Fits like a glove

Given the latest book project she has overseen, it's fitting that book publishing director Nicola Legat lives in a transitional villa.

The new book, Villa, examines the origins of the villa and the way people live in those homes today.

Legat has long been interested in architecture and interiors, and since she moved into book publishing four years ago, she has expanded the range of architecture publications at Random House, with books on baches, New Zealand houses and now the villa.

Legat says these historical homes are a subject close to her heart because the central Auckland villa she shares with her husband Bruce Middleton is the only house she's ever owned.

"We came back from overseas in 1984 and it was perfect for us, and it still is," she says.

"I'm not saying it's my dream house — and if we'd had the money back then we would have done the renovations differently — but over the past 25 years it's come to fit us like a glove, so I guess we're here for good."

Legat says the thing she likes most about her house is its aspect.

"It's double-storeyed, so we are high up, looking over Grey Lynn Park and east towards the city and the Sky Tower. We're flooded with light even on the greyest day and it's lovely and warm. It's great to be next to a big, green space yet living in the inner city."

Legat's interior design philosophy is less about making a design statement and more about making a haven from a far-too-busy-working life. She describes her decor as veering towards shabby chic.

"It's a mix of old, much-loved objects and furniture that I've collected and inherited, art — my children's school art and not nearly enough by New Zealand artists — and found objects. Our villa is 100 years old, and we've not attempted to square it up and make it modern. The windows sag slightly and the floors are on a slight tilt. It's called character."

Style Tips
Stay true: Legat says the interior style of her home has changed only subtly over the years.

"I've never really changed the look I love, which is Cape Cod crossed with second-hand store."

If you get tired of a look, she jokes, just move the furniture around.

Overseas influence: Her husband, Bruce Middleton is Canadian and the couple's regular trips to that country are reflected in objects around the home, including folk art and antiques.

Eclectic collector: Legat likes displaying found-in-nature objects such as stones, shells and animal bones found. She also collects antique cutlery and old china for everyday use rather than for display