SHOP THEIR STYLE
By mixing treasures found overseas with practical family furniture, this family’s bungalow exudes an easy, worldly flair
Honesty box
What areas did you save on?
The building work done by Doug.
What areas did you splurge on?
Wallpaper, curtains and blinds. We wanted window coverings that were beautiful and effective.
Best lessons learned?
Always use an interior designer. Mary-Ellen dealt with all the design, deliveries, purchases, tradespeople and kept them on time and to schedule. She really worked for us and saved us a lot of stress.
Any DIY challenges or renovation disasters? What’s one thing you’d change about your house if you could?
The kitchen and the bathroom. They’re both being addressed in the next renovation. We are really looking forward to it.
Most memorable experience in your home?
Probably the Covid-19 level 4 lockdown. Covid changed everything – how we lived and worked together, spent all our time together – and our home felt really alive and vibrant through that time. Since returning to the workplace, I’ve begun working from home two days a week and I’m really enjoying spending more time at the house and with my family.
Clarissa’s style tips
+ Use an interior designer. it’s so much more than paint colour choices. + Use tradespeople to do all the skilled work. It’s their jam and then you have someone to go back to if something goes wrong. + If you can, do your decorating before you move in (just after purchase). With a bit of planning it will get done a lot faster if you’re not there. + Don’t be afraid of using a bit of colour, but talk to your interior designer about what looks good and keeps your house in character.
Budget
What did the project cost? About $45,000.