A fresh white palette with laid back vibes was the key to this Papamoa family’s home reno. Take a tour and discover the inspiration behind their project
The interior of this petite Papamoa home was inspired by Byron Bay
Gus Herniman, security advisor, Abbie Herniman, owner of The Home Maker Renovations & Interiors, Cass, 17, Ava, 5, and Finn, 1, plus Smudge the cat.
Problem
- There was no indoor-outdoor flow.
- The small home felt cluttered, even with the extension.
- There wasn’t enough budget to join the house to the granny flat.
Solution
- A new extension was added, opening from the living space onto a deck and large backyard.
- Clever storage solutions have helped to eliminate clutter and make the home feel more spacious.
- Both buildings were renovated separately and connected via a large deck. Matching exterior finishes ensure that the spaces feel related
Budget
The entire renovation, including landscaping, was around $280,000. The house reno was $209,000 and the studio reno about $57,000.
Their interiors budget was wiped out during the renovation, so Abbie had to be creative with her styling. She bought a lot of secondhand and budget-friendly items and created some pieces herself. “I love homes that are slowly cultivated over time, so various items tell a story or evoke a memory. I’m happy to let our home evolve as we slowly invest in special pieces or come across things we love,” she says.
Plants and art prints also add interest to the space. “I’m not sure exactly what to call my style,” Abbie says. “I love Byron Bay beach houses – white on white on white, a little boho with a lot of greenery. I’ve had mixed success with keeping plants alive, so many of them are now fake!”
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Scorching summers and mild winters mean the covered deck area is used all year round. With no less than eight sets of bifold and sliding doors, there is an almost invisible transition between indoors and the decking, which connects the main house to the studio.
Tropical plants will provide privacy as they grow.
You can’t go wrong with a white kitchen, reckons Abbie, who has kept the look sleek and unfussy throughout the open-plan space – all painted in Resene ‘Black White – which flows through to the dining area and lounge.
The family relax on their comfy sofa which sits at the far end of the house and looks through the open-plan living space to the garden beyond. The modular sofa and rug came from Freedom. The solid oak coffee table was custom made by Adam Sinclair Furniture.
The Atlas longboard, leaning against the gallery wall, was a Father’s Day gift for Gus.
Behind Gus and Finn, the dining area continues the cool, white-and-wood, coastal vibe with a secondhand table, replica Wishbone chairs and Ico Traders pendant lights.
Exposed rafters lend a sense of scale to the stand-alone studio. The living space has been cleverly designed to house a lounge, study area and mezzanine daybed. Opening onto this area is son Cass’ bedroom.
Aqua accents, used throughout the home, are teamed with shell pink in the main bedroom for a light and airy look. An artwork made by Abbie perfectly echoes the velvet throw from Citta.
Cass’ bedroom is the ideal space for a budding photographer and film-maker who dreams of going to New York.
Ava’s and Finn’s bedrooms are largely furnished with handmade, secondhand or upcycled pieces.
Words by: Abbie Herniman. Photography by: Rachel Dobbs.
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