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.”
This story was produced in association with James Hardie. For more stories and product information, click here.
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