Project 897 - Matakana
Project 897 centred around the restoration of a charming 1940s cottage that had evolved under the skilled touch of its previous owner, Deb Crowe from Board and Batten Design. Following its sale in late 2021, the house remained vacant for a brief period until its new owners engaged us to breathe new life into space they utilised as both a home, and an office for their busy Real Estate agency.
Guided by the client's vision of a "small and gorgeous" home, we maintained the original footprint while giving the entire residence a cosmetic facelift. The goal was to enhance the home's aesthetic appeal without compromising the inherent beauty and integrity of the vintage cottage. Employing a fresh, neutral colour palette and incorporating natural materials like wood and stone, we elevated the atmosphere. High-quality fixtures and fittings were introduced to infuse a touch of glamour into every corner.
The flooring underwent a comprehensive upgrade, featuring a grey-washed Forte timber throughout, complemented by plush carpeting in the bedrooms. The kitchen saw a transformation with a 50mm Dekton benchtop replacing its Formica predecessor, while an ECC Yanzi suspension light adorned the kitchen bar.
The once cramped and unappealing laundry room was reimagined with a revised layout, a soft fluted backsplash tile, and integrated cabinetry featuring mesh frontage, shoe drawers, and ample linen storage.
Addressing the challenge of limited kitchen storage, we repurposed the original porch into a seamless extension of the kitchen, serving as both a scullery and a bar. A large gas-lift window connects this space to the loggia, creating a fluid transition between indoors and outdoors—a perfect setting for serving cocktails on warm summer days.
The pièce de résistance emerged in the form of the main bathroom, adorned with large stone tiles on the floors and walls, arched mirrors above the double vanities, aged iron heated towel rails, and a generously proportioned double shower enclosed by a beautiful fluted glass door.