14 minute read
OUTSIDE INSIDE
from Bhbbh
by elloco2019
Interior designer Annabel Berry has a pool of talent to draw from at her coastal chic home in Ōamaru
Text Debbie Harrison Photography Rachel Wybrow
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Meet & greet Annabel (creative director of Design Federation) and Simon Berry (managing director of Whitestone Cheese), Mia, 10, Jackson, nine, and Boe, seven, plus dogs Tessa and Wicket.
RELAXING BY THE POOL Creating a ‘holiday at home’ vibe was Annabel’s vision from the start. It was achieved in the pool room with cool blue walls, the small kitchen with its awning window and the comfortable day beds, which are perfect for a cat (or dog) nap.
LOUNGE The leather couches are from Nood and green coffee table from Design Federation. The artwork is A More Beautiful World by Jen Sievers. Window shutters are used extensively throughout the home. “By installing lovely white timber shutters on our windows we instantly created that holiday vibe, ” says Annabel.
ANNABEL BERRY
It’s actually impossible to believe Annabel Berry ’s Ōamaru home is the same one we featured back in 2016. Structurally, the house is the same – apart from the addition of a pool house and studio/guest accommodation; we’ll come to that later – but the decor is almost unrecognisable. Art has been pared back and moved, statement lightshades switched out, flooring replaced and most rooms boast a new paint palette. But what do you expect from someone who studies colour and interiors all day long?
“What can I say? It’s in my DNA, ” Annabel laughs. “Constant change and evolution are part of being a designer. I’d say our home has changed as I have grown as an interior designer over the years, but this current aesthetic is one we really love as a family. ”
Annabel and Simon’s renovation kicked off with two poolside additions: a pool house and home studio, both around 25sqm each.
Annabel’s busy design practice had made it increasingly necessary for her to have a place to work from after hours – and being able to do so while supervising kids in the pool was the dream scenario. The neighbouring pool house was created to give the family a stylish space to lounge in out of the sun.
It was important to the couple that both new spaces were multipurpose, so each includes additional accommodation for guests – but in true designer fashion, the beds are not as you ’d expect. “With the pool house, we bought split beds so we can push them together to make a king bed or have them apart. I got some covers made by an upholsterer so they act as day beds when they ’re not needed as beds, ” she explains. “In my home studio, we included a wall bed, which sits behind beautiful duck-egg blue cabinetry. This means we can use the space for yoga or lounging when the bed isn’t in use. ”
The pool house
To fit with Annabel’s design brief of “ a holiday at home” , she knew she wanted the pool house to be blue and white. “I chose a very poolinspired colour on the walls to create that cohesion with the outdoors, and used stunning blue and white sheer drapery to create the mood we were looking for. ”
The pool-inspired tones carry through to the bathroom, which is a mix of calming blues. “The bathroom was a delight to design. The beautiful fish scale tiles in mid-blue are a combination of all the things I love, as far as colours, materials and shapes go. For functionality, I wanted a vanity that served the purpose of hand washing without the drama of storage, which was not needed – I love the concrete basin that we found. The bathroom backs onto the pool area, so we added a half wall in here to provide additional privacy, ” Annabel explains.
OUTDOOR ROOM The rattan lampshade above the outdoor table in fire area is from Design Federation and the blue and white striped umbrella is from Ico Traders. The once industrial-looking space has a more relaxed feel thanks to the Mediterranean-inspired design elements. New tiles have replaced the concrete floor. “I hunted high and low to find the right ones and was so pleased when we got these, ” says Annabel.
IN THE GROOVE Using tongue and groove wall panelling throughout the home added texture, interest and an instant coastal vibe. Annabel used panelling in the lounge, their kitchen island and both pool-side rooms. The round table in the family room is from Design Federation (opposite).
A small kitchen allows guests to be self-contained during their stay at the Berry retreat, though Annabel says it’s mostly been used to create poolside happy hour drinks.
The studio
Annabel has a studio and shop in town for her interiors business, Design Federation, but it was important to her that her home studio was just as professional to allow her to be productive when working here. The resulting space is a far cry from the overflowing dining table she used to work from after hours or during Covid-19 lockdowns.
