Not another villa reno, you might have exclaimed when eyeing up our contents page this issue! Honestly, though, we did have a moment wondering if we should be featuring two — from the same suburb, no less. After a robust discussion, we decided there was merit in sharing the wildly varied outcomes that can be achieved within common parameters. That’s the thing about renovating and creating a home — it’s got to be unique to you.
Designer Susannah Matheson of Island Interiors had plenty of clues about how far she could take things with her most recent Devonport, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland project. You get that when the client is your sibling! Teaming up to turn a classic villa into a modern family home, Susannah and her sister Olivia have splashed out with bold hues and vibrant patterns to elevate the scheme. We’re particularly fond of the delicious plum-coloured Rosso Levanto marble and the array of fabulous floral wallpapers. Check out the kitchen on our cover this issue and get the lowdown on the design direction in the story on page 36.
Just down the road, Bull O’Sullivan Architecture’s Michael O’Sullivan has embraced the messiness of a home that’s seen more than one update in its lifetime. The result — a renovation that accommodates parents, teens and long-term visits from grandparents with space to be together and apart across two levels, with the addition of a self-contained flat. Find out how they make it all work on page 64.
The reno adventures don’t end there either. We travel south to Ōtautahi/Christchurch to check out Isabelle and Tim Weston’s ambitious new project. This clever couple certainly don’t do things by halves, and we’re sharing the fruits of their most recent labour on page 48. Further afield (on page 80), I catch up with Stockholm-based New Zealand designer Sarah Otley to find out more about her experience updating a traditional Swedish ‘sugar cube’ house for her family.
Each of these homes shows us that personalised interiors can speak volumes, and we hope reading about them inspires you to go your own way at your place, too.
Alice Lines, Editor
@alice.lines
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