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Meet & greet: Olivia Kennedy (interior designer at Mooi Design, Christchurch), Sam Kennedy (accountant), Ralph, 17 months, and Kobe the French bulldog.
Property Details: Single-level four-bedroom, two-bathroom new-build in Christchurch.
To say Olivia and Sam Kennedy were busy in 2023 is a major understatement. Between March and December, the couple welcomed son Ralph and built a brand new home.
“It was a bit of a wild ride,” explains Olivia. “We had our baby boy in March, so were navigating becoming new parents while also project managing a build.”
Construction of their 237sqm four-bedroom, two-bathroom home at Prestons Park in Marshland, Christchurch, started in July and wrapped up in December. The single-level house – also with a powder room, two outdoor living zones and double garage – has a distinct Scandinavian vibe and the sort of laidback elegance you’d expect from someone with Olivia’s professional interior design expertise.
Second nature
The couple aren’t new-build newbies, however. Olivia and Sam’s previous home, a light-filled house featured in the May 2021 issue of Your Home and Garden. Their time spent living in London influenced that project. They built it through Sam’s father’s construction company. “But this time around, we were ready to take on the challenge ourselves. We wanted it to be more of a family home, offering more space, and we wanted the design to feel more timeless, something that will still look fabulous in 10 years’ time,” Olivia says.
It didn’t hurt that the section was in Marshland, a suburb rapidly becoming a hotspot for young families. It’s only a seven-minute drive to the beach, close to golf courses and is right beside Bottle Lake Forest, which is a popular spot for walking and cycling.
Their first foray into house building was a learning curve for Olivia and Sam. They then introduced their own curves to their character-filled house in the form of rounded surfaces, fixtures and furniture. Their education included balancing where to spend and where to save; practical lessons (not to use white grout between the tiles, for instance); and truly understanding the process of building.
Did curves make a return in the new home? “I love the curves, still do,” says Olivia. “But with this home I wanted to go a little more earthy, with deeper coloured tiles, walnut vanities and kitchen island, and a dark and moody powder room. But there’s still an organic feel with some of the feature lighting.”
Olivia’s skills and experience also came to the fore: “Because I have been working in the interior design space for more than three years now, it has definitely influenced my style. I’m getting into a lot more into colour but still like to keep things minimal.”
Building on experience
This project went much more smoothly because Olivia knew where to source tiles, vanities and mirrors. She says she knew what worked well in terms of paint colours and flooring. She felt so much more confident with decision-making.
Olivia opted to paint the interior in a light shade, with areas of depth. “Resene Merino (a versatile off-white shade) was used throughout, and this colour really is such a good neutral. It has warmth without feeling beige.” In the powder room, she wanted a dark colour, choosing Aalto’s Corner Stone, a moody neutral that works well with grey or brown tones.
Sam, meanwhile, was managing the project and was on site every day, keeping in contact with tradespeople and making sure the build environment was neat and tidy.
The couple’s goal was to host Christmas breakfast at their place. It seemed optimistic at the time, but they managed it. They moved in a week before Christmas. They also achieved something that many others don’t manage to do on a building project – stuck to their budget. “Sam kept a very close eye on the costs,” Olivia says.
Buy the way
Throughout the home are the treasures collected from their travels and time spent living overseas – “a fun candlestick holder from Morocco and books on our favourite areas of London”. But Olivia bought most pieces since she began her career in interior design. “Being exposed to so many beautiful brands daily definitely tempted me,” she says. “Some of my favourite pieces would be our large brass Tom Dixon bowl (a wedding present), the Citta stone dishes and a Fleur Wickes artwork (also a wedding present).”
Her favourite room? That’s easy – it’s the powder room. “I adore this space, we picked some fun Artedomus feature tiles, an Abi Interiors pedestal basin and a stunning David Shaw x Nightworks feature light, which is like an art piece.
“Sam loves a log burner so this was a non-negotiable for him.”
Heating played a crucial role in the build, so the couple also opted for a ducted heat pump.
In terms of the most expensive rooms, the kitchen and bathrooms: “I knew I wanted walnut colourings. I also felt determined to include modern Shaker-style cabinetry detail,” Olivia says. “The kitchen is simple in its design but has some special details, like our large Slow Store pendant, simple opal Nightworks wall lights, the marble detail in the Neolith benchtop and the shelf along the back, which is super handy.”
In the bathrooms, the pair decided to go for large-format tiles. “The tile we picked is a stone look, which is super earthy.”
Future perfect
Indoor-outdoor flow was important for Olivia and Sam. This allowed the house to have two outside living spaces, both of which come off the main living space.
They decided the garden – a wildflower bed and planter boxes – would be a work in progress they could chip away at over time, but the couple is on the move again.
They’ve sold the house because they are on the lookout for a renovation project closer to the centre of Christchurch. However, they are keeping their options open.
“Yes, we sure love a challenge,” says Olivia. “Watch this space.”
Shop Sam and Olivia’s new Christchurch home’s style
See more images of their new Christchurch home below
The limited edition artwork Rosa with Peonies by Kiwi artist Sierra Roberts is placed in the entrance.
The green 1977 modular sofa is from King Living, Special Studio Lulu white stool and the artwork is a Sandra Blomen Maschinsky print from Wall of Art.
The Lulu stool is from Special Studio, and the Ikea picture ledge shelves are from Scandi lifestyle shop Nordic Chill in Christchurch.
The S-shape chair is from Ned Collections and the Enzo Mario Pear artwork was bought while living in London.
The sleek countertop is matte stainless steel.
The white outdoor furniture is from Mitre 10 and the exterior weatherboard cladding is James Hardie Linea Oblique, which was installed vertically.
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