“I painted it in a biscuity pink to deliver a place of calm and warmth. Because it’s solely my space, I could happily make it feminine and ‘ me’ . I love this studio – it’s a space that I can retreat to and keep on top of work while still engaging with my children – but it’s also a beautiful space for guests to stay. ”
The Berrys are beyond happy with the final result of their two new outdoor additions. “Simon and I are thrilled with both the design and functionality of these two new rooms. We just love every aspect and the spaces totally work for our needs. ”
The house renovation
Adding the new poolside rooms caused Annabel and Simon to look at their existing four-bedroom home, considering what they were happy with and what they would like to change to ensure everything flowed as one. “Covid provoked a greater need for us to feel relaxed and on holiday at home so we moved the style of the house from modern vintage to classic coastal, ” she explains.
They started by redecorating the kids’ rooms before addressing the rest of the home. The whole renovation took around 18 months and Annabel reveals she focused on four simple things to change the look of her home: paint, panelling, shutters and accessories. “By far the biggest transformation comes with the change of paint and different colours throughout the home. We always talk to our clients about how paint is the most cost effective and best way you can bring personality to your home. Most people are too scared to do it, but as you can see, bringing a fresh palette to your space can be uplifting, ” she says.
ANNABEL BERRY
HAPPY HOUR Adding a small kitchen to the pool house was a genius stroke. The coloured Elysian kitchen mixer is from ABI Interiors. DINING The lightshade is by David Trubridge and the round table, Annabel’s favourite piece of furniture, is from Design Federation. MAIN KITCHEN (opposite) The Hayes leather and wood stools are from Design Federation, as are the pendant lights.
Using tongue-and-groove wall panelling throughout the home added texture, interest and an instant coastal aesthetic. Annabel introduced the panelling in the lounge, their kitchen island and both pool-side rooms, using it all the way up to the ceiling. White window shutters were next, Annabel’s tried-and-true go-to for achieving a sophisticated Hamptons-style look.
“We specify shutters for many of our clients because they are so beautiful and bring a sense of calm to a space. By installing lovely white timber shutters on our windows we instantly created that holiday vibe, ” she says.
Lastly, Annabel indulged in some retail therapy, purchasing items she’d been eyeing up through her interior design work. “With a shop brimming with decor, art, cushions, rugs and other accessories, it’s hard not to get carried away. I have access to the best products and I’m lucky to be able to use these in my home. Most of our artwork is local art – we love supporting local artists, designers, photographers and creators, ” she says.
Kids’ rooms
Annabel says the kids’ rooms have naturally evolved as they ’ ve gotten older but new paint colours elevated them and gave them a look that suited their personalities.
“The children all had a say in their colour choices, which I just tweaked slightly in tone. Don’t be afraid to include your children in the process – while they tend to head towards prime colours, you can adjust the tone to ensure you get an outcome everyone loves. ”
The outdoor area
Annabel banished the previous industrial look for something straight out of the Med. “When we did a vision board for the space I kept looking at Mediterranean outdoor spaces as the closest look to what we wanted to achieve. I’m a big believer in always starting with a vision board. Hunt down images of what you like – the process helps you learn what you don’t like, too, which is just as
important to know. Look at the images you ’ ve chosen and recognise the common threads, then get started on sourcing what you need – or find a designer who can deliver this vision for you, ” she advises.
The charcoal wall around the fireplace become duck-egg blue, the dark industrial-style drum lightshade is now a breezy rattan shade and the floor has gone from concrete to some very pretty tiles.
“I hunted high and low to find the right ones and was so pleased when we got these. They have to be outdoorspecific tiles to ensure they can withstand the frosts we get here and were hard to find, but we got there and I love the end look. ”
Annabel brought in more of that blue-and-white Mediterranean-inspired palette through custom-made outdoor squabs and plastered walls. “Plastering the fireplace wall and painting it Periglacial Blue was one of the best things we did, as it delivered the vision perfectly, ” she says.
Future plans
Annabel is thrilled with the results of their coastal chic renovation – for now.
“Now our home naturally fits into the aesthetic that we love as a family. We have very busy lives running two businesses and, with three children, it was important that when we’re home our house feel relaxed and have that holiday feel, which I believe we now have. I am really happy with it all. Our next renovation will be the kitchen – when we recover from this one. ”
ANNABEL BERRY
BATHROOM The skis are a vintage find and the Volkswagen Kombi artwork is from Design Federation. Resene Blue Dianne and Resene Milk White was used on the walls. SLEEP EASY (opposite, clockwise) The rattan wardrobe and bedding are from Design Federation; the blue and white stripes in Boe’s room are painted in Resene Norwegian Blue and Resene Milk White; and the bed in the studio is from Asko Wall Beds.
