A small but effective addition to this 50s bungalow in Remuera transforms the way a young, growing family live here.

Previously, they were bulging at the seams and had nowhere to sit in the sun. It was tricky because the sun and garden are on the roadside which posed privacy issues. We refreshed the entire house then added on in front to create a multi-functional deck that doubles as an arrival point and a beautiful place to sit connected to the lounge. 

The new L-shaped house has a central kitchen with living spaces off it so the family always feels connected to one space. Because the children won’t always be small, different zones provide places to spread out. Cabinetry below the TV offers somewhere to stash toys. Elements like the timber screen break up spaces to give an illusion that the entrance is larger and also provide privacy from the front door. A simple palette using white tiles throughout makes it seem even bigger. It’s super crisp and modern which makes this young, fun, and playful home easy to look after.

Photography credit: Jackie Meiring