Do you have the renovating bug? I always thought I did, but my partner Nick has managed to talk me out of it thus far. We found a happy medium with a ’70s build that had been updated to perform for a new era. It’s the best of old and new.
Since moving in, I’ve rethought my reno aspirations and am thankful for the functional upgrades that had already been made — especially in winter when we’re cosied up around the low-emissions woodburner, with retro-fitted double glazing keeping the warmth in. There’s still plenty to keep us busy with maintenance, gardening and decorating. Some say travel is the make-or-break of a relationship, but home improvements are a pretty good test, too.
I’m constantly in awe of the projects people share with us in homestyle, and this issue is no different. Move over Batman and Robin — there’s a new era of dynamic duos tackling full-scale home do-overs.
Starting with our cover feature, we visit Sammy-Rose Scapens and Oliver Starr’s ’60s modernist home in Tauranga. The clever couple behind Homewerk, a design-and-build studio, are known for their delightful small dwellings. They’re equally adept at restorations.
In Tamaki Mākaurau/Auckland, Rebecca and Michael Macfie, the powerhouse pair heading up character renovation specialists Macfie Architecture, bring a turn-of-the century villa to its full potential by blending British heritage with rock ‘n’ roll.
We’re not just talking renovations here either. We round out the creative partnerships in business and life with a visit to the studio of Makespace, where Beck and Isaac Lindesay share what motivated them to start a modular home design company delivering prefabs to remote places — find out about the tools that have helped get them to where they are today.
Inspired by these incredible teams? Read on for more innovative ideas and expert tips to transform your space.
Alice Lines, editor
@alice.lines