Myles and Bianca originally bought their Ponsonby home as an investment, planning to do it up and move on, but they loved living in it so much that they have stayed for 11 years now. Their rebuild and renovation of the 1880s homestead was completed about four years ago, with the help of Jones Architects and interior designer Penny Foote. Once a tiny old villa, the house is now a spacious four-bedroom modern home - double glazed, Smart-wired, air conditioned, and with internal access garaging.

How would you describe your interior design style? Modern, neutral, clean.

Where did your inspiration come from? Things that we've seen in magazines. Also, Myles is a property developer so he has good ideas and was involved in the design of the whole place.

What was the biggest challenge? Incorporating an old facade into a new home was quite difficult, but we had to do it because it was a heritage building. The other major challenge was digging down to make space for a garage and theatre room, all while keeping the original beams in place.

What was the greatest success? Getting such a big house on the site. When we first bought the place, it was just a tiny little villa, so we did a complete rebuild about 5 years ago. 

Which space in the house do you get your greatest satisfaction from? The master bedroom upstairs, because it's a fantastic space with a great view. It is really big, running almost the length of the house, and incorporating a walk-through dressing area, office, bathroom with his-and-hers sinks and showers, and a balcony with views of Rangitoto and the harbour.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? Stay neutral and add good accessories.

What colours did you use? We chose all neutral colours because we wanted to keep the look uncluttered and simple. The exterior of the house is painted in Resene Stonewall, Resene Half Stonewall, Resene Quarter Stonewall and Resene Eighth Stonewall. The garage door and gate are Resene Woodsman Stain in Crowshead. Inside, the kitchen/dining/living room is Resene Half Spanish White, with Resene Mondo as a feature colour on the fireplace. The master bedroom is Resene Double Fossil and the guest bedroom is Resene Sisal.

The garden and pool area have been stylishly landscaped, with walls painted in Resene Stonewall to complement the surrounding lush native flora.

The house at twilight. The exterior of the house, and the garden walls, have been painted in various strengths of Resene Stonewall.

In the evening, the Resene Stonewall interior of the house takes on a more golden glow.

A sleek, modern kitchen has been created by housing everything out of sight in large white cupboards and drawers. The counter doubles as a breakfast bar.

The master bedroom, painted in Resene Double Fossil, has a large walk-through dressing area.

The en suite bathroom features his-and-hers sinks and showers.

In the guest bedroom, dark woods and white fabrics are set against Resene Sisal walls.