Following their move from a character villa to a near-new home, this family got to work adding some personality to their property. Here’s how they did it
Meet + greet
Katy Rolleston, 38 (interior decorator at Katy Rolleston Design), James Rolleston, 37 (CEO of Spaceships Rentals), Freddy, 8, and Wilbur, 5, plus four-month-old puppy Goldie.
Honesty box
Best lesson learned?
Katy: Do it once, do it right.
What would you never do again? Try to sow a lawn in May.
One thing you would change about your home if you could? If you had asked a couple of years ago, there would have been a few things. But we have considered and worked on our home to get it just right for us. We’re happy to sit back now and enjoy it.
Most memorable experience you’ve had in your home? It was exciting sleeping in our house on that first night, all ready for the boys to start their new schools in a place we now call home.
Shopping tips
Mix luxury items with inexpensive pieces.
Buy from a variety of places so your home isn’t confined to one particular look or style.
Think about what you’re buying and how much you’re prepared to spend. Is it a long-term piece that you are willing to spend more on, or an on-trend item you might want to change in the future?
When buying furniture consider whether it can be used in several spaces within your home because you might want to move it to a different spot later on. Ask yourself if the piece will blend in with the rest of your home.
Make sure you first measure where new furniture is going. Use a sheet or towel and place it on the ground so you can see what it’s going to look like in that space.
Budget
How much have you spent on improving your home? We have spent around $80,000 on flooring, kitchen, paint, louvres, planting and the outdoor bath.
See more of the home below
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This space provides a calm retreat from the open-plan living area and is home to a range of new and collected vessels. “I believe in only having things you love out on display,” says Katy. “So it’s fair to say I love each and every one.”
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The daybed is from Nood.
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A custom painting by James’ sister Phoebe hangs above the sofa from Soren Liv.
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Katy loves to have flowers and other flora on display.
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The walk-in pantry has ample storage and hides a multitude of sins when the couple entertain.
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The chairs and bar stools are from Williams Road.
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A bigger house meant upsizing some of the furniture, including a new dining table from Nood.
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In the living area, the moon photograph was taken by James. Large plants add their freshness and texture to most rooms.
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The occasional chairs came from St Clements.
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The moon photograph was taken by James.
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A luxuriant, jungly wallpaper is a fun touch in the guest bathroom.
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Layers of soft textiles create a cosy, inviting feel in the bedrooms. The master bedroom’s headboard is from Citta and the side table from Soren Liv.
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The boys’ rooms are designed to suit their personalities.
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Wilbur’s houses a cube bookcase which he selects from every night.
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The spacious master ensuite is made for two with a double vanity and shower, plus a bath.
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“The louvre roof from Louvre Solutions completely transformed our outdoor living,” says Katy.
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The family can often be found cooking on, or gathered around, the woodburner.
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Wilbur and Freddy make great use of the outdoor bath and playhouse.
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The Rollestons’ two-storey, 335-square-metre home packs in four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a study. They designed the outdoor area to be usable in any weather.
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Floor plan.
Contacts & Shops
Styling Katy Rolleston Design, katyrollestondesign.com.
Kitchen Kitchen Express, Christchurch, 03 343 4005.
Soft furnishings Furtex textiles made into curtains etc by The Makers Atelier, Christchurch, 021 242 0103.
Furniture Citta, Corcovado, Nood, Soren Liv, Vitrine.
Photography by: Sarah Rowlands.
This article was first published in Your Home and Garden. Follow YHG on Instagram, Facebook and sign up to the fortnightly email for inspiration between the issues.
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