A Westmere couple decided to expand on a theme rather than change their bungalow's character.
As first-home buyers, Sarah Friis and husband Michael were looking for value for money when they bought their 1920s bungalow in the Auckland suburb of Westmere.
"I knew I could create a beautiful little home despite the yellow and green exterior paintwork and the terracotta tiles in the kitchen,"
Friis says.
The home has a traditional floor plan with a central hallway leading past the master bedroom on the left and the TV lounge and baby Hugo's nursery on the right, before opening into a kitchen, living and dining area and out to an expansive, shady deck that is used as an outdoor room during summer.
"A lot of people suggested we knock out walls to make the interior open plan, but we didn't want to turn this house into something it isn't," says Friis. "Sticking with the original structure let me give each room its own flavour."
First up for renovation was a bedroom that the couple now uses as a television room. "Originally, it was the guest bedroom, with horrible pink walls," she says. "We decided it needed to be done on a 'grossest colour goes first' basis."
The room now has a contemporary feel with a large and inviting sofa. Wall art created by Friis adds another dimension to the room, as does the striking black chandelier, which casts a muted glow and makes the space even cosier.
When it came to decorating a room for Hugo, who was born last July, she had the chance to indulge her love of things cute and playful.
"I love the tree wall art decal, and it was a real joy to choose cute artwork - like the George Baloghy watercolour of Hahei, where our family have a bach."
In the master bedroom the couple endured burgundy walls and purple curtains for two years. Today, the room has a romantic feel, with an original window seat looking out over Westmere and a chandelier hanging over the centrepiece of the room, an antique French bed. "I chose blue and neutral colours as I didn't want to completely alienate Michael," laughs Friis. "But I've earned my romantic bedroom, for years we lived with Michael's furniture." Bit by bit, his bachelor pad furniture was replaced with antique shop finds.
The couple are delighted with the renovation, which has captured a unique feel in each room.
"I didn't want one uniform style throughout the house," she says. "It seemed natural to aim for romance in the bedroom, luxurious comfort in the TV room, modern functionality in the kitchen and a sleek bathroom."
Style tips
Space saver: Friis found dining chairs, which tuck neatly under the table, maximising space.
Mix and match: If you can't choose between styles, then don't bother. Friis decided to give each room a unique flavour.
Indulge yourself: "I bought a chandelier for every room. Some are small, some large, some antique and some contemporary."
Leanne Moore is the editor of Your Home & Garden. See the latest issue, on sale now, for more achievable home ideas.
