Thompson | Before + Afters

August 19, 2025

Our clients came to us in February 2024 as they were about to undertake an extensive renovation of their home. They had bought the house for the location and the spectacular view with the goal to eventually renovate and create their ideal home. They lived in the house for several years and learnt what they loved and didn’t love, what worked and what didn’t.

After exploring several possible directions, they decided to stay within the original footprint of the home but, essentially, completely rebuild it. Architect Brent Scott of Citrus Design Studio had worked with our clients to develop the design, and they’d hired Redington Construction for the build, and Moth Light for all of the lighting. Already they were in great hands, but were still feeling overwhelmed with the myriad of decisions they had ahead of them, which is completely understandable. This is where we came in, and our brief included choosing materials for the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, window treatments, flooring, elevator, as well as all of the furniture and the spatial plan.

*Before - The original home had an elevator from the garage to the first floor which was retained but seriously updated.*

One of the first things we do is work with our clients to understand their vision, their style and how they live or want to live in the space. Luckily these home owners had done their homework and were able to provide us with a selection of images that gave us a really clear direction. They loved natural textures and a very soft, neutral palette, and had fallen in love with a Hinuera stone which was to be used in the entrance, leading you upstairs, cladding the fireplace, and down the hall to the back terrace. This gave us an excellent jumping off point for the colour palette.

*Progress - Hinuera stone is a major feature in the home and played an integral part in our choice of colour palette.*

We designed the balustrade (which was originally supposed to be glass) in fine white powder coated steel. We love the texture it brings and how it reflects the fins on the outside of the house, and how the clean, straight lines juxtapose the natural finish of the stone wall. We also love that our clients trusted our choice and allowed us to push them out of their comfort zone. It’s now one of their favourite features.

*Before - the long, narrow living room was separated from the rest of the house by multiple doors and walls.*

Citrus Studios designed the main living areas to be more open and interconnected. The wall between the stairs and living room was replaced with the balustrade, and the wall separating the living room from the open plan kitchen, dining and family room was opened up and in its place a double sided fireplace was installed. This creates more of a light, spacious feel while still cleverly providing separate zones.

One of our challenges was to choose the right furniture pieces for the living areas which, as you can see from our furniture plan below, come out at an angle from the back of the house. The living room at the top of the stairs is where the family retreat in the evenings to watch tv. The curved modular sofa was the perfect choice to soften the various angles around it and create a cosy, inclusive setting.

*Progress - the view from the dining area looking back towards the stairs and elevator, and bedrooms beyond.*

*Before - the open plan family room, dining and kitchen were originally separated from the main living room.*

Previously the deck off the family room was quite small and not terribly functional as an outdoor space. So the architect “borrowed” space from here to push the family room out making this more useable. He then created a space on the deck around the corner for some outdoor furniture.

We created another seating area in the new family room which is zoned by the large wool rug. The corner sofa faces out towards the stunning view, and it can also be moved around 180° to face the fire on those few really cold months, if our clients want. This is the perfect setting for daytime relaxing or with friends before dinner.

*Progress - the builder installed the longest recessed curtain track we’ve ever done!*

The window treatments in this area took some consideration. The clients didn’t want to block the view and didn’t really need privacy from this angle, but the room gets a lot of sun coming through the floor to ceiling glass. We wanted curtains to add a softness to the space so we chose an organic open weave sheer that could be pulled across to diffuse the harsh sun when needed. The builders were amazing installing the longest recessed curtain track we’ve ever used, and at night it looks beautiful with the soft strip lighting in front.

The dining table features curved ends which, again, bring a softness to the angled room. The use of green is repeated throughout in small doses amongst the soft neutral palette, reflecting the nature outside. These dining chairs look quite beautiful as the light diffuses through them.

*Before - the kitchen undertook a major transformation!*

Molloy Joinery created the kitchen we designed using ivory oak veneer that complimented the flooring, and a porcelain bench and splash back with a subtle organic pattern. The kitchen has a clean, simple finish, which our clients wanted in their open plan space, with a small butlers pantry at the end to house the coffee machine, small appliances and a second sink.

