With pared back colours, oversized artwork and lots of lush plants, this young family’s home is a boho-chic dream. Its indoor slide is pretty incredible too!
Meet and greet
James Rigden, director of Superette, Renee Rigden, founder of Renee’s Kitchen Food & Wellbeing, Sloane, 5, and Bay, 3, plus George the cat.
This freshly renovated family home has the coolest boho-chic style
Renee and James Rigden were happy in their Auckland home and had plans underway to extend it. Then they stumbled across a late-1960s, four-bedroom house for sale in Castor Bay on the North Shore. At first glance the house was nothing special – it was run-down, with dated paintwork and tired bathrooms, but the spacious footprint, 1500-square-metre section and sea views immediately had Renee excited.
Having renovated previous houses, the couple weren’t put off by a bit of DIY. “I think renovating and improving property is a bit addictive,” says Renee.
Honesty box
- We learnt that bigger houses cost more to renovate! And always budget more than you expect– for everything. The cost of using tradesmen adds up quickly and so do bespoke ideas.
- Don’t be afraid to collaborate with your tradesmen on what you really want. They are keen to work with you to create something a bit different. They do this gig full time, so they often have great ideas.
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The custom-made coffee table is from Bali, while the log side tables (above left) were James’ brainwave. They sourced a log from a local sawmill, cut it in half and added wheels.
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Move furniture around regularly to freshen things up. Greenery goes a long way to enlivening a quiet corner or empty spot, too.
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A kitchen reno is next on the list and the couple have already approached designers Material Creative.
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Many homeowners are mindful of making changes that will appeal to future buyers, but that wasn’t a concern for Renee and James.
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Renee used chalky white Resene ‘Double Alabaster’ throughout the interior.
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The family get their fire going during winter for cosy meals.
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While reworking the stairway, the couple took the opportunity to add an indoor slide!
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Renee with Bay (left) and Sloane.
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The bathrooms were the most expensive part of the reno, but the couple knew they’d make a statement if done right.
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The couple prefer a pared-back style that starts with a fresh, clean base. Then they add texture and layers from there.
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The Rigdens used a wool carpet from Cavalier Bremworth throughout – a worthy investment, particularly in the playroom. “It has repelled some pretty impressive stains!”
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The couple have interesting art around the house, including a neon light (from an old in-store display) in the kids’ rooms.
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“I think with art, you just like what you like”
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The luxurious (but high-maintenance) section is 1500 square metres.
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With a home that perfectly suits their family and no plans to move on
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A pool is still on the wishlist.
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Words by: Debbie Harrison. Photography by: Wendy Fenwick.
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