The Law clan’s can-do attitude and in-house expertise helped transform this dated East Auckland house into a modern, fun and functional home
Creative upcycling and styling helped this tired home reach its potential
Angela Law, massage therapist, Cliff Law, 45 specialist gym floor installer, Beau, 23, and Krissy, 14, plus cat Morrin. Sons Gregor and Wade live in the UK.
Q&A
Where have you saved money in your home?
Angela: Upcycling old pieces of furniture and picking up some big ticket items for a song on Trade Me.
Any splurges?
I’m not big on splurges unless I think I can’t live without it, but one thing I will spend money on is good-quality linen. I love my linen sheets and bedspread. I also love my large print in the lounge which I had framed.
Best buy?
The brand-new vanity and basin from Trade Me ($13). It had a ceramic bowl and a $1 reserve. We had no idea if it would be any good or would need to go straight in the skip, but it was fantastic and our best bargain buy.
Any DIY disasters?
None.
What would you change?
I would change the position of the cavity slider in the hall as you can see straight into the laundry, and of course a laundry isn’t the most beautiful of rooms. I should have moved it to the side so you saw a painting instead.
Best lesson learned?
Things always cost about twice as much and take twice as long as you expect. Patience is key to decorating and renovating.
Three style tips…
• Don’t be afraid to try to upcycle things rather than buying new.
• Buy pieces that make you happy and make you smile every time you see them.
• Stay true to your own style so your home is a place you love to live in.
1/19
Where others were quick to dismiss its dark and dated 1980s interior, this couple had a hunch that this house could be the family home they were looking for.
2/19
Industrial lights and subway tiles in the clean, white kitchen were a bargain find online and perfectly complemented the look Angela had in mind.
3/19
The kitchen is the heart of the modern family home and to Angela it is the most important room in her house.
4/19
Add splashes of greenery to bring life and colour into a space. Even the tiniest cactus or fern will have an impact!
5/19
The kitchen is the heart of the modern family home and to Angela it is the most important room in her house.
6/19
The home’s dark wood panelling was painted white throughout and offset with black accents including a blackboard feature wall in the dining area.
7/19
During the renovation, the couple planned to install a new kitchen, move the entryway, enclose the atrium to create a dining room, and carve out an open-plan living space with generous indoor-outdoor flow.
8/19
The living area is a cosy and casual space designed for chilled-out family time and movie nights.
9/19
Back when the family first moved in, the master bedroom was entirely covered in varnished wood panelling. As soon as she was able, Angela painted over it in Resene Karen Walker ‘Milk White’
10/19
The effect Angela wanted to achieve when renovating her home was a feeling of balance and calm.
11/19
The cute little dressing table was a Trade Me find repainted by Angela.
12/19
Krissy has very professionally tied her bedroom look together by repeating the wall dots on a pillowcase and again with an extra large dot on the drawers. Accents of dusky pink provide a soft touch of colour – the lamp was painted to match.
13/19
Add splashes of greenery to bring life and colour into a space. Even the tiniest cactus or fern will have an impact!
14/19
A sliding barn door saves on space in the master bedroom and was installed at a fraction of the going rate due to Angela’s keen nose for a bargain.
15/19
Angela’s use of texture and pattern means the monochrome palette is far from flat. Splashes of colour, timber accents and potted greenery have been used with restraint, but bring warmth and personality to every room.
16/19
The man cave was built from a kitset to house Cliff’s rugby jersey collection, but the area is enjoyed by the whole family, particularly its outdoor dining zone.
17/19
The man cave was built from a kitset to house Cliff’s rugby jersey collection, but the area is enjoyed by the whole family, particularly its outdoor dining zone.
18/19
The deck and man cave have proved to be well-used extensions of the family’s living areas. “We’ve hosted many barbecues and most nights we sit outside at the bar leaner to eat,” says Angela. “It’s been a great investment.” Not only that – we’d say they’ve scored a winning try.
19/19
Like most Kiwis, Angela and Cliff prefer to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Words by: Annick Larkin. Photography by: Helen Bankers.
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