It’s a slice of Palm Springs or Coco Beach in the Richmond hills of Nelson, right down to the playfully retro mid-century references in the detailing and fittings. But most of all, it’s the dynamic angles and light, lively counterpoint of cedar timber and ObliqueTM Weatherboard by James Hardie in white that gives it the vibe of a getaway for a Hollywood star in a more gracious era.
The entrance, emphasised by the boldness of its lines, stands out as a striking feature. Inside is a well-proportioned four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, oriented around a central hub consisting of an open-plan living and kitchen area. The layout is beautifully and harmoniously balanced.
The predominantly white interior radiates chic glamour fit for a Marilyn Monroe. A generous picture window saturates the dining area in sunlight. The living area is defined by flowing curves. The kitchen is distinguished by an impressive kitchen island clad with a faceted timber profile.
The owner works in an industry where planning and style are very important. “Design and aesthetic are at the core of everything I do,” she says, “and this home was a chance to bring that vision to life in a personal way. My goal was to create a modern coastal retreat, blending minimalism with organic warmth.”
The curves repeated in the arches, mirrors and elsewhere were the owner’s inspiration. “I have a real love for curves, and you’ll see that throughout the design—from the interior arches to the curved lime wash plaster wall outside. It’s all about soft, earthy tones, lime-wash textures, and those clean lines of the exterior cladding mixed with the cedar, that let the stunning surroundings speak for themselves.”
The owner worked closely with BLAC Design & Build of Nelson to bring the build to fruition. “We loved working with our builder to design each space with intention, making it work beautifully for our family. From the sun-soaked open-plan living area that flows seamlessly to the ocean-facing deck, to the Palm Springs-inspired crazy pave courtyard, every element was crafted to create a home that feels cohesive yet functional.”
“The look we wanted to create was something striking, and unlike the surrounding houses,” says Alysha Andrew at BLAC. To achieve that, they used differently sized widths of ObliqueTM Weatherboard against the more structured nature of the cedar – giving the house an elegant yet edgy look. “The vertical lines of the cladding in the different widths have complemented the horizontal monopitch design.”
“Living here,” says the owner, “feels like a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. The natural light fills every corner, and the open-plan layout lets us flow between indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. We were very lucky to find this spot to build, it's almost tucked in a private corner on the hill, yet so central to everything. It’s still very much a family home, but is the perfect retreat from the hustle of everyday life.”
Read on for our interview with mid-century experts Dan and Emma Eagle.
DEFINING MID-CENTURY DESIGN
Dan and Emma curate Mr Bigglesworthy, with a focus on rare and authentic mid-century modern furniture and vintage design icons. Devoted to timeless design and inspired interiors, their collections are restored by hand and presented in a central Auckland gallery. "In our era of rapid change, some mid-century ideals continue to resonate," they say.
How do you define mid-century design?
Anything designed in the mid-20th century, roughly the 1940s to the 70s. We focus on ‘modern’ design rather than traditional design which was also popular during this era. Modern design is characterised by an emphasis on embracing the present rather than trying to recreate the older style of ornate, decorative and often heavy-set piece which carried through traditions of the past.
What prompted such a massive change of aesthetic?
After World War II there was a desire for a fresh start and a focus forward rather than back. In America it was a time of growth and prosperity with a new wave of talented European immigrants bringing new ideas about modern living. Europe was recovering from large-scale destruction so there was a real desire to recreate society based on modern ideals. Magazines and media promoted and glamourised the new way of life in America and made it highly desirable throughout the world.
Why does it have such an enduring appeal?
The concept of open-plan living as opposed to formal separation, clean lines that emphasise quality over ornamentation, and functional spaces designed with simplicity to conceal the clutter of contemporary life remain highly relevant.
What do you look for in these pieces?
We look for works that embrace the modernist ideals of the era and combine them with quality materials and construction. We value pieces that are original and progressive but also there are a number of designers we admire and when possible we collect their work. Of course we also pursue objects which have sense of timelessness to tie in with a contemporary taste.
Do you have some favourite designs? (Go on.)
Narrowing it down to just chairs we’ve selected three favourites:
Paimio Chair, Alvar Aalto 1931–1932.
PP25 Flag Halyard Chair, Hans Wegner 1950.
Curvesse Chair,Garth Chester 1944.
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