CREATIVE COMBO
“The electric skylights have rain sensors so you can leave them open.”
When two interior designers join forces it can lead to a lot of creative head-butting.
But husband and wife Gareth Huston and Bridget Thornton were on the same page when collaborating on their new house in a Mt Albert cul-de-sac three years ago.
“We both like the same things,” says Bridget. “We had done renovations before but never built anything. It was exciting, and we mostly agreed on what we wanted.”
The couple, who each have two children from previous marriages, were living in Freemans Bay when they bought a rental property in Amandale Rd
The house was in the middle of the large section, so they moved it to the back and built on the front. The two-story cedar-clad home has a Scandinavian feel to it. The polished concrete floors in the open plan living/dining/ kitchen are complimented by the plywood beamed ceiling.
They’ve also used blond wood (the floors upstairs are oak) and tiles to good effect, including matte black tiles in the kitchen.
It’s a light and bright house, thanks to glass sliding doors in the living area and liberal use of skylights.
“We have 11 in total and they make a big difference,” says Bridget. “They are electric and have rain sensors so you can leave them open.”
Each of the three bedrooms upstairs has a skylight as well as windows.
A room downstairs next to the living area can be a separate lounge/TV room or a fourth bedroom. There is also on this level a laundry/powder room and a storage room that doubles as an office.
There’s ample outdoor living with a terrace that wraps around the side of the house. The couple, who are moving because of Gareth’s work, will miss their quiet street, their neighbours, and being handy being to the Baldwin Ave train station, Western Springs and St Lukes shopping mall.
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson says "This home is such a joy to walk into. Designed for gorgeous light and ambience, I just love the character imbued in this modern design.” Auction: December 4 Contact: Robyn Ellson, Ray White, 021 800 891