This full renovation of a beautiful Plantation-style home in Auckland city was so rewarding. The owners wanted to tone the house down rather than be bolder, so the focus for them was using warm neutrals and textures cleverly to create an inviting, calm interior that appealed to a wide range of people to keep their future options open. By focusing our attention on large-scale elements like flooring, paint, ceilings, window treatments and furniture the house has a luxurious yet liveable look and feel. Here are six kay features of the entranceway, dining and living rooms…

1. Open stringer stair

The staircase’s character shines through its intricately detailed balustrades. Inspired by villa-style architecture, the handrail, balusters, and posts were painted in varying tones of the same colour palette, creating a harmonious yet dynamic visual effect. For the handrail and posts, we applied four coats of high-gloss lacquer, achieving a reflective finish that adds a touch of luxury.

The staircase’s open stringer design plays a pivotal role in maintaining an airy aesthetic. Rather than the central part of the staircase being a closed solid wall, it has an open structure so you can see the detail of the upper flight. The design combines modern minimalism with craftsmanship, and allows light and shadow play to make the staircase a focal point from every angle. To balance the glossy elegance and natural wood tones, a wool loop carpet was crafted into a bespoke runner. This addition not only softens the visual impact but also provides a warm and comfortable texture underfoot. The runner’s subdued tones complement the staircase’s overall palette, tying the design together seamlessly.

2. Panelled walls

To further enhance the staircase’s surroundings, pine trim was used to create elegant wall panels. These panels add texture and architectural interest, framing the staircase like a piece of art. Painted in a soft neutral tone, they complement the staircase without competing for attention.

Carpet Cavalier Bremworth Samurai in Kawa.

3. A new flooring foundation

The biggest step in this transformation was to strip away dark brown flooring that had discoloured over time. Once sanded right back the timber was ready for its new lease on life. A pale, coastal wood stain was chosen and I’m so happy with how it turned out. It evokes a sense of space and calm while offering a modern yet timeless look, and completely lightens the whole home.Light wide plank wood flooring was the perfect choice to set the tone for this modern coastal space. The soft, natural tones of the wood ground the room in an understated elegance, while the wide planks create a sense of openness and flow, seamlessly tying together the living and dining areas.

The dining and living room walls are painted in Resene Eighth Truffle, with trims and ceilings in Resene Alabaster.

4. Friendly furniture

To achieve an inviting and cozy atmosphere, we leaned into a palette of warm neutrals. Curved statement furniture pieces—such as a plush, rounded sofa and oversized upholstered dining chairs—add softness and a touch of modern sophistication. Textural fabrics, like boucle and soft linen, are teamed with light timber furniture to enrich the space, offering both comfort and visual interest. Throw pillows and an area rug in muted tones complete the layered, welcoming look.

5. Ceiling details

In large open-plan spaces, the walls and ceilings are often overlooked opportunities for adding character. Here, we introduced wall panelling that not only brings texture but also enhances the architectural detail of the room. Tongue and groove is another ceiling element we love, it adds an extra layer of detail but in a subtle and fresh way. Tongue-and-groove planking on the ceiling creates a subtle yet impactful visual feature, drawing the eye upward and giving the room a refined, cohesive feel.

“Tongue-and-groove planking on the ceiling creates a subtle yet impactful visual feature, drawing the eye upward and giving the
room a refined, cohesive feel.”

6. Window treatments

The windows were newly dressed with a combination of new linen-look curtains and white plantation shutters. The flowing curtains soften the room’s edges, while the crisp, clean lines of the shutters offer privacy and light control. Together, they add depth and dimension to the space while maintaining a breezy, coastal vibe.

No cozy living room is complete without a fireplace. This renovation saw the existing fireplace reimagined, with a Luna Grey marble hearth and surround framed with a white painted wood frame and mantle. The subtle veining of the marble adds a luxurious touch, while its cool tones tie in effortlessly with the urban coastal theme.

The living and dining room now feels like an inviting space to relax, entertain, and enjoy. The urban coastal design balances timeless materials with thoughtful details, ensuring the space is both beautiful and functional.