A tired old house has been transported into the 21st century by opening up the living area and giving the interior a clean monochromatic sweep
A dated Dunedin home gets a monochromatic makeover
Who lives here? Victoria Bithell (owner of makeandco.co.nz and assistant at MintSix), Stephen Bithell (builder) and son, Harrison
Where is it? Kaikorai, Dunedin.
What did your home look like before? It had old carpet and all the rooms were closed off from each other.
What was your vision? To create an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area by knocking down the living-room wall and turning the second bedroom into a kitchen. The old kitchen would then become an office/third bedroom. We also rebuilt the wardrobe in the master to create a walk-in wardrobe.
Styling
Victoria, describe your decorating style
Ever-evolving! At the time of this renovation I was really into a minimalist, monochrome look. Simple, bold block colours with accents of pastels and timber.
How did you choose your colour palette?
We decided to stick with a monochromatic theme (Resene ‘Alabaster’ and Dulux ‘Piha’) throughout the house. With a neutral canvas we felt we could showcase our style and personality through the accents we added: furniture, lighting, rugs, homeware, art and so on. Working in interiors, I’m constantly changing around furniture and styling my own stuff, so having a ‘blank canvas’ is ideal. My style is always evolving, too, so this scheme is conducive to whatever look I’m going for at the time. We’re also big lovers of timber and natural materials.
Favourite shops?
MintSix, Father Rabbit, Indie Home Collective. We also love Australian brands, Mr & Mrs White and Mark Tuckey.
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A before shot of the house showing the old carpet.
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After, the home is fresh and full of personality.
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Victoria describes the house before as tired, unloved and pretty run-down.
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The house is now modern, welcoming and open-plan.
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After
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The old wardrobe in the master bedroom has been completely rebuilt and painted over.
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After.
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Victoria and Stephen in their new kitchen.
Fact file
Lounge
Walls in Resene ‘Alabaster’; couch from Hunters Furniture; tripod floor lamp from a shop in south Dunedin; readymade curtains from Bunnings; floor lamp from Citta; yellow basket from Kmart; grey mohair throw in basket a gift; stereo cabinet by Make & Co; secondhand dining table and chairs bought online; blind from Bunnings; floorboards original painted in Dulux ‘Ebony’; framed ‘B’ print from Playtype; other black frames from Citta; grey plant pot from MintSix; antlers made by Victoria; Aromatherapy Company candle; black cross from MintSix; print of man with beard a gift; white frame with print from Endemic World; white ottoman from MintSix; white coffee table from Nood; black tray from MintSix; white Vase a gift.
Kitchen
Walls in Dulux ‘Piha’, Charcoal Subway wall tiles from Bunnings; light shade from Citta; white cabinetry from Bunnings; timber benchtop and floating shelf made by Stephen Bithell; mint rug by Brita Sweden from MintSix; black floorboards existing; mint, pink and white canisters from General Eclectic; white plant pot from MintSix; white clock from Karlsson; black crockery from Country Road; pink, orange & black and white cushion from MintSix; blue cushion from Citta; tins above fridge from Citta; green vase on fridge a gift; grey and white tray from IKEA; hexagonal board from MintSix; taps from Bunnings; glass storage jars from Maxwell and Williams; recipe book rack from MintSix; picnic basket a gift; tea towel from Mae Engelgeer; white utensil holder from Bunnings; knife rack from Global Knives; oven from Bunnings; pestle and mortar a gift; black cutlery tray from MintSix; gold cutlery from Seletti.
Entrance
Walls in Resene ‘Alabaster’; cross wall hooks and rug from MintSix; tennis racquet a vintage find; black plant pot from local garden shop; floral headband Victoria’s.
Bedroom
Walls in Dulux ‘Piha’ and Resene ‘Alabaster’; pillows from Citta; light brackets made by Stephen, bulbs from Lighting Direct; side tables from Farmers; bedding from Bed Bath and Table.
Text by: Catherine Steel. Photography by: Emily Hlavac Green.
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