KEY POINTS:
Stephanie Gray and her husband James couldn't have been happier when they took ownership of a graceful home that started life as a church manse.
"We were lucky that when we moved in all the restoration work had been done," says Stephanie of their home in Auckland's
St Mary's Bay. "The previous owner was a real craftsman, and had restored lots of the panelling and replaced stained-glass windows and doors.
We had this beautiful blank canvas to decorate." But one thing bothered them: "The walls were very white," says Gray, "and at night the rooms were hard to light." The couple decided to repaint the walls in a buttery hue that suits the home's grand scale but lends a warmer atmosphere to the large rooms, which are lit by the home's original glittering chandeliers.
"At night there's a beautiful glow when the light hits the walls, which makes it so comfortable and cosy," she says. "Luxurious practicality" was the brief Gray gave to her interior designer. "I wanted a home we could really live in where, apart from a few special things, nothing was too precious or irreplaceable."
The rules were slightly bent in the formal living room, though. This opulent grown-ups' room has beautiful finishes and ornaments that wouldn't survive too long in a family room with children Olivia, aged 4, and Charlie, 1, knocking about.
"I wanted a room that people could come and sit down in and think of staying for a while," says Gray. One of the walls is covered in Florence Broadhurst "Cranes" wallpaper, with navy birds and trees on a gold background. "We painted the other three walls, but it was a mistake," she says.
"We had this beautiful feature wall and the other walls didn't match. After replacing this with the same base paper without the pattern, she says the light makes the walls glow at night. Upstairs, the children's rooms are also wallpapered.
Olivia's room has a butterfly pattern, while Charlie's has a sailboat motif, both patterns that will suit the children for years to come. Having taken three years to get the home how she likes it, Gray's not planning on moving out for a while.
Refined style
Interior motives: Using an interior designer gives you access to their list of contacts - a huge help in sourcing the right materials or pieces of furniture for your home.
Look and learn: If you're planning a major makeover of your home's decor, look through magazines for similar homes to gain valuable design tips.
Adults only: Creating an adult space away from the family areas will not only provide you with a retreat but also a room to feature more delicate artworks or design objects.
Got it made: Consider getting furniture or other items custom-made as it can work out cheaper and you get the benefit of a unique look.
* Leanne Moore is the editor of Your Home & Garden. For more home decor ideas, see the issue on sale now.