A damp and musty 1930s bungalow has been given a new lease of life and is loved once more thanks to its new owners
Who lives here?
Eva Nash (director of Rogan Nash Architects), David Nash (Bunnings national supply chain manager), Nico, 3.
Aside from the architectural design, what other things did you do yourselves?
We’ve taken a hands-on approach with all our renos so this one was no different. We painted the interior of the house ourselves (often late at night so we could make the project go faster) as well as completing some of the internal finishes, landscaping and fences.
How long did the project take and where did you live during this time?
Because we did a lot of the finishing ourselves, at night and on the weekends, it meant we could speed up the progress – so it only took us 11 weeks to completely transform our house. We lived with my mum during the reno.
Did your renovation throw up any surprises?
There are always surprises when renovating an old house. The existing timber floors were in poor condition, partly missing and couldn’t be reused, we had to re-strengthen half the roof because the old framing was inadequate, and we struck volcanic rock when we were digging the deck foundations. You have to be adaptable and quick-thinking to overcome the challenges of a renovation.
Style secrets to steal from this home
- Consider the sun when you are planning your spaces
- Natural sunlight always makes rooms feel warm and inviting
- Think about the visual connection between outside and inside
- If you can see your back lawn, it will encourage you to go out there!
- Bedrooms are the perfect places to personalise and have fun with colours and accessories
Words by: Annick Larkin. Photos by: Emma MacDonald.
1/22
The living area now flows seamlessly out onto a brand-new deck, connecting directly with the back lawn.
2/22
Symmetry is pivotal in this architect-designed kitchen.
3/22
The original house lacked-indoor-outdoor flow so Eva had to create it from scratch.
4/22
“We love the outdoors and I think it is really important to encourage children to play outside.” The connection is now effortless with a large deck flowing out from the living area to the large, sunny, flat back lawn.
5/22
6/22
Plants, fur, geometric art, patterned fabric, and a mix of gloss and matte finishes add texture to the monochrome palette.
7/22
Budget restraints did not allow for tiled walls so HardieGroove was installed to give the space the look and feel of traditional timber panelling.
8/22
A frameless round mirror brings light to the entry hall and softens the many linear shapes there.
9/22
Felt storage bags from Mocka are the perfect way to keep toys tidy in the playroom.
10/22
In Nico’s bedroom bold wallpaper on one wall brightens the space.
11/22
12/22
Indoor plants can be found dotted around the home.
13/22
The kitchen mirrors the tones of the adjacent living and dining areas with an elegant black, white and timber colour scheme.
14/22
Hexagonal tiles, wood grain and industrial accents ensure there is plenty of interest in this architectural space.
15/22
Eva at the dining table.
16/22
The furniture in the dining space reflects Eva’s love of mid-century design. Despite the furniture and flooring having different timber finishes, the natural warmth of the mixed tones ties them together.
17/22
Contrasting charcoal floor tiles and white tongue-and-groove-effect walls ensure the family bathroom feels contemporary but still warm and inviting.
18/22
19/22
A gallery wall of Eva’s family.
20/22
The blackened brass pendant light was a must-have for Eva.
21/22
The guest room is painted in Resene ‘Half Kandinsky’ – a striking mint which Eva has loved for a while.
22/22
The ‘pink orchid’ artwork in the master bedroom is one of Eva’s favourite things and was given as a gift.
EXPERT PROJECTS
![modern home interior study room and wooden desk](https://htlnz.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/resized-tile-for-site-1-350x260.jpg)
Create the home of your dreams with Shop Your Home and Garden
SHOP NOW