grand old lady
design edit issue 21 | design tour
GRAND OLD LADY
This client took on a labour of love when she purchased this grand old lady. The 1890's villa had weathered over time, but some period features were still beautifully preserved. A major interior renovation included an extension, new bedroom layout, creation of an ensuite and a completely new family bathroom to create a much loved forever family home.
THE BRIEF
Our brief was was to create an interior and exterior colour palette for this home that was a modern take on the period style of this home. We also helped to select the bathroom finishes and fittings.
INSPIRATION
All our selections for this home worked to create a modern, fresh feel, that still appreciate the home's rich heritage.
DESIGN DETAILS
The worn yellow and green exterior needed to go! A new colour palette was chosen to be soothing and one that would stand the test of time. Stately greys and crisp white have completely transformed the facade of this home. Feature fretwork has been subtly highlighted and a Pohutukawa red front door adds fun and personality.
Inside, crisp whites help reflect the light and highlight feature trim and impressively high skirting boards. Feature walls are beautifully bold - powder blues in the master bedroom and shades of peacock blue (the client's favourite colour) in the family bathroom and main living room.
Completely inspired by the original wallpapers that were uncovered during the renovation (fragments of which are now framed in pride of place on the walls), we found an incredible feature tile with a vintage finish which we used in different colourways in each bathroom.
The soaring high ceilings and beautiful bay windows demanded drapes that were special. In the master bedroom we trimmed sheer, linen look drapes with a wide velvet border and the living room features rich teale velvet drapes.
THE RESULT
This family home is now the perfect blend of preserved period details and modern, fresh finishes. What an honour to work on restoring to grandeur this much loved family home.
See the entire project gallery here, including Before photos.