With pared back colours, oversized artwork and lots of lush plants, this young family’s home is a boho-chic dream. Its indoor slide is pretty incredible too!
Meet and greet
James Rigden, director of Superette, Renee Rigden, founder of Renee’s Kitchen Food & Wellbeing, Sloane, 5, and Bay, 3, plus George the cat.
This freshly renovated family home has the coolest boho-chic style
Renee and James Rigden were happy in their Auckland home and had plans underway to extend it. Then they stumbled across a late-1960s, four-bedroom house for sale in Castor Bay on the North Shore. At first glance the house was nothing special – it was run-down, with dated paintwork and tired bathrooms, but the spacious footprint, 1500-square-metre section and sea views immediately had Renee excited.
Having renovated previous houses, the couple weren’t put off by a bit of DIY. “I think renovating and improving property is a bit addictive,” says Renee.
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Honesty box
- We learnt that bigger houses cost more to renovate! And always budget more than you expect– for everything. The cost of using tradesmen adds up quickly and so do bespoke ideas.
- Don’t be afraid to collaborate with your tradesmen on what you really want. They are keen to work with you to create something a bit different. They do this gig full time, so they often have great ideas.

The custom-made coffee table is from Bali, while the log side tables (above left) were James’ brainwave. They sourced a log from a local sawmill, cut it in half and added wheels.


Move furniture around regularly to freshen things up. Greenery goes a long way to enlivening a quiet corner or empty spot, too.

A kitchen reno is next on the list and the couple have already approached designers Material Creative.

Many homeowners are mindful of making changes that will appeal to future buyers, but that wasn’t a concern for Renee and James.

Renee used chalky white Resene ‘Double Alabaster’ throughout the interior.

The family get their fire going during winter for cosy meals.


While reworking the stairway, the couple took the opportunity to add an indoor slide!

Renee with Bay (left) and Sloane.

The bathrooms were the most expensive part of the reno, but the couple knew they’d make a statement if done right.

The couple prefer a pared-back style that starts with a fresh, clean base. Then they add texture and layers from there.

The Rigdens used a wool carpet from Cavalier Bremworth throughout – a worthy investment, particularly in the playroom. “It has repelled some pretty impressive stains!”

The couple have interesting art around the house, including a neon light (from an old in-store display) in the kids’ rooms.

“I think with art, you just like what you like”


The luxurious (but high-maintenance) section is 1500 square metres.

With a home that perfectly suits their family and no plans to move on

A pool is still on the wishlist.

Words by: Debbie Harrison. Photography by: Wendy Fenwick.
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