret not hallway that joins the new extension to the existing and Matt have set up their home office, for adding a double shower. house. All three bedrooms downstairs are stacked to contract marketing work and to work on their ZOE’S BEDROOM The one side of the hallway and a new sliding door business, RAAD – a range of scented plant-based desk is from Freedom separates the living zone from the open-plan living, cleaning products they launched in 2020. and the artwork of the giving them that much-needed ability to close off little girl praying was the areas at night, in time for the arrival of second The outdoors daughter, Issy. made by Rebecca’s With Rebecca and Matt coming from families of keen Granny Clarke. Externally, it’s obvious which part is new and which gardeners, they knew they wanted a garden and set part is original, but inside it’s seamless due to their about transforming the initial bare section into a design choices. The couple used the same carpet, serene space. They’ve achieved a lot within their paint, lighting and flooring throughout to create small footprint, with clever planting choices and hard a cohesive feel. landscaping. A gate and Photinia ‘Red Robin’ hedge they planted early on their roadside boundary has An unexpected bonus has been the functionality of quickly grown to give them privacy from passers-by as their new garage. Laid with marine carpet and fully well as enclosing their property completely to allow their girls to safely play on bikes on the driveway. A row of olive trees has been added along the side of the new extension, providing both softness and a feature as you walk up the path to the front door. But it’s out the back that has the real wow factor, thanks to the couple’s creativity and Matt’s hard labour. While the building renovation was left to the experts, Matt got stuck in and DIYed most of the outdoor landscaping, including building a retaining wall along the side of the house, adding built-in seating to the deck, and laying astroturf out the back. “Having artificial grass was a contentious choice – especially with our dads who both take pride in their lawns. But because the backyard is small, it’s often shaded by the house and olive trees, which made it hard to grow grass. Matt laid it himself using YouTube tutorials and a swathe of hired tools. It’s always green and lush and feels like carpet, which was great when our kids were toddlers,” Rebecca says. A concrete pad was replaced with a deck that flows 80 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R 2 4 1 Ground level 3 5 66 8 10 KEY 6 77 9 1 Deck 2 Kitchen 7 3 Dining 4 Living Upper level 5 Bathroom 6 Wardrobe 7 Bedroom 8 Entry 9 Laundry 10 Garage 11 Main bedroom 12 Storage 13 Ensuite 14 Walk-in wardrobe 11 12 “Our home is still quite small, 14 13 but because you can open it right up to this courtyard it’s Lessons learned Is there anything you regret or wish you’d done differently? Not really. We like another room.” What did you learn from this do joke that the architect suggested renovation? That it was worth doing we put a double shower in the ensuite REBECCA SAUNDERS – it allowed us to make the house because we had the space for it, but it work for the next step up, rather than was an extra $150. At that point, with off the new dining area and gets lots of use as an looking for something else. We valued all the costs, we thought it seemed entertaining area. Above the built-in deck seating being able to make it suit us, bespoke extravagant but it would have really they’ve planted star jasmine, which smells amazing to our lifestyle. As a result, we enjoy come in handy. on summer evenings. spending a lot of time at home. What was your best furniture How would you describe your purchase? A black and white cane Privacy from neighbours is achieved with a row of decor style? We went for a white coolie chair, which I found on Trade Me espaliered olive trees, which the couple planted within background so we could add colour years ago. months of moving in – the olives were hand-me- through decor items. We don’t like too What is your favourite room or spot downs from a friend, and traded for a bottle of whisky. much colour, but it has definitely crept in the house now? We absolutely love in over the years. We don’t try to the sliding doors on to the deck. And “We’re so grateful we planted those early on match everything or conform to a style our bedroom – I love the high ceiling because it gives us a beautiful green outlook from – instead, we buy stuff that we like. and the feeling I get as I walk into the inside, rather than looking at a fence. The whole room and see the sun streaming in courtyard is a dream for us – our home is still quite Honesty box through the big high windows. small, but because you can open it right up to this What do most visitors comment courtyard it’s like another room. When we have kids’ What were your best decisions on? Asking what the new bit and old birthday parties or entertain here, I can be in the regarding this reno? Just doing it in bits were. kitchen without being separated from the guests. the first place. It added so much Best memories in your home? There It’s a great social area,” Rebecca says. lifestyle value and enabled us to stay have been so many. A mixture of here for so much longer. We also just the four of us having family Future plans gained storage. In typical 1960s style, pizza night outside on the deck, or the house had no storage – just some our social moments, when friends After briefly toying with a move to another town strange 40cm-deep cupboards. Now come round and Matt gets on the to be closer to their family, Rebecca and Matt we have so much storage behind the Heston barbecue. decided they weren’t ready to leave their home – main bedroom, under the stairs and in and community – just yet. the big linen cupboard. “We feel so lucky to be bringing our kids up here, in this house and in this community. Our home truly feels like a sanctuary to us, especially through Covid and lockdowns. We’re in no hurry to say goodbye to it just yet.” YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 81

