A small, dark cottage received the full treatment from an interior designer with a knack for creating harmony between neutrals and colour
Interior designer Thandi Tipene’s professional understanding of interior space and light meant that when she was viewing potential homes to purchase in New Plymouth, a small, dark cottage with limited sun was not a negative attribute, but merely a golden opportunity.
The home’s quaint cottage style character was forefront of mind, but with a determination to modernise the home for family life, Thandi and her husband, Bachelor embarked on a renovation which saw the interior layout and style change dramatically.
“We bought this as an original 1930s bungalow on a small site with no sun. The biggest decision for most people would be: How do we maintain the character of the home?”
Although modernised with an entirely new layout and a soft white canvas throughout, the character has been retained via the exterior weatherboard features, as well as interior heritage fixtures such as original bungalow doors.
Get the look
- Cole & Son ‘Palm Jungle’ wallpaper, $270 a roll, from Thandi Jazmine Design.
- Spiral coffee table, AU$349, from The Family Love Tree.
- Pom Pom baby blanket, AU$149, from Kip & Co.
Text by: Tina Stephen. Photography by: Helen Bankers.
Vintage cane chairs lend texture to a mellow corner of the living space where neutrals rule.
On one side of the living area a flamingo wall chart adds a pop of deep crimson against the whitewashed walls that set the scene for this light, bright and modern home.
This comfortable space is layered with natural textures such as leather, cane and woven rugs, offsetting the modern addition of a bright powder-blue kitchen complete with white wire bar stools from Ico Traders.
This comfortable space is layered with natural textures such as leather, cane and woven rugs, offsetting the modern addition of a bright powder-blue kitchen complete with white wire bar stools from Ico Traders.
“We bought this as an original 1930s bungalow on a small site with no sun”
This comfortable space is layered with natural textures such as leather, cane and woven rugs, offsetting the modern addition of a bright powder-blue kitchen complete with white wire bar stools from Ico Traders.
Purchased secondhand, the kitchen cabinetry was re-sprayed in a specialty paint before being installed. The marble-tiled splashback and white tapware complete the sleek, modern look.
Floor-to-ceiling white tiles are offset by washed-wood floors and a timber shower base.
The red claw-foot bath makes a statement and is complemented by a vintage emerald Tretchikoff print.
The red claw-foot bath makes a statement and is complemented by a vintage emerald Tretchikoff print.
Thandi’s home office features an exposed concrete wall which adds texture and interest in this clean and fresh space. “I am often working on a number of different design projects so my office needed to be pared-back and restful. Having plenty of storage keeps my space tidy and organised as I have a lot of samples and fabrics,” she says.
Crisp white walls and furniture create a canvas for lots of layered texture and colour. The quirky feature wall with a repetitive giraffe motif provides plenty of personality while the yellow vintage armchair and fun bedding soften the space.
Crisp white walls and furniture create a canvas for lots of layered texture and colour. The quirky feature wall with a repetitive giraffe motif provides plenty of personality while the yellow vintage armchair and fun bedding soften the space.
Crisp white walls and furniture create a canvas for lots of layered texture and colour. The quirky feature wall with a repetitive giraffe motif provides plenty of personality while the yellow vintage armchair and fun bedding soften the space.
Crisp white walls and furniture create a canvas for lots of layered texture and colour. The quirky feature wall with a repetitive giraffe motif provides plenty of personality while the yellow vintage armchair and fun bedding soften the space.
The master bedroom, with its bluish grey Resene ‘Double Surrender’ walls and ombre curtains, was designed with ultimate rest and relaxation in mind.
The master bedroom, with its bluish grey Resene ‘Double Surrender’ walls and ombre curtains, was designed with ultimate rest and relaxation in mind.
The master bedroom, with its bluish grey Resene ‘Double Surrender’ walls and ombre curtains, was designed with ultimate rest and relaxation in mind.
The wallpaper in the guest bedroom reflects Thandi and Bachelor’s love of the tropics – “The palm room is our little escape,” she says.
The wallpaper in the guest bedroom reflects Thandi and Bachelor’s love of the tropics – “The palm room is our little escape,” she says.
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