Carefully selected furnishings and a considered renovation have created a modern family home that exudes elegance and glamour.
When Mark Lewis and Tracy Strudley spotted a rambling Arts and Crafts house in Remuera, Auckland, they knew it would be the ideal home for their blended family of nine (the couple and their seven children).
Built and designed by architect Llewellyn S Piper in 1923, this solid plastered home has stood the test of time during what has been a thoughtful renovation. The owners knew how they wanted to transform this grand lady the moment they walked through the door, choosing a contrasting colour scheme in black and white.
Describe your personal style?
Simple, beautiful, elegant lines with edge.
How has that translated to your bedroom?
I designed the headboard, which I wanted to look different and like art in itself but remain true to the simplicity of a black and white colour scheme with a dark blue accent.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
Places around the world I visit, hotels, beautiful buildings, restaurants, art, design magazines and old movies.
What do you love about your bedroom?
It was designed with us in mind, from the access to our wardrobe (or rather my wardrobe and his cupboard) and the chandeliers, which we can dim for a calm atmosphere, to the ensuite, which is so expansive. I love looking at it and sleeping in it.
Where do you shop for linen, soft furnishings and fragrance etc?
I purchased the bed sheets in Rome, nothing feels as good on skin as crisp white sheets. The soft furnishings and upholstery fabrics are mostly Italian and French.
Describe your bedroom style in three words.
Heavenly, elegant, luxurious.
What is always on your bedside table?
We are both avid readers, so our current books.
Writer: Trudi Brewer.
Photographer: Helen Bankers.
1/11
2/11
Maori art by Sofia Minson adds an instant impact
3/11
Shower doors with crystal handles bought at a Paris antiques market.
4/11
Strudley designed the black faux pony fur headboard
5/11
The antique chaise longue and chandelier in the master bedroom were both purchased in Paris
6/11
The colourful light shade is Bloom from Kartell.
7/11
Chandeliers and other furniture purchased in France
8/11
Curtains in Hollywood Trend Velvet from Atelier Textiles
9/11
Freestanding bathtub sits on a platform step
10/11
Monochrome black and white staircase showcases the artwork within the hallway
11/11
The antique day bed was purchased in France and reupholstered by Michael’s Upholstery.
EXPERT PROJECTS
Create the home of your dreams with Shop Your Home and Garden
SHOP NOW