THE HEAT IS ON Gas, electricity, solar, wood or bio fuel? Your guide to staying warm at home when the big chill sets in Text Catherine Steel 82 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R Also great for villas, the Gazco Riva2 600 Gas Fire, from $5445, from The Fireplace, is designed to fit into existing chimneys with a mantel for a traditional look or opt for a clean-edge finish. When it comes to heating a home BEST heating there is no one-size-fits-all for an old villa: solution. What suits a big family heat pump who like to socialise together in an open-plan space may not Heat pumps are ideal for old villas because work for a smaller one that they take the heat from outside your home spreads itself out into different rooms. and bring it inside, circulating clean fresh air. They’re perfect for heating bigger Your choice of heating should reflect your family’s or less well-insulated spaces, which is lifestyle and your home’s aesthetic. Ideally, it common in older houses, and the purchase effortlessly segues into your interior, without being cost will be more than offset by cheaper noticed, or it’s a style statement – either way, it should running costs. Easily installed without tie in with the look of your interior. tampering with your home’s structure, they can heat multiple rooms and come in floor The World Health Organisation advises that the consoles, highwall or ducted systems. minimum indoor temperature should be 18°C in living areas and 16°C in bedrooms. Recommendations for The wrong-sized heat pump for your babies and elderly people are higher. Here’s how to room will mean it won’t heat your space meet those needs in a way that suits your home. adequately, so ensure you buy the right size for the space you want to heat, using the If highwall styles are not for you, the energy rating label. The higher the number Panasonic Z35 Floor Console Heat of stars, the more energy-efficient and Pump/Air Conditioner, $2501, from low-cost the heat pump will be to run. If you use a heat pump with four stars Harvey Norman, features the nanoeX on the energy rating label it will output air purification system. 55 percent fewer emissions than a similar . heat pump with only one star. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 83

Smile-S6-HV Battery System from The Solar Group. BEST eco-friendly heating: solar power Do you want to see your monthly power bill from the excess generated energy to be used The Gazco Reflex 105 Edge reduced? Solar panels and an accompanying at night when the sun is down. with Echo Flame Black Glass battery system are perfect for enabling this lining is designed with a while adding value to your home. Because A percentage of your power will still frameless edge so it easily energy is sourced naturally from the sun, there sometimes come from the grid for days that fits into a modern interior. is less or no grid dependence. are not sunny enough to supply all your The optional smartphone or electricity demands. This applies to grid-tied tablet control gives ease of Ideally, you’d place your panels on the roof and hybrid systems. But if you want to go use.. From $10,252, from in a north-facing direction to capture the most off-grid, you can depend on a generator for The Fireplace. sunlight. If you do not want them on the roof, back-up energy. or your roof is facing south where there is less sunlight, you could have panels on a ground- You’ll reduce your power bill, pay a mount. This option is ideal for those living in one-time payment (from $10,000 up) with areas out of the city with more space. little to no maintenance or grid dependence and avoid rising utility costs. During the day your house will run on live solar power generated by your panels. While As all projects are customised according to this happens, your battery system will charge each property, costs will vary. Ongoing costs are little to none. 84 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

BEST aesthetically R pleasing heating: gas fireplace BEST Budget-friendly Love the look of a traditional fire but could do without the with instant mess and labour involved? A gas fire is the answer. Quick and gratification: easy to use, with no need to worry about chopping, ordering convection heater or storing wood, current styles are sleek and chic, adding not only warmth to your room but a stylish feature too. Quick to heat your room and make life more comfortable, the convection heater is quiet to run. “For a budget-friendly option with instant gratification, go for a portable convection heater,” says Evan Claxton, general manager of small appliances, Harvey Norman. “They will heat a relatively large space without costing a huge amount to run. Generally, they are free-standing and can be moved from room to room if you don’t want multiple heaters running.” “We have seen a lift towards the premium panel heater, which is completely silent, very economical to run and has a life-time warranty. So, you’re buying a heater you know you will own it forever. Long-term that’s the best way to buy a heater, it’s the cheapest way to run, but you’re buying premium initially. We have people coming back to buy more of these for their second and third rooms.” “If you have a small heater in a massive room it has to run full bore the whole time, which can be expensive. So, size the heater to the room, get a larger heater for a large room so you won’t spend more running it, and make sure it has a good thermostat to save you money. Bear in mind you might spend a bit more for the heater itself initially.” De’Longhi 2000-watt portable convection heater, from $89, from Harvey Norman. Dimplex Micathermic Heater with Electronic Climate Control 2.4kW Black, $399, from Mitre 10, offers both radiant and convective heat so you will still feel the warmth from the heater as the room heats up. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 85

