Moving house has become second nature to these homeowners after completing six renovations, but now they’re ready to settle down at this Kapiti Coast home with sea views and loads of potential
Every day feels like a holiday at this Kapiti Coast home
Who lives here? Vanessa Webb (interior designer at Dress My Nest), Matt Webb (sales manager for NZME Radio), Pippa, Annabelle and Pixie the cat.
What’s the best thing about living in this house? Vanessa: The sea view and falling asleep listening to the waves. I also love that we’re surrounded by trees. Matt: In Auckland, we used to live between two busy roads and we now live between a world-class golf course and a beach.
Who sets the design direction? Vanessa: Me, although I’m less particular about my own home than I am about my clients’. I’ll often give Matt and the girls a few options and let them choose.
Anything you’d change about the house? Vanessa: If I won Lotto I’d definitely put in a pool (as well as a bath and outdoor shower).
1/18
The living area is flooded with natural light, so Vanessa opted for a deep shade on the walls to offset some of the brightness. Visitors always ask what colour it is because it seems to change from black to charcoal to navy, depending on the light.
2/18
Vanessa isn’t sentimental about furniture, so she sold most of theirs before leaving Auckland. It meant she was able to start afresh with two new couches and a custom-made dining table.
3/18
4/18
Although the kitchen is workable, Vanessa would like to change it around so that all the high cabinets are on one side only – but she’s too busy designing other people’s houses to get to her own!
5/18
6/18
Vanessa painted a vertical stripe in her home office, in Dulux ‘Happy’, to provide inspiration while she worked. It has a magnetic undercoat so she can also use it as a moodboard.
7/18
Vanessa livened up the “boring” grey rubber floor by painting stripes across it.
8/18
The pink and gold heart decals in Pippa’s room were a mission to get right, but the effect was worth it.
9/18
With an interior designer in the house, you can be guaranteed of some quirky details, such as the pink painted triangle in Annabelle’s room.
10/18
Vanessa is also no stranger to employing furniture, art and furnishings to liberally sprinkle colour throughout the house.
11/18
The girls never tire of spotting famous landmarks in their playroom’s wallpaper.
12/18
The pink triangle effect in Annabelle's room.
13/18
The pink triangle paint effect in Annabelle’s room has been carried through to the master bedroom. Here it is paired with black accents to contrast with the room’s pastel colour scheme and connect with the adjacent deck’s black furniture.
14/18
Upstairs, the master suite is a case study in clean lines and cool minimalism with hints of soft colour in dreamy fabrics.
15/18
The enclosed deck off the upper storey’s master suite is sheltered from the wind, making it a pleasant spot to be at any time of day.
16/18
There’s plenty of room for a seating area plus a gorgeous black swinging egg chair (from Freedom Furniture) when you need some alone time with a good book.
17/18
When the Webbs bought the house, the section was overgrown and unloved so Vanessa wasted no time in calling in the landscapers. In warmer months, the family spends most of their time out here.
18/18
Style tips
– If you’re installing new window treatments, don’t necessarily go for just one style or fabric. That can be great for continuity but it’s equally a good opportunity to add personality to each space. Different fabrics can add colour and texture without costing too much.
– Whether you’re using a designer or are doing it yourself, collect pictures of spaces you like and create a moodboard, which can help keep you on track. Lots of designers offer moodboard and e-design services which are cost-effective ways to get professional advice.
– Mix designer items with chain store, vintage with contemporary, colours with neutrals. Your home should be a reflection of what you love so don’t just replicate a picture in a magazine or from Pinterest; think about how you can interpret a style to suit yourself and your family.
Words by: Sharon Stephenson. Photography by: Elizabeth Goodall.
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