For a sense of cohesion we repeated the ivory oak veneer and porcelain bench in the laundry and bathrooms.

*Before - built-in custom joinery does wonders to update and tidy the new laundry.*

*Before - the landing and hallway have been tidied and simplified, these doors led to the old laundry, powder room and bathroom.*

We love creating a bit of drama in a tiny powder room! We gave our clients two designs - one featuring these stunning dark liquorice coloured glass tiles, and a second in a soft, neutral colour. We’re so pleased they chose the darker option. In a room where you only spend a minute or so at a time you can afford to be bold!

The family bathroom, above, and the primary bathroom, below, repeat the materials from the kitchen and laundry, with the addition of these large format tiles featuring a subtle linear texture. The gun metal fixtures add a touch of depth.

*Progress - the tiler did a fantastic job installing and mitring these tiles with their linear texture.*

The primary bedroom continues the neutral colour palette with layers of soft texture to create a quiet space to retreat to at the end of a busy day.

*Progress - a walk-in wardrobe is a luxury and a way to keep the bedroom calm and uncluttered.*

*Before - the outside has also had a major transformation!*

it’s important that the exterior of the house reflects the interior, so the colour of the window joinery, the walls and roof paint are all a soft, warm white.

Thank you to our incredibly awesome clients who trusted us with their beautiful home and allowed us to share it with you! To see even more images of the home you can visit our portfolio.

Source: https://bibbyandbrady.co.nz/residential#/t...

The Block Stairway + Entranceway | Girls vs boys

July 25, 2016

When I first heard that The Block teams had their entranceways to complete, I thought it would be a fairly easy week. But once I realised that it also entailed their stairways and additional landings and hallways I knew it was a much bigger than I first anticipated. It turned out to be the hardest week so far and not one of the teams were able to complete their spaces in time.

Dyls and Dyls won the "Block Stars" challenge with their acrobatic routine which gave them the ability to completely knock out another team from judging. It was no surprise that they chose front runners Niki and Tiff, which was a good call as the girls once again got the highest score. Emma and Courtney won a game changer challenge during the week which gave them the "-1 point" and they used that against the Double D's. So finally Emma and Courtney won a room reveal - even without playing the -1 the would've just pipped D+D.

Emma and Courtney: 1st place - 10 points (5 from Fiona and 5 from Paul)

The scores were all on the low side because there was so much left unfinished, but 10 points was enough to won this week. The repetition of black accents was nice in the girls' entrance. I like the clean lines of the console and the large round mirror which is a nice contrast to all the straight lines. Even better would've been a runner and a little bit more styling on the console, but that can all be added.

I like the mix of materials used on the stairs - wood, glass and chrome. Judge, Paul Izzard, really seemed to enjoy this week's judging with all of the architectural elements, and I agree that the slight overhang on the stair treads was a nice detail here.

A previous challenge win meant E+C got to commission a piece by artist, Greer Clayton. The piece she created for the girls is beautiful, and it goes to show what an impact a large scale artwork makes. The size is perfect for the space, and I like that the girls' console and styling are both simple as it allows the art to shine.

Dyls and Dylz: 2nd place - 8.5 points (4.5 from Fiona and 5 from Paul and a -1 from E+C)

Big Dyls designed and created his dream floating staircase for their home, and it was quite spectacular. Unfortunately a slight error in measuring put each tread out by 3mm, and meant they couldn't complete the stairs in time for the reveal. An extra step will have to be added in the coming weeks. I love the really large front door, and the plugs under the stairs mean a console table with a lamp could be added, which would look great.

The panelled doors look really nice down the hallway. The lights up the stairwell were a little too simple. In a stairwell where there is no furniture, you can afford to be more adventurous with your lighting choice. As Fiona said, treat it like a piece of art or sculpture.

