INSIDE STORY

ANGELA & BRONTE’S HOME

Who lives here?

Angela, an interior designer; Bronte, a national magazine sales manager; their children Ruby, 13; Harriet, 11; and Hugo, eight; and Josie, the dog. Best advice for anyone starting a renovation on a period home?

Angela: “Add three months and 30 per cent to your budget. Expect the unexpected, and live in it if you can to really get a feel for your family’s needs.” Your secret to mixing pattern and colour?

“I choose a hero fabric first and then add smaller-scale patterned fabrics, mixing prints and weaves. I use plain or small patterned fabric on large upholstered pieces such as sofas and use the hero fabric on smaller pieces.” How do you keep your home kid-friendly? “Since my children were babies I have never put special things up high. They grew up learning to respect their environment and appreciate nice things and are good at keeping their rooms tidy.”

1. Classic VJ boards in Dulux Lexicon Quarter.2. Angela and Bronte enjoy an afternoon drink on the verandah in a setting from Naturally Cane.3. Verdant vessels from The Cumquat Tree.4. Dreamy equine cushions painted by Australian artist Laura Douglas. 5. Original pressed-tin ceilings, spruced up with glossy white.6. Perfectly imperfect hoop pine floors revived with an Indian tea stain.7. A custom lampshade created with William Yeoward fabric from Angela Smith Interiors. 1 4 2 6 3 5 7