See how Nadia transformed her heritage cottage in Arrowtown into a cosy home for a two with a bright white palette and natural interior style
Meet and greet
Nadia Caldwell, teacher, and Sammy, 2.
Nadia’s interior tips
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- Natural finishes such as timber, sheepskins and feathers add texture, interest and warmth to a space.
- Plants and fresh flowers are an easy way to bring colour into a home without adding permanent colour.
- Even the trickiest of spots in your home can play host to artwork, so take another look at narrow and small spaces.
- Often less is more when it comes to furnishings.
- Fill your home with things that make you smile.
Nadia’s favourite places
To buy locally
- Wilson & Dorset, Wanaka – “Their pieces are so cosy and make you want to kick off your shoes and chill with a glass of wine.”
- Folklore, Clyde – “A tasteful mix of art, homeware and indoor plants. I could spend hours looking at all their gorgeous bits and pieces.”
To buy online
- Father Rabbit – “For beautiful yet simple things.”
- Indie Home Collective – “The question is: what don’t I want from that store?”
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It was love at first sight when Nadia Caldwell laid her eyes on the Arrowtown cottage that has been her home since 2010.
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Nadia decided to give the house a complete makeover, or as much of a transformation as she could afford.
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The home’s existing open-plan layout meant Nadia could focus on cosmetic changes rather than anything structural.
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Natural textures has created a seamless flow throughout her home.
5/17
As a full-time working single mother, Nadia decided that outsourcing the painting was the only way to go.
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A fresh lick of white paint gave the original kitchen a new lease of life. Nadia’s consistent use of neutral colours.
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No Otago home is complete without a woodburner
8/17
Shutters not only add charm, they’re a practical choice, too, protecting against sunshine in summer and the cold in winter.
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French country and vintage elements work together harmoniously in Nadia’s all-white bedroom.
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Like the rest of the house, Sammy’s room is kept simple with a neutral base that createsa timeless foundation to which playful elements can be added and removed, ensuring that he’ll never outgrow it.
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Framed art prints are an easy and affordable way to add style to a kid’s room. Try Etsy and Endemic World for some cute options.
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I wanted to create a place that felt like mine and that Sammy and I could relax in and be proud of,” says Nadia.
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With a nature reserve just over the back fence, adventures are never far away for Nadia and Sammy.
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Floor plan.
Words by: Kelda Hunter. Photography by: Guy Frederick.
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