SPLURGE BEST heating for an ultra-modern AURORA AETHER house: suspended SUSPENDED FIREPLACE, fireplace $10,953.80, FROM Picture yourself sitting back and warming HEATRITE. FOR THE BIO yourself as you watch the flames flicker in a fireplace that is almost floating. Perfect FUEL OPTION, YOU for a contemporary home, the suspended NEED TO TOP UP THE fireplace celebrates curves that are easy on the eye, its unique aesthetic using space FUEL AS YOU GO. efficiently while keeping you warm. What is so appealing about these fires is that you’re owning something unique; rather than just a fireplace it’s also a coveted design. A big talking point for any home, whether used as an indoor or outdoor fire, it’s available in wood-fired, bio fuel or hybrid wood/bio fuel versions. The bio fuel option can be capped off in the ceiling, eliminating a need for a flue inserted through the roof. The fuel is plant-based and eco-friendly, hence no need for a fully open flue system. The wood-fired option also creates the opportunity to cook a pizza. Woodsman Serene Petite wood fire, $2599, from Mitre 10. Also good: PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION, PANASONIC, THE SOLAR GROUP, modern THE FIREPLACE, MITRE 10, HARVEY NORMAN, AURORA SUSPENDED FIRES woodburner Ideal for passive homes, modern wood fires offer high heat with low emissions. Modern designs allow you to heat different areas with a rotating ability, and can be used as open fires or closed with glass doors. 86 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

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Perfect match Serial renovators Alice and Caleb Pearson update a former state house by selecting high-performance Haier appliances When Alice and Caleb Pearson won such heavy use areas. Alice and Caleb chose to open season two of The Block NZ in 2013, the kitchen up to the living area so it could be the focal renovating went from being a point of the space. Deciding to go with a soft colour passion project to business venture. scheme and natural textures, the kitchen features Not counting the two renovations handmade tiles, wooden floorboards, and a soft they did for The Block and The Ultimate Reno, they’re elderflower and gentle blush colour scheme. onto their 11th home renovation now and counting. “We decided to create a scullery and laundry, The couple’s latest project is a four-bedroom former which houses the pantry, fridge, washing machine, state house in Panmure with good bones, built with heat pump dryer, extra sink and cleaning storage. quality materials, solid and dependable. This meant that our main kitchen has clean lines and a generous bench,” says Alice. Priorities for the young Auckland couple and their four children were tackling the kitchen and laundry, They also made sure the brushed nickel tapware, which needed to be highly functional given they are kitchen handles and stainless-steel sinks worked

YH&G + HAIER Alice and Caleb chose to open the kitchen up to the living area so it could be the focal point of the space. A COOK’S KITCHEN Alice was surprised how well her roasts retained moisture with the Rotisserie feature of their Haier oven, which slowly rotates the meat as the vegetables cook below. COHESIVE DETAILS The Haier induction cooktop in black ceramic glass offers a minimal profile and matches the oven.

