During the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkable new home emerged. It displays an impression of timelessness, as though it has graced the land for generations, yet it boasts all the modern conveniences desired by the homeowners. This is a place where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony, a testament to the enduring spirit of quality craftsmanship and design. 

The visionary homeowners, a retired couple with roots in both New Zealand and Canada, embarked on a unique journey to build a new dwelling inspired by architectural styles they deeply admired.

At its core, the home embodies the Arts and Crafts movement, a design philosophy that admires the beauty of materials, draws inspiration from nature, and supports the virtues of simplicity, utility, and aesthetic appeal.

Inside, you'll find a captivating array of vintage delights: swinging saloon doors, exquisite Axminster carpeting, timeless light fixtures, and freestanding wardrobes repurposed as storage units. The homeowners themselves brought their carpentry skills to the fore, crafting mirror cabinets in the bathrooms and fashioning a dining table that stands as a centrepiece in their home.

The heart of this extraordinary home is the expansive great room, encompassing the kitchen, family area, dining space, and living area. Its grand proportions are a testament to the careful planning and thoughtful design.

In the kitchen, we took the architect's original layout and transformed it to enhance functionality. Understanding the owner’s desire to make muesli and preserves, we expanded the bench space around the oven, ensuring ample room for culinary creations. With a keen eye for aesthetics, we channelled the ambience of a working farm kitchen from the 1920s, infusing the design with a timeless charm.

The walk-in scullery, a culinary haven of its own, boasts a dishwasher to effortlessly manage the aftermath of baking sessions. Its open storage unit is equipped with a rail to prevent items from toppling during earthquakes, prioritising both safety and organisation. At the client's request, we designed drawers with mesh fronts, facilitating air circulation and prolonging the shelf life of potatoes, onions, and pumpkins. Above this storage, you'll find display shelves graced by Grandma's cherished pottery collection, strategically positioned to be admired from the great room. The shelving above the scullery bench is designed to accommodate cookbooks, readily accessible when inspiration strikes.

The main kitchen island boasts a toe kick with special detail, infusing character into this central workspace. The kitchen range units exhibit reeded glass cupboards, and the choice of handles and latches reflects the authenticity of a period home, demonstrating that even the smallest details can make a significant impact. A hidden microwave, concealed behind a pocket door, sits decorated with cherished mementos and softly lit, ensuring it remains seen at all hours of the day.

The bathrooms are no less remarkable, with walk-in showers, patterned tiles reminiscent of the 1920s, and salvaged stained glass windows adding character and charm. These rooms are not just functional spaces but havens of relaxation and style.

In every corner of this incredible house, our involvement has been to meticulously craft details that enhance both form and function, ensuring that the great room, the heart of the home, and the bathrooms, sanctuaries of comfort, bear witness to the enduring impact of thoughtful design and craftsmanship.