My HOME

Anna and Dane Boswell are no strangers to interior styling and decorating, in fact, they do it for a living with their business Styled at Home. When it came to building their second family home, they opted for a modern look and a design that enhances their wonderful views.

Where is your home and how long have you lived here?

We live at Katania Heights in Brightwater. We built through Signature Homes, and we shifted in in March.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Peaceful, modern, spacious and comfortable.

What inspired this look?

We learnt some lessons from our first build when we didn’t allow for enough windows or natural light.

Our home now has plenty of windows including a huge picture window overlooking the view, plus a generous, covered outdoor entertainment area with a skylight. We also went for scissor trusses through our main living area so the place would feel spacious and modern. We wanted a separate lounge which we have made comfortable through the use of carpet and our Resene paint choice ‘lemongrass’ which adds to the cosy feel of the media room. It is so quiet up here which gives it a peaceful feeling – if you don’t count the noise from our three children!

What’s your decorating style?

I have a mix of styles which include modern/ contemporary, natural rustic and Scandinavian vibes.

Where do you shop for homewares?

We have recently launched a home-staging business Styled at Home, and I have come across some beautiful New Zealand homeware stores online recently such as Capulet, Flux Boutique and Bohzali. Our lounge suites are from Early Settler, and we enjoy supporting Moxini - we have mirrors, art, a lamp and other décor items from there. We also have a beautiful buffet table from A&C Homeware.

What piece would you never part with?

We were gifted a large, beautiful, rimu shelving unit that needed some love. Dane sanded it right back and oiled it and it now takes pride in our living room where we display family photos, books and décor items.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

We have learnt to invest in quality furniture that will last, so we do splurge on some items that get used daily. We purchased our outdoor dining table and chairs from 4 Seasons as we wanted good quality outdoor furniture that would last. We do want to replace our dining table and chairs which we purchased ages ago from Nood but will look at doing that once the kids are older.

What’s next on your interiors list?

We would like to fill our walls with more art and family photos.

Which items or fixtures did you splurge on and where did you save?

We put in a ducted heat pump system which was a splurge but worth every cent – it is so nice being able to keep the entire house as warm or as cool as we want. Other splurges include sound proofing all of the bedrooms. We saved on some of the labour costs with Dane able to tile and complete our outdoor area.

What’s your favourite seat in the house?

The green three-seater velvet couch in our living room – best views!

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

Sitting on our green couch looking out at the view from our living room, or on our outdoor couch in the covered area.

If money was no object, what would you get for your home?

Definitely a pool. It is on the ‘to do’ list for sure. What is one thing you would change about your home if you could?

A wider hallway with a skylight or two would be one of the only changes we would make.

Best budget tip?

If there are any jobs you can do yourself, this is a helpful way to save on the initial build cost! We were lucky as Dane was able to do our bathroom and kitchen tiling, decks and fences.

If you had a day to refresh your home, what would you do?

Declutter! With three children we don’t usually have time to have a good chance for this.

What should every home have?

Comparing this home to other properties we have lived in, I would say lots of big windows and natural light. It actually helps improve your mood and its lovely to see what is going on in the outdoor world.

Have you done any renovations?

As it is a new build – no. However, we are planning to convert our garage to include an office space for our business.

Best money spent?

A few things – our big picture window, which makes a statement when we enter the living room. Our kitchen, which has a copper tap, handles and a stone bench top, as well as a very generous scullery allowing for a lot of storage space. We are also glad we added a guest toilet near the entrance way to the original build plan.

Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?

Put the ‘tidy up time’ song on LOUD and get everyone to pitch in!

Did any of your purchases cause a debate?

Perhaps some tools in the garage. I have to be fair though as Dane allows me to choose any furnishings and homewares that I think fits best!

Best memory in your home?

Since the first lockdown we have had a family tradition every year where we dress up, put music on, have a three-course dinner together, and the children create a menu and table setting. It was pretty special being able to do that in this home after many hold-ups with the build due to Covid.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?

Just how peaceful and quiet it is. We are surrounded by lovely neighbours and it is a quiet cul de sac which is safe for our children who are often out on their bikes and scooters.

1. A favourite piece in the home is the rimu shelving unit, which was gifted to the family. Originally thought to be from a science classroom, it needed some love with sanding and oiling. 2. Dane tiled the kitchen backsplash himself, the birds of paradise tile was initially a bold choice that they fell in love with. 3. The large picture window makes the most of the stunning views of the Wharepapa Range. 4. The beautiful painting in the media room is by New Zealand artist, Jen Sievers. Spot the latest addition to the family, Gus the puppy. 5. Anna mixes prints, warm tones, and different textures to achieve a comfortable and modern aesthetic throughout the home. The media room is painted with Resene’s ‘lemongrass’. 6. The buffet table is from A&C Homeware and mirror from Moxini, two of the couple’s favourite stores for homeware and furniture.