10 reasons why we’re crushing on this designer home

With honed marble on top, spindly timber legs for days and inky-hued timber cabinetry below, the central island is a stunner – a worthy centrepiece for a family that loves to cook.

Seating at the expansive bench comes courtesy of the chic two-toned ‘Cliff’ bar stools from Vincent 2.

When designer Fiona Austin, director of Austin Design Associates, came to the Victorian house a few years ago there was a closed-off kitchen, a lean-to out the back, a red-tiled bathroom and acres and acres of terracotta tiles. The new extension centres around an open-plan social space that flows to the courtyard.

Swapping ornate flourishes for texture, the new materials don’t mimic the original parts of the Victorian house but match them in attention to detail. Smoked and limed floorboards enhance the organic, pared-back vibe in the house while a beautiful duck-egg blue painting by artist Jenny claims pride of place.

As Fiona says: “The projects is all about a love of natural materials and textures, as well as a desire to be true to the Victorian style of the house. The detailing and sharing of ideas has made it one of the most-loved projects in our practice.”

The home is filled with mid-century design, quality timber pieces and trend-bucking treasures. Here, in the airy living room, a Eero Saarinen ‘Tulip’ marble side table and a black Bernard-Albin Gras ‘No. 214’ Wall Lamp, found at Luke Furniture stand alongside the mid-toned ‘Nook’ sofa from Jardan and the striking multi-hued rug from Loom. 

The richly golden-hued Elitis ‘Narco Flowers’ wallpaper is a risk that pays off. 

The hall is a lesson in marrying heritage and modern spaces. Here, texture and quirky shapes reign, from the ornate ceiling and pressed-metal feature wall to a stand-out hexagonal copper mirror from Zachloe Lifestyle.

An amazing art collection sets the tone throughout the house. In the main bedroom, where calm trumps chaos, a vibrant Catherine Hiller painting is soothed by teal-tinged walls – Karen Walker Paints in Robin Egg Blue, from Resene.

A timber pendant found at Beacon Lighting is a neutrally toned touch. Next to the bed, a drum from The Natural Room doubles as a side table.

A bright colour mix helps to create fun space. A green Freedom floor lamp is a clever style match with Adairs bedlinen, a multi-hued ‘You & Me’ Lisa Lapointe cushion and a pink faux fur from Society
Of Wanderers. On the wall is a framed dream-catcher print found at Forty Winks.

Grey isn’t the first colour that comes to mind for a girl’s room but here Resene’s Fossil is a stunning backdrop for pops of prettiness, including a pink Middle Of Nowhere ‘Jin’ table and an Amalfi ‘Miranda’ lamp, both from Crate Expectations and Adairs bedlinen. 

With its black-surround, the freestanding Kado ‘Lure’ bath from Reece is a bold gesture. A towel from Ninnho brings colour to the neutral space, while a striped drum from Hermon & Hermon adds a textural touch.