Whangapoa Beach House banner

Renovate or rebuild? The owners of this beach house chose the latter and, with the guidance of the designer, set about transforming their original Lockwood home into a modern bach.

The client's desire for a light-filled, beach aesthetic prompted the designer to whitewash the wood on all the interior walls in a pale sea-foam colour. The character and knots can still be seen, but the wash has covered up the original golden colour.

The effect of the whitewashed walls and the new light-toned, distressed timber floor has been to create a more modern look and give a much brighter interior.

Making the most of the 'bones' of the existing house, the ground level has been pared back to a single, large, open-plan space for the living area, dining table and kitchen. Exposed beams in the ceiling were a feature of the original design, and so the kitchen has been fitted in around them.

An open staircase rises up from the centre of the ground level to the upper floor, which has four bedrooms and a second bathroom. The two bedrooms at the front of the upper level have small balconies and enjoy views out to the ocean.

Celia Visser Design
Auckland

About the
Professional

Celia Visser lives and breathes design. Her passion for innovation and quality is matched only by her commitment to client satisfaction. Within the kitchen design industry, she is highly respected for her consistency and innovation ā€“ qualities that have won her multiple awards.

When Celia first walks into a home, she quickly assesses its potential. She listens to her clients and takes on board their lifestyle, family circumstances and the ambience they want to create within their home. This is what guides her unique designs.

Her goal is for her clients to come home to a place they can relax in, and at the same time is beautiful space that suits their individuality. She loves designing homes with soul and that X Factor.

Celia is inquisitive ā€“ always seeking fresh creative stimulation. Her weekends are spent scouring magazines, shops and markets for inspiration and quirky ideas, and she travel often overseas. She is equally focused on the business side of her company, and strives for excellence in all areas.

ā€‹Celia has been in the design and construction industry for 25 years, and is currently a member of the Certified Designers Society, NKBA and DINZ.