Not long ago, in quiet West Auckland surburbia, sat a 1960s house that had seen better days. With their first baby on the way, Melissa and Russell were on the hunt for a hard and fast renovation opportunity. They wanted to create their first family home and the bones of this property ticked the box. “We lived in a rented studio apartment in Takapuna and whilst we loved the lifestyle, with Yves on the way, it was time to buy our first home,” says Melissa. “Although this home is a stepping stone and not a forever home, it was still important to us to create a space that feels very homely and special.”

The layout of the house didn’t need altering once Melissa and Russell moved in. But the flooring, finishes and walls needed updating to give this solid sixties property a contemporary feel. “Ensuring airiness and light were maximised in our renovation was key. I gravitate to an all-white canvas with neutral tones,” Melissa notes. After creating a base with Dulux Okarito on all the walls, it was time to replace the bedroom carpet. “I knew I wanted the carpet to feel plush and natural, and I knew I preferred wool over nylon,” says Melissa. “We chose the Loom Mundo range because it offered the quality and style we were after without breaking our budget.”

Credits
In the Auckland home of Melissa Bowden Brooks, her husband Russell and their daughter Yves. Melissa is the founder and owner of I’ll Hang It Here, a bespoke clothing rack and homewares brand.
Instagram: @illhangithere
Photographer: Helen Bankers