Tracie & Marcus' Beachside Homecoming
After years of renovating, building, and creating homes for different chapters of life, Tracie and Marcus knew exactly what mattered most when it came to their next project. Returning to the Auckland beachside community where they first lived as newlyweds, the couple set out to create a home that felt timeless, welcoming, and designed for the years ahead.
Balancing coastal charm with practical family living, every detail was carefully considered — from maximising natural light and creating a seamless connection to the outdoors, to selecting materials that would stand the test of time. The result is a beautifully renovated home that feels both relaxed and refined, perfectly suited to gathering family and friends.
We sat down with Tracie to talk about the inspiration behind the renovation, the lessons learned from years of building and renovating, and the flooring choices that helped bring their vision to life.
Credits
Tell us a little about yourself and your family? What drew you to this particular beachside location in Auckland?
My husband Marcus and I have 3 sons. We first lived in this area when we were newly married and raising our boys, so it holds many special memories for us. Over the years we have lived in different places and completed several renovation and building projects, but this location has always felt like home. We were drawn back by the beautiful beachside setting and the amazing community.
Having renovated and built multiple homes over the years, what made this project different from the others?
This project was different because it wasn't about renovating for resale. It was time to put down our roots where it all began. We wanted a home that would suit us for many years to come while also being a place where our sons, family and friends could come together.
What were the key priorities and non-negotiables when designing a home you plan to enjoy for many years to come?
We wanted a home that felt timeless rather than fashionable. Natural light, good flow, quality materials and plenty of connection to the outdoor spaces.
Can you tell us about the vision for the home and how you worked with your architect and design team to bring it to life?
The vision was to create a relaxed coastal home that felt warm and welcoming. We worked closely with SGA architect Roy Tebbutt and graduate Maddy Whiteford sharing images, ideas and inspiration. We had worked with Roy in our previous house and knew he was the person that could bring this old girl back to life.
With so much experience building and renovating, what lessons from previous projects did you apply to this one?
Do not compromise on quality where it matters most. Good planning at the beginning saves money and stress during the build. I've also learned to trust my instincts rather than chasing a trend that may not stand the test of time.
Flooring plays such an important role in both the look and functionality of a home. What led you to choose the flooring you selected, and what were the key considerations behind that decision?
We wanted flooring that was beautiful but also practical enough for everyday living. Durability, ease of maintenance, and a timeless aesthetic were all important considerations. Practicality was equally important. With dogs, grandchildren and plenty of family coming and going, we wanted a surface that looked elegant but could still cope with sandy feet, muddy paws, and all the activity that comes with a busy family home.
Tracie & Marcus selected Pergo Odense in Vibrant Oak and Bremworth Aoraki in Daisy for their home.
Your home has a beautifully curated feel. Where are your favourite places to shop or source furniture, lighting, and décor?
One thing I've always enjoyed when building or renovating a home is creating a completely new look to suit the house. I will often sell a lot of furniture from my previous home and start again. Some of my favourite places are Soren Liv, Citta, Kayu Studio, and King Living. Kayu has been a wonderful source for lighting, and the statement light shade in our dining room came from there. I also love browsing smaller homeware stores and local op shops.
Looking back on the project, was there a particular challenge or unexpected hurdle that taught you something valuable?
Like most builds or renovations, there were unexpected delays and decisions that needed to be made quickly. We were fortunate to have fantastic builders who were experienced enough to make sensible decisions on site when needed, without always having to come back to us for every small detail. It also helped that we went with detailed plans from the architects.
What is your favourite space in the home, and what makes it so special to you?
My favourite space would have to be the main living area that opens to the outdoor space. It's where we spend most of our time, whether we're entertaining or simply enjoying a morning coffee. The connection to the garden and beach feels incredibly peaceful.
Finally, do you have any other top tips for homeowners embarking on a renovation or new build project?
Take your time in the planning stage and really think about how you live day to day. Build your lifestyle, not for someone else. Invest in quality where you can, particularly in the things that are difficult to change later. I would also say that it's important to remember that building or renovating can be stressful. There will always be decisions to make and moments when it feels overwhelming. Make time to step away from the project occasionally with your partner for coffee or date night so you can recharge and come back with fresh eyes.
