Colour me beautiful

A flair for upcycling, combined with some tricks of the trade, has transformed this tired Wellington house into a light, bright family haven

A light, bright family haven in Wellington is home to some cleverly upcycled pieces

While most of their peers were buying houses and settling down, Pip Hunter and Will Malone were busy collecting stamps in their passports.

Wellington-born Pip and Brit Will met in Canada and did everything from working at ski resorts to backpacking across India. But when they had their first child, they knew it was time to get onto the property ladder. Returning from living on the Gold Coast, they bought a modest do-up in Tawa, Wellington, which Will, a builder and tiler, renovated in his spare time.

Three years ago they were ready to upgrade and set their sights on a four-bedroom, 190-square-metre house in Broadmeadows, nearer to the city centre. While the location, layout, views and solid construction sealed the deal, the condition of the 1970s home wasn’t a dream come true. “Nothing had been done to it for 45 years,” says Pip. “It was owned by a hoarder, so there was junk everywhere and it was dark, damp and absolutely freezing.”

Armed with a minuscule budget and the knowledge that Will could do most of the heavy lifting himself, the couple forged ahead, purchasing the house and selling their old one all within a few days.

DINING A framed tea towel provided the colour palette for the family dining area, with upcycled chairs painted to match. The table has been covered with a funky patterned oilcloth from Etsy.

HALLWAY, LIVING Pip’s eclectic style and eye for a bargain are on display throughout the home, which is decorated with colourful furniture and artwork.