Haier’s front loader washing machine and heat pump dryer are designed to look great together, with complementary functions for ideal fabric care. LAUNDRY STARS The Haier washing machine includes UV Protect technology for hygienic washing and Refresh, which uses steam to gently remove odours. For energy efficient and gentle drying, the Haier heat pump dryer is a standout. INSTANT REFRESHMENT The Haier fridge offers convenient access to chilled water with a door water dispenser that doesn’t need to be plumbed in. with the complementary colour ranges on the Haier pump dryer are designed to look great together, with quad door refrigerator freezer and Haier dishwasher. complementary functions for ideal fabric care. These appliances helped to create clean lines in the kitchen, as did the Haier induction cooktop. Alice is The large capacity 10kg washing machine and 9kg a fan of the new-to-her technology with “instant- heat pump dryer are perfect for the Pearson family. response heat as soon as a pot or pan is placed on the “They both have a Speed Up function if you need your surface”. She also appreciates the added safety of the clothes clean and dry fast and Eco wash cycles to save technology, describing how “the induction cooktop energy and water,” says Alice. stays cool around your cookware, preventing those annoying baked-on spills”. Alice and Caleb are happy with every aspect of their renovation from the colour scheme to the tiles, The speed of induction comes in handy for Taco soft-toned furnishings and Haier appliances, which Tuesdays when Caleb whips up the Mexican family in their words: “all works together to create a favourite. If Alice is hosting, a roast is her go-to meal in memorable kitchen”. the spacious oven. “I love that you can put everything in the oven and cook while you entertain,” she says. Inspired Living When it came to the “highly visible laundry” they wanted to make it as pleasing as possible. To do this they incorporated the design elements of the kitchen and chose Haier laundry appliances that were made to match. Haier’s front loader washing machine and heat

1 2 2 3 7 Shop their style Innovative kitchen and laundry appliances give this space a contemporary look 4 56 7 8 10 9 11 1 Haier self-cleaning wall oven, $1649. 2 Bellambi ceiling pendant, $549, from Freedom. 3 Garcia deep dish bowl, $32.99, from Shut the Front Door. 4 Living & Co Naturals glass canister, $8 (1.4L), from The Warehouse. 5 Moka express 6-cup coffee maker, $98, from Bialetti. 6 Haier 10kg front loader washing machine, $1999. 7 Haier 9kg heat pump dryer, $2599. 8 Kochi jute rug, $179 (medium), from Nood. 9 Haier freestanding dishwasher, $1299. 10 Radial stool, $640 (75cm), from Citta. 11 Haier quad door refrigerator freezer, $2999. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 91

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES Talk about making an entry. The anticipation must build on the approach to the front door of this New Plymouth house when taking this dead-straight boardwalk bordered by two rows of clivia. For more of this house, turn the page. 92 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

MAKEOVER PHOTOGRAPHY GINA FABISH 94 Past & present Finding the beauty in a charmless ’70s beast. 110 New lease on life Easy home rental decorating hacks. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 93

PAST & A New Plymouth couple rewrote history to give a charmless ’70s house a large dose of right-on retro appeal PRESENT Text Shelley Tustin Photography Gina Fabish 94 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

M LIVING ROOM In the newly open-plan living area, Blair and Karen Prichard’s prized furnishings have room to breathe. A low sofa from BoConcept frames a Le Corbusier chaise and a USM sideboard from ECC. KITCHEN (opposite) The dark veneer was chosen in a hurry for the first renovation and Karen says it never really looked right against the other finishes in the house. But with the new neutrals – travertine- style floors, grasscloth wallpaper – “All of a sudden, it felt like it belonged,” she says. In the latest renovation, the room was transformed from family kitchen to entertainer’s space; kitchen designer Annika Rowson created a bar set-up, reusing a lot of the original cabinetry and adding features like a wine fridge and fluted glass cabinets for glassware. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 95

“It was very original but it wasn’t charming at all. It was a ’70s house, but not a cool ’70s house.” KAREN PRICHARD Good bones. It’s the carrot that lures were living separately – she with her two girls and he would-be renovators, motivating with his two boys – and looking for a home that could them to pour all their passion, hold their blended family comfortably. “We needed a time and money into uncovering home we could compartmentalise,” she explains. It was the beauty beneath the beast. But also private, sunny and perfectly located, ticking every what if there are no good bones to box on their list except the aesthetic ones. be revealed? With little to redeem this 1970s house at first glance, Having had only two owners in its history, the home was chock-full of original features: internal rimu and New Plymouth couple Karen and Blair Prichard were glass sliding doors, a built-in bar and “one of those old ’70s kitchens with a thousand tiny cupboards”. But wooed, not by x-ray vision, but by the imaginative while it sounds fascinating on paper, Karen asserts, “It was very original, but it wasn’t charming at all. It was vision of close friend and “genius” Michael Mansvelt. a ’70s house, but not cool ’70s.” It needed a practical renovation, plus a sprinkle of inspiration to drag it back DINING AREA A replica “He said, ‘If you don’t buy it, I’m going to. And this is from the brink of dagginess. Tulip table from what I’m going to do to it’,” says Karen. Michael then Diving in Homage sits lightly in explained how he could renovate this aged ugly the dining zone. A duckling into a retro-inspired swan, enhancing the The home needed a renovation, quick-smart, to make Kartell Kabuki floor it workable for Blair and Karen’s family; practical projects, like a main bedroom ensuite and a new, lamp – Blair’s 50th home with some of the ’70s-style architectural gems modern kitchen, were top of the list. But the couple birthday present to – from a glass-panelled entryway to lush tropical also took the opportunity to introduce Michael’s Karen – forms a landscaping – that it had missed out on the first retro-style ideas, turning the home from grungy to sculptural statement in groovy. The entrance received the most dramatic the corner next to a time around. replica Eames lounge chair. Though they are Here’s a story…avid collectors who appreciate an original Karen jokes, “We’re the Brady Bunch” – an appropriate treasure when they can comparison, given the retro flavour of their home. get it, Karen says, When they spotted the house in 2009, she and Blair “We’re not purists.” 96 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

