Take a step inside the idyllic sanctuary of Lucinda and Simon Le Heron and you’ll immediately feel the sense of calm they set out to accomplish when they began their Fendalton renovation. Lucinda, an Interior Stylist & Designer and her husband Simon, an Executive in the Farming Industry, sought to transform the once tired and dark house into the light and inviting space it is today.

Nestled peacefully at the end of a long driveway, the home feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Christchurch City. Sitting on a section totalling 1756sq metres, the house is surrounded by a picturesque garden setting with expansive lawns, bounded by the Wairarapa Stream. Their two young children, Olive and William are often found playing in their outdoor oasis, fishing for eels in the stream and climbing the mature trees.

Through careful planning and a few small changes to the configuration of the home, Lucinda and Simon have reinvigorated the space back to life, delighting the senses through the use of carefully chosen textures and tones that warm the soul. The interiors strike the perfect balance between showcasing master craftsmanship and featuring handmade pieces abundant with character and beautiful imperfections. Bringing the outdoors in was important for the family, choosing to surround themselves with natural materials such as timber and wool, and bringing in colours reminiscent of the Canterbury landscape.

Lucinda and Simon’s renovation is a testament to what you can achieve when you choose to lean into that sense of possibility, no matter how daunting the project may seem.

What initially drew you to the home?
Our previous home was an architecturally designed new build that we adored, but sadly it just wasn’t suitable for a family with young children. We stumbled across this home and at the time it felt like a complete and utter contrast. It was a total do-up but we knew instantly that it was filled with potential. We immediately fell in love with its idyllic park-like setting, surrounded by mature trees, a large grassy lawn and a stream running on the edge of the property. We felt so creatively inspired, as if there were endless possibilities both inside and out and knew we would be able to create the perfect haven for our children to grow up in.

What were you hoping to achieve with this renovation?
We wanted to show no sign of the rundown, dark and outdated house it once was in our renovation, and sought to create a fresh, bright space that gave a sense of calm whenever you walked through the door. It was imperative that each room had large windows, to bring in lots of natural light and offer views of the tranquil setting outside. We focused on achieving a paired-back aesthetic that was both warm and inviting, and would feel like home for many years to come.

Do you have a favourite room or space in your home?
It would have to be our smaller lounge room which extends off our kitchen. Its large picture-frame windows bring the outdoors in, reflecting the natural, dappled light from the trees outside. It is the first and last room to see the sun each day, so naturally, we tend to start and finish our days in this space, all year round. It’s the most perfect spot to sit down with a book, even through the winter months. Our dearly beloved 20 year old Benjamin Ficus tree is a central feature in the space, that loves basking in the sunshine as much as we do. It is a simple, paired back room that brings us huge amounts of joy and serves as a reminder that it doesn’t need to be overcomplicated.

When re-designing the home, what were your non-negotiables?
We knew that bringing in light was our biggest priority as the original layout was very dark. We just couldn’t negotiate on reconfiguring the kitchen and living spaces despite the extra costs but we are so incredibly happy with the outcome – both of the living spaces downstairs are drenched in sunlight throughout the day. We prioritised using high-quality fixtures and fittings that would stand the test of time whilst maintaining the rich and natural aesthetic we envisioned. If you are undergoing a renovation, it’s well worth considering a little extra investment to ensure quality when selecting things like flooring, window furnishings and light fittings.

How did you come to select the flooring?
This was probably the easiest decision to make throughout the entire renovation. Our design was based on a neutral palette full of warm tones brought to life through textural materials and finishes. We were aiming to use as many natural materials as possible, so wool carpet was an obvious choice. We’ve always admired Bremworth and their focus on providing a New Zealand made carpet that is both luxurious and sustainable. We decided on Bremworth Samurai Wool Carpet in the colour Kawa, as we loved its chunky loop pile and how perfectly it paired with our light oak timber floor. It’s luscious underfoot and ties in beautifully with our colour palette and textural focus throughout the rest of the home.

For those embarking on a big renovation, what are your top tips?
The beginning can be daunting and overwhelming, with seemingly endless thoughts and ideas going on in your head. Consider the type of home you want to create, reflecting your personality and style, keeping practicality and lifestyle front of mind. Be clear on your design direction and budget, then dive deep into the research phase. These elements will keep decision-making straightforward and cohesive to give you a clear vision to refer back to. Finally, it’s so important to engage a good builder that you trust, as their expertise will be instrumental in bringing your vision to life.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
From just about anywhere — fashion, art, books, nature or even food. I work in a creative field, so I feel attuned to seeking out inspiration as I move through the day.

Are there any new interior trends coming through that you find inspiring?
I tend not to look too closely at trends. I place my focus on what inspires me and what pieces linger in the back of my mind after their initial discovery. My view is that furniture, textiles, art and wall coverings are investments in the same way that our fixtures and fittings are. They have a natural tendency to become enduring features in our homes. I do however sense a shift, where more and more consumers are seeking interior solutions that are kinder to the planet and its people.

What’s next in store for your home and do you have any future projects in the pipeline?
We plan to renovate our ensuite next. I enjoy the creative process of renovating so I’m looking forward to starting a new project. Two years on, I am still hunting for the perfect piece of art for our main living room. It’s important to me to find the right artwork rather than trying to fill a blank space. Another really exciting upcoming project I’ll be working on in early 2024 is a commercial refit, collaborating with some of my favourite local designers and artisans here in Christchurch.

Credits

Homeowners: Lucinda & Simon Le Heron
Where: Fendalton, Christchurch
Photographer: Olivia Pitcher