Monochrome Minimalism

An architect’s dream space is transformed into a contemporary and sophisticated family home

In Christchurch’s leafy suburb of Fendalton next to the peaceful Avon river, Lume Design artfully adapts a large, three-storey home to suit a fast-paced family of three.

The striking modern building was designed by O’Neil Architecture; the team was inspired by Palm Spring’s mid-century modern designs and wanted to create a manifestation of the architect’s dream home. Lume Design pays homage to this heritage, while transforming the space to suit their clients’ tastes. ‘We were empathetic to the architecture,’ explains Jeff Merrin, co-director of Lume Design. ‘The client wanted a place that was easy to maintain, contemporary, relaxed and minimal, yet sophisticated and timeless.’

The spacious home comprises five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a media room, an office and a yoga room that looks out onto the outdoor swimming pool. A lift connects the eight-car basement to the scullery, and the living room area can be expanded by stacking the large motorised doors. Large windows ensure plenty of natural light flows into the house.

A monochromatic colour palette offers a minimalist composition of soft greys and neutral shades. ‘We kept to a calming and timeless palette to ensure the longevity of the interiors,’ says Lume’s second co-director Melissa Merrin. The designers used natural stones in concrete hues, and a quarter cut American Oak staircase cantilevers out of the sleek Timaru Bluestone at the entrance, which acts as a visual anchor in the home.

Understated furniture pieces effortlessly complement the design aesthetic. In the entrance, Spokes lamps by Foscarini are an eye-catching highlight; in the the living and dining area are a soft Mags Sofa by Hay, a daybed by Carl Hansen & Son, a womb chair by Knoll and a Smithfield Pendant lighting fixture by Flos. About A Stool bar stools by Hay and Ultra S lights from Delta Light from complete the kitchen. The bedrooms comprise Laze beds by Rodolfo Dordoni for Poliform, an Isabella lounge chair from Simon James, a Pot™ chair by Fritz Hansen and a Non Random pendant by Moooi. The selection of lighting throughout the home includes Tom Dixon Fade Pendants and a MoM Pendant by Umberto Asnago for Penta.

A restrained colour and material palette highlight the home’s verdant exterior and the well-chosen finishings and pieces within, and the result is an architect’s dream home that has been transformed into a relaxed, contemporary and minimal family home.

Text / Babette Radclyffe-Thomas
Images / Anna McLeod