KEY POINTS:
After narrowly missing out on a house at auction, disappointment quickly turned to elation for Karen Dennis and her husband Nigel Russell when they stumbled across the house of their dreams.
A "for sale" sign outside a home in Auckland's Grey Lynn caught their eye as they drove past. When they stepped inside the Noel Lane-designed house, they realised how perfect it was for themselves and their two teenagers, who desperately required more space.
"Although the main house only has one bedroom, the high stud in the lounge creates a real sense of space. Next door, although still within shouting distance, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom, which was a perfect solution for the kids," says Dennis.
There's a definite synchronicity between Dennis' work as an artist (for which she goes by the name Trixie Delicious) and her late 20th century home. Having spent years as an exhibiting artist and designer, and with a fine arts degree in sculpture, she is currently using her talents to create original art using words and images to rework vintage and retro china collected from all over New Zealand. Her work is sold on internet sites both here and overseas. She is particularly proud of the way her work is easy on the environment.
"As an artist, I really enjoy not having to use noxious materials, not being wasteful and not having leftover paint pots to dispose of," she says. Her home reflects the same green values, having been built from many recycled materials. The steel windows and doors lived most of their lives as part of the Auckland Star building, built in the 1920s. The enormous curved steel beam running through the ceiling of the dining room and kitchen came from the same building.
The family hasn't changed a thing in the three years they have been in the house - even the purple that features in the living room and through to the upstairs master bedroom. They originally thought it would have to go, but the shade has grown on them.
"We've left it exactly as it was built," says Dennis.
"Amazingly enough we have just used our eclectic collection of stuff to make the home ours, and it really works."
The treasures that vie for space all over the house are the result of keen eyes and a love for shopping at secondhand stores for the bargains and online for the convenience.
"I love being able to shop at midnight if that's the time that suits," she says.
SHOPPING 24/7:
You can shop to your heart's content on the internet - but if you are bidding in an online auction, make sure you note the day and time it closes so you don't get outbid in the final moments.
Pack and post: Check the packing and post options and costs. If an online shop has a minimum post charge, get together with friends for a combined order and split costs.
Pay safe: Check out what payment methods are accepted before you buy. Only use secure and reputable sites for credit card payments.
Do your homework: Many bargains can be found online, but make sure you ask questions, check condition, sizes, colours, and photos so you won't be disappointed.
* Leanne Moore is the editor of Your Home & Garden. For more on this home, see the issue on sale now, or go to www.yourhomeandgarden.co.nz