M Meet & greet Blair (operator off-shore oil and gas) and Karen Prichard (owner/ manager of Social Kitchen and Monica’s Eatery). BLAIR’S COCKTAILS RUM NEGRONI INGREDIENTS 30ml Campari 30ml Cocchi Vermouth 30ml Diplomatico Rum Half slice of orange or cleaned orange peel 1 Combine spirits in a mixing glass with ice and stir for about 1 minute. 2 Strain into chilled rocks glass over a large block of ice. Garnish with orange slice or cleaned orange peel. GIN SOUR INGREDIENTS 60ml Strange Nature Gin 30ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed 15ml simple syrup 1 egg white Angostura bitters 1 Pour ingredients, apart from the Angostura bitters into a Boston shaker and dry shake vigorously. 2 Add ice and shake again. 3 Double strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnishing with a few drops of Angostura bitters. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 97

ENTRANCE The lightbox is a custom piece, made from Perspex signs from a fashion store Blair once owned. The renovated entrance is a work of art in itself – the wall of glass and the stained cedar cladding loudly proclaim the era of the house and, though brand new, look like they’ve always been part of the building. overhaul – the external wall became an internal one with the addition of a long wall of glass, creating a light-filled hallway down one side of the house. “When Mike said, ‘You’re going to build an entranceway of glass on the south side of the house,’ I said, ‘You’re mad’,” says Karen. “But it made sense and it looks like it’s always been like that.” Outside, a new carport rounded out the home’s distinctly mid-century look, while landscaping took the exterior from a nondescript nana-style block of lawn and wire fences to a lush paradise of paved patios, layered foliage and even a fully-plumbed outdoor bath. Renovation II, the sequel Fast-forward a decade or so and the kids no longer at home, Karen and Blair questioned whether to stay or to move on from their family nest. “We had discussed downsizing and buying an apartment, and we thought, why don’t we turn this into an apartment? Because we don’t want to move,” says Karen. The home’s ‘compartments’ – including a separate grown- ups’ lounge and kids’ lounge – had been exactly the right layout for a big family, but what they were searching for now was open-plan living, a clear line of sight and a sense of connection between the kitchen, dining, living and outdoor spaces. The solution was to knock through a load-bearing wall – an engineering challenge requiring huge metal beams to be craned in – to create 98 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

M “We thought, why don’t we turn this into an apartment? Because we don’t want to move.” KAREN PRICHARD YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 99

one huge kitchen and living space, connected to the sun-drenched outdoors via massive sliding glass doors. It was also an opportunity to fix things that hadn’t made the priority list on the first renovation, like replacing the perforated ceiling tiles, and to redo bits they had cut corners on, such as the glass walkway. “We did it in the first renovation, but could only afford cheap glazing,” says Karen. “With the second renovation, we double-glazed it and it’s made a big difference in warmth.” Just for themselves “For both of us, our vision was to come home to our own peaceful place, which was calm and just for us,” says Karen. To create a space that was easy on the eye and soothing to the soul, the couple called on another family friend, interior designer Alisha Barnes of Plantation Design Store. Out went the old family- friendly (and budget-wise) finishes, such as the timber-look vinyl floors, in favour of stunning travertine-style porcelain. The dated orange rimu timber was painted white and the walls covered in beautifully textured synthetic grasscloth wallpaper. “I’ve always been obsessed with it. I always said when I grow up, when I’ve arrived, I really want grasscloth wallpaper,” Karen jokes. The latest renovation also gave them room to indulge their passions, including converting their 100 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN