When Don and Russell came across their three-bedroom Devonport villa, it was looking pretty unloved. But the pair, who had never lived in a villa before and were keen to try it, could see the house had plenty of potential, and set about fixing it up. Describing their design style as “being open to ideas, and mixing the old with the new”,  they wanted a look that kept a consistent theme through the house, but wanted to avoid looking over-styled.

To prepare, they pored over decorating magazines, and also brought in Claire Bruford from Yellow Fox interior designers to help with the colour choices and bathroom redesigns. Their own experience in doing up houses in the past led them to pair warm neutrals and pastels with white for a look that’s both contemporary and sophisticated.

Why did you make these colour choices?
Villas in the past have been dark and old fashioned, so by bringing in a colour like the Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream into the house, it moved it into a more modern theme.

What was the greatest success in the renovation?
We found panelling and the original ceilings in rooms that had been made over using Pinex.

What was the biggest challenge? Turning an ugly laundry and bathroom into areas that are great to use.

Where is the space that you get your greatest satisfaction from? Definitely altering the bathrooms and making them accessible from the bedrooms.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?
Keep it uncluttered and don’t be afraid to use some of the great wallpapers that are available to give a room a lift and touch of interest.

Tall white vases from Bo Concept contrast with the dark floors. The dusty-pink sofas are from Furniture Works, through Interior Concepts.

A heavy mirror (from Rembrandt through Interior Concepts) propped on the fireplace adds light and depth to the room. In the second bedroom, the silvered Glamour wallpaper comes from Vision Wallcoverings, available from Resene.

Coordinated bedside tables and chair in cream (from Le Forge) help create a restful space. Bed linen is from Thread Design.

A Diaz chandelier from Lighting Plus (also seen in the main living space) adds luxury and sophistication to the second bathroom.

The main bathroom features Charcoal Matte Mosaic tiles from the Tile Warehouse, which play off against large white Maxima Carrara panels.