Although the colours in the dining room and kitchen are muted, texture (and a mint-green fridge) keep things interesting.

“I needed to find a way to make sense of all the wooden trims and doors, and leaning towards a Scandinavian style has meant I no longer itch to paint them,” says Dawn.

The beige, half-length curtains in this 1960s brick-and-tile school property were promptly removed and replaced with soft, romantic sheers.

Despite its modest size, the home feels light and airy due to its simple colour palette and Scandinavian-inspired furnishings.

“While I maximise cupboard space with storage boxes and hooks, I like to leave surfaces clear to create vignettes, which I change regularly,” says Dawn.

“Negative (empty) space can be really important,” Dawn says. “It allows the eye to rest so that a room reads as interesting, not chaotic.”

Dawn has kept the decor restrained in the light-filled living areas so the amazing views out to Rangitoto can take centre stage.

Dawn has adapted her aesthetic to suit the style of her new abode.

Although Dawn’s style is strongly monochrome, texture is everywhere – concrete, timber, leather, hides – and pattern.

The magnificent playhouse in the playroom was made for Eliza by a family friend.

The tree decals are a delight; done well, decals can mimic wallpaper – a cheaper and easier option when you’re living in temporary accommodation.

Dawn has added interest to the children’s bedrooms and playroom by applying vinyl decals to the walls.

“We opted for light colours and Adam suggested we incorporate additional timber, given that there is a lot of wood in the house,” says Dawn.

“I think all these changes have enhanced the house and we will leave them here for the next family to enjoy when our time is over,” says Dawn.

The neon acrylic Attic House from Mint Rhapsody supplies a splash of colour in an otherwise monochrome space.

Clean lines, geometric artworks and a mostly white backdrop have been key to getting the aesthetic right.

Painted in Resene ‘Grey Chateau’, Eliza’s bedroom has just the right mix of femininity and fun.

Although a cool Scandinavian palette of black, white and grey may seem a little austere to some, Dawn has proved that you don’t need bold hues to colour a space.

Beautiful Bedouin Société bedlinen from Indie Home Collective brings colour and texture to the restful master bedroom.

Guided by her new home’s unpretentious size, Dawn has kept the interior style simple and uncluttered.

Before moving in, the couple realised that some of their furniture needed to be on a smaller scale to suit the room dimensions of the School House.

Dawn loves to create small groupings, such as the one beneath the New York artwork

The home the Bannisters live in comes with Adam’s job, but this hasn’t stopped the family putting their own spin on its interior.