This resourceful couple, Dion and Justine van Kekem, designed and built their new Scandinavian styled home themselves
Meet + Greet
Dion van Kekem, 34 (project manager for Niveau Pools & Construction), Justine van Kekem, 33 (interior designer), Annabelle, 12, Brooklyn, 10, and Scarlett, 8, plus Goldie the dog, 8 chickens, 5 cows and 11 sheep.
Honesty box
Any regrets?
Justine: I would have loved to put skylights in both bathrooms to bring in natural light. I also would have tried to incorporate a better overall heating system or hide the two heat pumps as I don’t like the look of the inside and outside units; nevertheless, they are very practical.
Any challenges with the build?
We had a big challenge with our polished concrete floor because of the particular matte finish we were going for. It wasn’t an easy task for the polishers and, being matte, it is still a little absorbent and vulnerable to stains. Throughout the build we had very specific plans and ideas and these often take extra work, time and planning.
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What gave you the best bang for buck?
Our biggest savings came from not needing to hire consultants and managers as we managed many aspects of the build ourselves – being in the construction industry we were able to make significant savings. We also think the natural polished concrete floor has probably saved us quite a lot as we don’t need floor coverings for those large areas.
Best memories in your house?
We have been lucky enough to host significant events in our friends’ and family’s lives which we wouldn’t have been able to do without well-thought-out, practical, large spaces.
Build spend
$500,000
Hidden surprises
1. Scullery
Tucked behind timber veneer wall in the kitchen is a scullery and storage space. On the far side a door leads to…
2. The mudroom
A space where the kids can dump their bags and boots, and dirty clothing can be transferred straight to the washing machine. A door connects it to the garage.
3. Home office
Accessed through a concealed door at the far end of the wall, the office also has its own external entrance so clients can come and go.
See more of the trendy Christchurch new-build below
Natural light streams into the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, where generous sliding doors allow fresh air to circulate freely throughout the spacious home.
Slatted black timber brings texture to an otherwise clean and classic kitchen. An annexe houses the scullery and leads through to the mudroom/laundry and garage.
A sink alcove prevents congestion in the bathroom.
Family bathroom The couple wanted practical, timeless bathrooms with a subtle point of difference. Glam pendants, textured tiles and creative timber details combined to create the look they wanted in both the ensuite and family bathroom.
Ensuite.
Annabelle, Brooklyn and Scarlett’s rooms are all fun spaces. Brooklyn’s wooden wall is the same oak veneer ply used in the hall and dining area. The leopard-print effect in Scarlett’s room was created with decals made by Justine’s sister.
The van Kekem house was designed to be both a family home and the ultimate entertainer’s pad, so naturally the large outdoor living space is ideal for small family barbecues and large gatherings alike.
Shop the look 1 Flower Petal queen bedhead, $599, from Shut The Front Door. 2 Caius pendant, $79, from Eden Lighting. 3 Magazine rack, $14, from Kmart. 4 Soft Lines print, from $89, from Paper Plane. 5 Macramé hanging chair, $99, from EziBuy. 6 Stool from The Warehouse. 7 Tila vase set, $54.90, from Country Road. 8 Foldable seagrass basket, $14, from Kmart. 9 Concrete stool, $169.99, from A&C Homestore. 10 Mali side table, $49, from Farmers. 11 Velvet linen cushion, $29.99, from EziBuy. 12 Benchmore seat, $699, from Ico Traders.
Floor plan & colour palette.
Contacts
Electrician David Moot Electrical
Windows NZ Frameless Glass
Kitchen Sydenham Joinery
Builders Niveau Pools and Construction
Supply shop
Freedom
Hello Dear Interiors
H&M Home
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