Homes: Inside artist Evie Kemp’s beautiful abode
A sculptural, meticulously crafted home in Auckland’s Manurewa is the perfect place for this creative couple to display their love of art, design and colour
Evie Kemp and Sam Holford’s home, nestled in a leafy suburb of South Auckland, immediately strikes the visitor as less of a suburban house and more of a modern castle constructed out of curving brick, dark boards and battens. And the impressions keep coming as you step into an interior that seems to offer both a trip back in time and a glimpse into the future. To call the decor simply ‘eclectic’ is a disservice; Evie’s ability to curate objects transcends randomness or a ‘hope for the best’ approach.
A MODERN HERITAGE
Designed and built in the early 1980s by architectural designer Dave Sharples and his wife, Judy, this home was the perfect canvas for Evie’s intrinsic ability to add colour, pattern and a healthy dose of wow factor. Dave and Judy’s original intention was to occupy the home themselves, but an offer was made before the building was completed and they moved on.
In a twist of fate, the couple re-purchased the home decades later, renovating the interior to fit their original design within a contemporary context. Dave’s distinctive style can be seen around the tree-lined neighbourhood where he has built a number of homes over the years.
“As a designer, I love that it’s a square, a circle and a triangle, and so totally unique”
“Meeting Dave and Judy and being passed the keys to this special house really feels like we’ve inherited a legacy,” says Evie. “We were given the original drawings and plans of the house, which we’ve had framed, as well as photo albums of the house through its life so far. Dave also gifted us two of his sculptures, one of which has pride of place in the living room.”
The home recalls a time when designers were starting to experiment with new styles and it marries a range of influences. The carefully judged mix of modern, mid-century and Japanese design elements was one of the major drawcards for Evie and Sam.
“As a designer, I love that it’s a square, a circle and a triangle, and so totally unique,” says Evie. “We love the thoughtful design and special features like the American oak doors and sliding shoji screens.”