A home in the Bay of Plenty hills offers the lifestyle change this once inner-city family was craving
Who lives here?
Maree Wilkinson (wedding, fashion and portrait photographer), Matt Swanberg (company director), Jett, Milly, and Frankie the dog.
Maree, how would you describe your interiors style?
Industrial, but with a feminine touch and featuring a diverse range of things I love to have around me, from Murano glass to antlers and skulls.
What’s an interior design detail you consider worth spending extra time and money on?
Lighting would be one. We have the white lightshades and Edison bulb from Kiwi Living in the kitchen and the hanging metal cage lights outside. The tripod lamp, meanwhile, appeals to the photographer in me.
Matt, which aspects of your property most excite you?
Definitely the fact we are high enough to have such a great view; also having enough flat land for a mini soccer pitch.
Small-space living tips
- Reject standard height ceilings. Vaulted ceilings are an option, or go for a higher stud to create that sense of space.
- Have drawers under the beds for storing linen.
- Position the washing machine under the bathroom bench.
- Allow your furniture to include a window seat (on caster wheels is a good idea, so it can be moved to follow the sun.)
- Outdoor fires extend outdoor living beyond the summer seasons. These areas can then be used as additional living spaces for most of the year.
Words by: Monique Balvert-O’Connor. Photography by: Angela Keoghan.
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The hanging egg chair is one of Jett’s happy places, while his mum says the wicker rocker is the place to be at gin and tonic time.

The indoor exposed truss look is repeated on the exterior. This large, covered outdoor area serves as another dining space.

The north-facing wall of the home comprises glass doors which all open to the deck.

Orange-hued art by Bay of Plenty artist Ellie Lawler has pride of place in the master bedroom.


Maree designed the bunks after looking for ideas on Pinterest. The large bedroom configuration – perfect for a group of friends or a family – makes this home a popular one on Book a Bach.

The old school stools are one of the first things Maree bought for the house.





Milly was keen for a bit of bling in the room she shares with her brother, and the colourful chandelier does the job perfectly.


Maree and Matt have left an entire wall of their main living area in its raw plywood state. This works well with the similarly unadorned trusses and raw aluminium.


Fabric stretched over canvas hangs above the Lip chair, which Maree says she has owned forever.