A dramatic entrance
My favourite space The foyer to this Christchurch home sets the scene for what’s inside.
Adramatic entranceway greets visitors to entrepreneur Nicolette Connors’ Christchurch home, which has been completely overhauled since she purchased it four years ago.
Connors gutted and extended the 1960s weatherboard house, which had ‘‘little bedrooms, only one bathroom and a lot of lino’’.
It took a frustrating three years in the post-quake city, with the added complication of organising everything herself while in Auckland, London, LA and Paris.
‘‘It probably would have been cheaper to have bowled it, but I didn’t want to. While it’s hardly recognisable, it still has the bones of the old house.’’
Connors also took charge of the lavish interiors, designing or sourcing everything from the flooring to photo frames. Gold leaf, black lacquer and Lucite add to the art deco look, which is reinforced by the repetition of the Greek key design throughout. Every fitting and furnishing has been carefully chosen. those things that you may not notice, but, as an entire picture, give you a feeling of who this person is.’’
The scene is set from the moment you approach the front door, which has been enhanced with a columned portico and is flanked by Lions (a motif that reappears inside on carved table legs, ornaments and the living room’s stone fireplace).
In the foyer, oversized chequerboard ceramic tiles and a velvet Siegfried high back chair, imported from Italy, create the illusion of space and height, adding a sense of grandeur to what is a relatively small space.
This feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by the views through to the rooms on either side of the entranceway, where herringbone parquet floors, rich turquoise wallpaper and upholstery add to the luxe vintage vibe.
What was your vision for this space?
I wanted the space to be light, open and interesting, and to have the comfort and interest of old and new. So my special pieces, both antique and new, give a nod to the Art Deco age without taking it too far.
What are the key features of this space?
The flow from my library to my entrance then into my living area and the iron windows and doors that lead out to the patio – it brings the outside in and has a European feel. The stairs were from a bad 1960s renovation. By panelling the back wall, ripping out the chipboard banisters and fitting a wrought iron and polished wood rail, the look became rich and open.
How would you describe your decorating style?
Eclectic bordering on Hollywood Regency. I couldn’t live with blandness.
What do you like best about this space?
I love my herringbone parquet flooring that has been aged and coloured to my own specification to look worn and comfortable so that my home does not lack the character that new homes sometimes miss.
Do you have a decorating tip for other homeowners?
Tear out images you like from magazines. These ‘‘tear sheets’’ are a fantastic reference when trying to explain a look, style or colour to your professionals.