Paddington

"A narrow 85sqm central Wellington townhouse, Paddington is owned by two of Wellington's finest. Originally adorned with the kind of interior that offends no one and everyone, the clients for this project wanted to bring pleasure and peace to the once stark setting. Working alongside Lucy Coote, we said goodbye to the grey carpet and white walls to create the familiarity and warmth of your favourite cafe, but the moodiness and mystery of a late-night wine bar. Pink timber veneer kitchen with handmade tiles set against the sharp stainless steel. Dark timber, crushed velvet upholstery and dim lighting. A cold martini in hand while a soft record plays in the background. Collected rocks, candles and well-worn novels lining the shelves. A sumptuous sofa nook, generous enough for long legs, lazy afternoons and a rather large Rhodesian Ridgeback. Warm filtered light, cork flooring and a flounced glass wall sconce setting the scene for cups of coffee, languid lunches and dinner with friends. Custom velvety green New Zealand-made wool carpet ascends the staircase, hand-blown glass lighting, and hard timber railing. The slender spaces feel more intimate on every level. Buttercookie hues in the baby's room and rich lashings of gold in the study. Sleep-ins and softly filtered sunlight bathe the main bedroom, with crisp creamy white sheets and custom glossy red handles. The top floor feels personal and private. A tiled brown bathtub, timber shutters and hemp linen curtain make it hard to get out of the house in the morning, and will have you longing to come home." - Natalie Bradburn