Before Adam and Debra bought their current home, they lived next door to it, and were constantly admiring its corner site and envying how much light it got. So, when the property was put up for sale, they seized the opportunity. They’ve now lived in the house for 13 years, and still love it

About to graduate from Nanette Cameron’s School of Interior Design, Debra also has her own company, Chair Squad, which sources iconic and unique pieces and refurbishes them. With this kind of background, it is no surprise that her home is filled with art and interesting, eclectic furniture. It is also no surprise to find that she is drawn to colour. Yes, the interior may currently be black and white (before this, it was green) but many vivid yellow and bright red pieces are dotted throughout the house, and they stand out a mile in such a neutral setting.

In keeping with the rest of the house, the children’s bedroom is painted in Resene Blackjack and Resene Sisal. It’s not just about continuing the colour scheme, though – Debra thinks that the neutral shades keep the space from feeling too childlike, and give it the potential to grow with the boys as they mature.

Why did you make the colour scheme choices you did?

Our home was very colourful prior to this renovation, and I wanted something fresh and light-filled.

What was the biggest challenge?

The boys’ bedroom – as they share, we wanted to create a space that gave them some individual areas, but also maintaining common areas.

Where is the space that you get your greatest satisfaction from, and why?

The living/dining/kitchen area, which is the heart of the house and always the most used, but personally I do like my bedroom – my sanctuary.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?
Live in your house for a while before deciding what you want to do; I think ideas grow and functional things become more apparent.

The main living room is painted in Resene Sea Fog and furnished in black and grey with touches of vivid yellow. The floorboards have been coated with a mixture of oil and white paint, to give them a light, sun-bleached look. The living area flows through to a courtyard surrounded by palms and native trees. The wooden decking has been painted in Resene Detroit, while the outside walls are Resene Surrender.

The black “egg” chair and foot stool are from the 1970s. Debra bought them second-hand. “I restored and recovered them to give them a more modern look.” The black, yellow and red handpainted glass vase is a recent addition bought in Melbourne. “I was attracted to the colours and sheer beauty of the piece.” The round side table in the corner is a kitsch piece from the 1950s which Debra found on TradeMe and uses frequently: “This would have to be one of the most practical furniture purchases I have ever made.” 

Not only does it look stylish, but the gel-coated fibreglass dining table is a practical choice when a family dinner involves two young boys.

The black, white and grey theme continues in the master bedroom, but the white walls have been replaced by a softer shade - Resene Sisal.

The corner of the master bedroom holds some objects with special meaning to Debra. On the wall is a red artwork she made herself using red balloons. On the chest of drawers is her beloved Ettore Sottsass chalice vase, which she bought on-line. “I discovered the Memphis era through my studies and love the unique and quirky-looking pieces,” explains Debra.

Instead of putting bunk beds in the boys’ bedroom, Adam and Debra constructed two raised beds that each sit on a walk-in storage area that the boys can also use as their own private mini-room. Painted in Resene Blackjack, they add an industrial, edgy look to the room, and are often admired by visitors. The padded headboards were made by Debra.