SHOP THEIR STYLE
Create that holiday-at-home vibe with jute and rattan pieces, then add pops of colour in a tropical motif
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1 Ananas outdoor cushion, $95 (50cm), from Bolt of Cloth. 2 Kartell Louis Ghost chair, $925, from Backhouse. 3 Sophie shade, $399 (large), from Mr Ralph. 4 Croc stool, $358, from Apartmento. 5 Kesia jute rug, $341, from missamara.nz. 6 Firth lampshade, $365 (large), from Design Federation. 7 Aqua Pacific Coconuts cushion, $179 (55cm), from Republic Home. 8 Willow bedside table, $895, from Republic Home. 9 Carson sofa, $5995, from Republic Home. 10 Keifer occasional chair, $1995, from Republic Home. What do you prefer – high-end or bargain buys? A mix. I still love vintage and the history of a piece. I tend to save up for decent, locally made furniture because it lasts a lifetime and supports the local economy. What do most visitors comment on? Our pool space and outdoor dining area, and the colour of our rooms. They want to know how they can achieve something similar, which I am happy to share. What change gave you the best bang for buck? Changing paint colour is the best way you can change the atmosphere of a room for the least expense. If you are not good with colour, I recommend finding a professional designer who has experience with colour. To get the best outcome, ask to see their portfolio and show them images from Pinterest of rooms you like. What is your favourite spot in the house? The day bed by the pool – I head to it the minute I get home. It’s bliss to be able to lie down and chill out while supervising the kids in the pool. What are the changes that have worked best for your family? The additional accommodation for our parents and the work from home office. Best memories in your home? All the best memories are with our family, watching the children grow up and experience all of this together.
Contacts
Benchtop florim.com Cabinetry Melteca and joinery by Firmans Joinery, firmanjoinery.co.nz Flooring Rhino EverCore, carpetcourt.nz Shower ABI Interiors, abiinteriors.co.nz Free-standing basin Concrete Nation, concretenation.com.au
Shop
Design Federation (03) 434 2447, designfederation.co.nz
How to create a room for all seasons
+ Much as we admire the open-tothe-elements style of Balinese houses, our less temperate climate means it’s not a reality for us. That said, an all-weather room that’s open along at least one wall is becoming increasingly popular here. + Whether it’s extending the roofline of the house or creating a deck and covered pergola, you’ll need to check in with local council guidelines about any permits you may require. + Alternatively, louvres are an excellent choice for overhead – they’re waterproof and provide shade, but there’s also the option to have them open for light and airflow. + Weatherproof furniture is essential. Look for powder-coated steel, teak, rattan or moulded plastic pieces. + Easy-to-clean flooring that is impervious to any rain that may come in sideways in a downpour is advisable. Ideally, choose something such as non-slip floor tiles or a hardwood deck. + A heating source will be a necessity if you’re planning on using it yearround. An outdoor fire or gas fire would be ideal. Alternatively, a stash of blankets kept nearby makes sense. + You’ll need plants that are just as happy to grow indoors and out. + Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. This could be anything from a built-in barbecue to a wood-fired pizza oven or a fully functioning kitchen depending on budget.
Palette
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1 Resene Atomic 2 Resene Norwegian Blue 3 Napier Deco matt tile from TileHaus 4 Resene Smokescreen
Floor plan
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KEY 1 Spa 2 Main bedroom 3 Ensuite 4 Bedroom 5 Bathroom 6 Kitchen/ dining/living 7 Media room 8 Outdoor fire 9 Pool 10 Pool house 11 Studio
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The smart way to upsize your home
If Covid lockdowns taught us anything it’s that having space at home is important. Whether you ’re looking to invest in a new house or renovate your current one, we’ ve got some expert tips to help you.
Think about what sort of space is important to you
For some that will be a rumpus room for the kids and some additional office space. For others, upsizing might mean more land for outdoor living or a self-contained space. What do you really want and need?
Consider separation of space
A living room in a separate part of the house, a sit-in kitchen with sliding doors to outdoor space or a media room for movie and gaming are great options.
Take note of design in new developments
Modern homes make the most of smaller spaces by utilising every square metre of a home – think rooftop gardens, quirky seating nooks, elevated patios and dual-purpose areas.
Space-creating hacks
Mirrors can make a smaller home feel more spacious by reflecting the space and replicating the view or consider the size of your furniture in relation to room size. Adding more light or ceiling height can be a great way of creating perceived space in a smaller area. trademe.co.nz/property
