design edit issue 28 | design tour
With clients who are fun and passionate with big vision, this was always going to be a special project. When we first visited in January 2018, while the location was stunning, the bach was very tired and a little pink! These clients dreamed of creating a functional yet luxurious destination for family holidays where memories are created every day.
THE BRIEF
With their plans at council, the clients approached Kirsten Ford Design to help them create a stylish beachside getaway for extended family to entertain and relax in. It was important to them to use honest, authentic materials, to use New Zealand designed and made products and pieces. Aesthetically the owners also wanted a home that avoided all the usual coastal cliches and one which was a definite contrast to their city home. We also felt it was essential that the home reflected the fun-loving personalities of our clients - a home that was uniquely theirs.
“We are grateful to have you assist us in achieving our vision as it most certainly would have been a job too big to achieve single-handedly. I drifted off to sleep dreaming of our magical completed batch. I am sure you know that we were all amazed at your inspired selection of what will bring our renovation to life. I know that you have captured the very essence of what we love.”
COLLABORATORS
The significant renovation and rebuild was designed by architect Diana Blake, who extended and reconfigured the living areas to cater to the demands of modern family living, opening the living area with a vaulted ceiling and a wall of glass to frame the views to the adjacent reserve. The building process was meticulously executed by Mark Follas Builders. The kitchen, scullery, living room and study nook cabinetry was designed and built by Whanagamata Woodworks.
INSPIRATION
We wanted the home to feel calm and welcoming, a contemporary bach that was at home in its beachside setting. Colours, textures and forms echoed nature - timber, handmade tiles, mouth blown glass pendants and a colour palette ranging from teals, washed greens and sandy greys.
“Kirsten took the time to get to know a bit about us and came up with a colour theme that was perfect - relaxed and natural with a hint of a coastal vibe.”
DESIGN DETAILS
The interior colour palette layers tones of sea greens, muddy blues and sandy greys, balanced by crisp whites. Continuing the white hues seamlessly to the vaulted ceilings increases the sense of height and space. The wide planked timber floors are subtly textured and coated with an ultra matte polyurethane finish to extend their wear. The kitchen is finished in a soft grey with a timber accents and hard wearing stainless steel and stone bench tops. There are so many special features in this home, but we love the handmade tiles that give an organic feel to the front of the island bench and main bathroom. And the mouth blown pendant lighting is another favourite feature. The client’s grandsons accompanied her to see both the tiles and pendants being made - so special! Highly textured fabrics and materials were chosen for the soft furnishings including velvet jacquard, linen weaves and wool. All anchored with that gorgeous jute rug.
“From our first meeting, to perfection we have enjoyed such an exciting journey, thank you Kirsten. You have managed to understand our vision, quirky style and request to include as many New Zealand design features as we could. A bach with a long term vision of retirement, plus family holidays with busy boys, has been realised and we are looking forward to years of laughter, joy and easy living in a relaxed environment that is functional and luxurious.”
INSIDE EDGE
The project was very much a dream collaboration with these clients - they provided a tight brief, were very open-minded to our ideas but also pushed and challenged us to create spaces that were absolutely unique and a reflection of their style and personalities. And the result speaks for itself!
THE RESULT
“You have truly created a dream property for us, one in which we are creating memories every single day.”
Fast forward to the summer of 2019 and the finished home is a very special family bach that we and our clients absolutely love - and are all very proud of. The home is functional, but effortlessly stylish, distinctly Kiwi and absolutely of the owners. And most importantly it is a much loved family retreat where memories are created every day.
See the entire project gallery here, including Before photos.
Contact Auckland Interior Designer Kirsten Ford for more information.
Images: Hanson & Daughters Photography
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