After moving from Wellington into a 1960s Auckland bungalow, this creative family stamped their style on their new home with bold colour and pattern
Meet and greet
Morag Sinclair, creative director of Gerty Brown, Ben Sinclair, sound designer and composer, Cuba, 11, and Lotte, 8.
Quick Q&A
Morag, what areas of your home did you splurge on?
The bathroom by ‘Refit‘ was definitely a splurge, but a well-considered one. We took our time and engaged professionals to do the job. I dreamed about renovating it for three years and it was worth the wait; I wouldn’t change a thing.
Do you tend to buy high-end homeware or seek out a bargain?
I prefer to buy quality – original designs and vintage pieces, which are quality because they were made to last. I am not a fan of reproductions.
Best advice when it comes to spending money on a home?
Spend money on things that you will use every day – feather cushions, good-quality sheets, gorgeous linen and a great coffee machine.
What is the most memorable experience you have had in your home?
Our first summer in Auckland was the hottest summer in ages, and certainly hotter than Wellington summers! We practically lived al fresco and ate all our meals on the deck for months – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What do you love about your home?
The sunshine, the birds, the trees, the neighbourhood, the colours and the good energy. People often comment on how good our house feels and I think that’s because it is a happy home.
Style secrets
- Let decorating evolve over time; build up a story so that it reflects you, not a specific trend.
- Live with crappy bathrooms or kitchens for a while so you get to know what you really want in a renovation.
- Pay an expert to do the big jobs.
- Changing out the lights, cushions and linen can really revive a room.
- Relax and enjoy your home – perfect is boring!
Contacts
- Joiner/cabinetmaker Kirsty Winter
- Bathroom project management Refit Renovations
- Feature artwork Mark Ussher – including the ironing board (in the lounge) and colourful New Zealand print
- Cushions, New Zealand art, yellow planter and ceramics Mixt
- Vintage pieces Pop-Up France
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Market finds, vintage treasures and work by fellow creatives are proudly on display throughout.
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Eclectic textiles and vivid colours mix with local art and vintage items to create a modern mid-century vibe.
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The Sinclairs’ home is a homage to colour and art.
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One of the Sinclair’s style tips is to Live with crappy bathrooms or kitchens for a while so you get to know what you really want in a renovation.
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With a background in interior design and retail, Morag has amassed quite a collection of art, interesting items of homeware and furniture, each with a story to tell.
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Bright white walls are the ideal backdrop for Morag’s ever-growing collection of fabric swatches and Etsy prints.
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Scour markets and Etsy for small art prints and create an eclectic gallery wall with simple white picture frames.
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Piles of cushions (made by Morag for her business, Gerty Brown) sit ready for despatch to clients and stores nationwide.
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The bathroom’s simple, streamlined design future-proofs the home’s resale value.
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The bathroom’s simple, streamlined design allows Morag to make her mark with mirrors, ceramics and brightly coloured towels.
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Lotte and Cuba’s rooms celebrate their individual style and taste.
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Cuba’s love of Star Wars has been showcased with a montage over the bed and a gorgeous bespoke cushion by Gerty Brown.
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“Something as simple as a duvet cover can really change a room, which is perfect for when you’re feeling uninspired or restless about your interior”
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Floor plan
Words by: Tina Stephen. Photography: Helen Bankers.
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