The wall opposite the door is crying out for a lovely big piece of art. It would be a great focal point as you enter, but this can be added at a later date.

Sam and Emmett: 3rd place - 7.5 points (3.5 from Fiona and 4 from Paul)

Sam and Emmett had a rough week with flooding and failing to pass initial pre-line inspections, and their house was perhaps the most unfinished. I'm not a "red" fan so don't love their front door, but I know it's good luck in some cultures so I'm sure some prospective buyers will like it.

The window revealing a glimpse of the wine cellar as you descend the stairs is a clever feature and will also appeal to many.

The boys need to take a lesson in scale from Emma and Courtney. The artwork at the bottom of the stairs is far too small.

I photoshopped it to show you the size I think looks better. When it comes to art, if in doubt, always go bigger...

Also, the hall table is sweet, but the mirror is too small, and the styling a bit small and insignificant. Once again, these are all details that can be rectified, if not by S+E then by the new owners.

Niki and Tiff: taken out of judging by D+D through a challenge - 11 points (5.5 from Fiona and 5.5 from Paul)

My favourite of all the spaces, and the reason why is that Tiff gets all of those little details right. She knows how to work with scale and texture. The artwork is cool, I love the moody colours.

The white staircase with space between the steps creates a light, airy feel. It also allows the art and accessories on display to take centre stage.

The girls were the only team to use a hall runner, which I think is always a good idea for adding softness, texture, and sometimes colour and pattern. The large landing created a space that was almost another room in itself. The large window and the sky lights are brilliant - natural light is always a winner. I love the bench seat, but as the judges said, the cushions on the floor aren't that practical. A small chair, or even a pouf would've been a better choice, or nothing at all.

The round artwork is divine. A lot of people have been asking on our Facebook page where the girls get all their artwork, and I think Tiff sources it from a photostock library and then has it framed. Clever girl, and the round frame is fab - it's different, which I know Tiff always strives for, and it softens and contrasts the straight lines. Dael & I use circles as much as possible in our designs. A room will always be filled with straight lines and angles, so the introduction of circles and curves will be welcomed.

What will this week bring? Tune in for the action and drama, and for more pics and information, pop over to the TV3 website.

Architectural + INTERIOR Inspiration | High House

May 17, 2016

I recently came across 'High House', a major home renovation by Dan Gayfer Design, and was so inspired that I knew I had to share it with you. Located in Fitzroy North in Melbourne, the homeowners were determined to have their inner city lifestyle without compromising on the size they needed for their young family. From the street the house sits quietly amongst it's neighbours, but the inside and back of the house has been turned into a modern and functional home with a spacious, airy feel.

The house is a mere five metres wide but the clever use of built-in furniture helps to maximise the space and it's functionality. The clean lines and the simple colour palette also add to the sense of cohesion and simplicity. I love how the height of the sofa is mirrored by the outdoor bench seat. Also, take note of the powder blue tiles featured on the base of the outdoor bench and the outside back wall, as they are repeated in the downstairs bathroom creating a visual link.

Perhaps my favourite feature is the concrete bench top and how it runs down between the wooden floorboards to the concrete floor beyond. The tiles used in the splash back and under the island bench 'speak to' the tiles used in the two bathrooms and outdoor spaces.

In both bathrooms the built-in cabinetry is kept very simple allowing the coloured tiles to be the hero. The matt black fixtures complete the look and compliment the dark grout.

Some of the cutest house models ever!

Purple velvet is an unexpected touch, and I love subtle surprises like that.

Although I have huge admiration for the design of this home, I would love to see a piece of art above the bed or a headboard in a soft linen or velvet. But I'm crazy about those bedside lights with their pink base that pulls your eye through to the ensuite.

Those gorgeous tiles are repeated on the bedroom balcony, as the blue ones were downstairs.

Each space and every detail is so well thought out, I think this home is super special! To see more work by Dan Gayfer Design head to their website.