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Every day is a holiday in this Mount Maunganui bungalow

Sea, sun and surf drew Sarah Ingram and Roger Mutagh to Mount Maunganui from Auckland, both of them keen for a lifestyle change

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In a nutshell

Who lives here?
Sarah Ingram (business analyst), partner Roger Murtagh (self-employed) and daughter Stella, 3.

What’s your favourite room in the house?
Sarah: I adore our bright and sunny breakfast nook. It’s a great place to eat, read or hang out with family and friends.

Best element of your new home?
Living with colour. I always thought the rule was not to make a feature of roman blinds by way of colour and pattern, but I love it in my home.

Style tips

  • Hiring interior designers Bibby + Brady saved us valuable time and money by avoiding costly mistakes. They were able to source pieces that we didn’t have access to and make decisions that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves.
  • Design your home to suit your lifestyle. We moved from Auckland and we wanted our new home to reflect the more relaxed, coastal life we now lead.
  • A built-in banquette is perfect in a small space and provides a lovely informal place to dine.
  • To avoid the cost of a new kitchen, simply have the cupboards re-sprayed and replace the handles for an instant update.

Words by: Catherine Steel. Photography by: Helen Bankers.

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Two aqua chairs and an Armadillo & Co rug create an arrival point as you enter off the deck. The yellow kitchen cabinetry can be seen on the left.

The living area now features defined dining and sitting areas with a problematic empty space on the way to the kitchen converted into a handy study nook complete with a cheerful yellow chair. The beautiful velvet couch was a must-have for Sarah.

The ‘Seascape’ wallpaper by Abigail Edwards in the entry references the home’s location; a neutral backdrop in the lounge and dining area allows for colourful furnishings.

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The ‘Seascape’ wallpaper by Abigail Edwards in the entry references the home’s location; a neutral backdrop in the lounge and dining area allows for colourful furnishings.

In the breakfast nook, bright chairs, accessories and gorgeous printed fabrics distract attention from the tiled floor, which Sarah isn’t keen on.

In the breakfast nook, bright chairs, accessories and gorgeous printed fabrics distract attention from the tiled floor, which Sarah isn’t keen on.

In the breakfast nook, bright chairs, accessories and gorgeous printed fabrics distract attention from the tiled floor, which Sarah isn’t keen on.

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A sideboard with mid-century leanings separates the sitting area from the dining zone.

Sarah says she loves the clearly defined spaces which have resulted from the redecoration of her home.

Sarah says she loves the clearly defined spaces which have resulted from the redecoration of her home.

A tropical beach decal above the study nook – where Sarah works from home – reinforces the home’s beachy vibe and coastal setting.

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Bold pink florals and dots, highlighted against pastel green walls, drive the decor in Stella’s bedroom.

Bold pink florals and dots, highlighted against pastel green walls, drive the decor in Stella’s bedroom

This page and opposite below: In the main bedroom, Resene ‘Reservoir’ bathes the room in ocean aqua, while splashes of rich colour continue an approach that’s evident throughout the home.

Rose- and grey-toned art and furnishings complement the beachy blue.

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Rose- and grey-toned art and furnishings complement the beachy blue.

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