Always ones to rise to a challenge, John and Juliet bought a small, narrow piece of land, wedged between the ocean and a cliff face, and decided to build their home upon it. Not just a home, but a home for a family of eight, with 4 living spaces, 3 bathrooms, and 5 bedrooms. Though it sounds like a tall order, they managed to pull it off, creating a home that they love and that has grown with them and their children.

With plenty of balconies and lots of glass, the fact that one side of the building is window-less is easy to forget in a home this light and bright; even the ceiling has been set alight for effect. And although it is an award-winning piece of architecture, it still manages to feel like a warm, relaxed family home.

How would you describe your ‘design style’? Colourful and modern.

What did you want to achieve with your interiors? Something that would be timeless and artistic, yet practical and comfortable. We wanted it to be a beautiful home in all seasons.

Why did you make the colour scheme choices you did? We chose these colours because they look good during the day, and even better at night.

The exterior of the house has been painted with Resene Rutherford, which is a soft green, but looks golden in the light of the sunset.

A guest bedroom and the corner of one of the living areas showcase John and Juliet’s love of colour, with walls painted in bright Resene colours.

The open-plan kitchen is situated within a large living area which can be warm in winter, thanks to a fireplace, or cool in summer, as it has many large bi-fold windows and doors which open on to a deck.

A large dining table is a necessity for a family of 8. This one has incredible sea views, the colours of which are mirrored in the hand-stained ceiling panels.

Naturals and brights mix to create a warm, relaxed feeling in one of the children’s bedrooms.