LEARNING CURVE

The owners of this home thought a total renovation was in order – then it started to grow on them.

ENTERING THE HOME OF ERENA AND JOE TE PAA, IT’S impossible not to be captivated by the high stud and curved timber ceiling that runs the length of the open-plan kitchen and living area – rows of honey-coloured boards rising to a peak before rolling like a wave towards the wall. The dramatic ceiling is a feature of the home’s mid-century modernist architectural style and was key to the couple’s purchase.

“I was instantly drawn in by its uniqueness,” says Erena. “Homes of this era have a quirkiness about them. In some ways they were ahead of their time, given that a lot of modern architecture and furniture design now harks back to this look.”

Designed by Hamilton architect Rodney Smith in 1968, the house began its life as a four-bedroom dwelling, then was added to during the years he and his family lived in it. When Erena and Joe discovered the property two years ago, it was in a state of extreme disrepair. “In more recent times, it had been a government-owned boarding hostel,” says Erena. “When we bought it, it was unloved and run-down, with green carpet, orange and yellow walls, and lots of dings, dents and holes.” •

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ABOVE On this pre-loved sideboard near the dining area, an ikebana vase is filled with a bespoke f loral arrangement created by Here Among The Wild. The George Sand Studio print is from Endemic World, and the wooden fruit and paper fan were from a favourite Instagram store that’s since closed. OPPOSITE Erena found the kitchen’s 1967 “witch hat” Semi pendant lights by Fog and Mørup on Etsy. The Daily Roller on the left wall is by George & Willy, the stools were a Trade Me discovery and the ceramics on the peg-board shelves crafted by Charles were all made by local potters.