By Green Room Studio
Located in the heart of Point Chevalier, Auckland, this traditional cottage was in dire need of a renovation.
The first step in this renovation project was to design the outdoor entertainment area. The owners wanted a space where they could host family and friends, so we created a design that included a pool, dining area, and BBQ area.
We also added raised vege gardens for the family to grow their own produce.
The cottage only had one bathroom, so we added on a luxurious ensuite off the master bedroom. The owners wanted a balinese vibe to the ensuite, so we used natural materials and earthy tones to create a peaceful and tranquil space. The ensuite features a large walk-in shower with teak timber battens, and a double vanity.
Despite adding modern amenities to the home, it was important to the owners to maintain the traditional cottage charm. We achieved this by keeping the original exterior of the home and using traditional colours such as a crisp white to the weatherboards and trims, and keeping the cedar shingle features natural.
This renovation project in Point Chevalier was a success. We were able to create a beautiful outdoor entertainment area for the family, add a luxurious ensuite to the master bedroom, and maintain the traditional cottage charm of the home. The owners were thrilled with the final result, and we were proud to have been a part of this project.
Samantha Elliot is an interior architect and trained yoga teacher based in Auckland.
Elliot, who grew up on a high country station in South Canterbury, holds a Bachelor of Design (Interiors) from Otago Polytechnic and enjoys working alongside clients to create spaces that, put simply, look good and work well.
Elliot is inspired by modernists such as Case Study architects Richard Neutra and Pierre Koenig. Closer to home, she admires the Brian Brake house, a Titirangi masterpiece designed by architect Ron Sang. While she also takes her design cues from Scandinavian styling – plywood is a favourite - she balances this pared-back aesthetic with elements of comfort and lots of greenery.
A creative thinker with a considered approach, she enjoys the process of working with clients to guide them through innovative ideas to achieve a personalised result that suits their lifestyle.
When she’s not immersed in a world of design, Elliot is practicing yoga. Yoga has a been a passion of Sam’s since she was introduced to it at her boarding school in Dunedin at the age of 16.
She carried on with her practice through her 20s whilst pursuing her career in Interior Architecture. A point came in her life when she realised she needed a better work/life balance and to cut back on the corporate desk life. She then went on to study Ashram Yogas 200hr yoga teacher training and has also since qualified in her Level 1 Reiki Training.
She loves the idea of giving people guidance in the world where we could do with more quiet and self love.
Interiors and yoga are now two loves combined into one. “The practice of yoga has evolved my creativity, and influenced my designs with a more sustainable, ethical and holistic approach.”