Seeing things in black and white

Photo / Supplied

A combination of old-fashioned hard work and new technology lies behind a Timaru couple's renovation.

Having decided on white walls throughout their Timaru home, Michelle Fitzgerald and Brett Agnew introduced one extravagant departure from that colour scheme - the black and white striped walls that line the stairwell.

Although she was initially worried that the broad, vertical stripes might be overpowering, Fitzgerald says the walls are now one of her favourite parts the house.

"The biggest decision during the renovation was whether we did the house one colour throughout or different colours in each room," Fitzgerald says. "I listened to Brett, who suggested doing the whole house white. It was the best decision. I love being able to accessorise with colour and not be limited."

The neutral colour scheme gives the home a fresh look and creates the perfect backdrop for the couple's collection of interesting pieces and furniture from different eras. "I like character," Fitzgerald says. "If I buy something new, I like to grunge it up beside something second-hand to add an edge.

For instance, the books aren't on a bookshelf, but on an old suitcase. I don't like things looking really new and modern." The couple has transformed the home using a combination of old-fashioned hard work and new technology.

Agnew's skills as a self-employed joiner came in handy as they stripped wallpaper, laid wooden floors, relined the walls and installed new kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

They retained the home's original layout, except for extending the kitchen by knocking out a wall between it and what was the original formal dining room.

Meanwhile, Fitzgerald turned to magazines and the internet for design inspiration. "A lot of people are scared of buying online, but I've never had a disaster. It's just like walking into a shop but easier," she says.

"It felt like Christmas when each package arrived at the front door. I loved unpacking each parcel and finally seeing what I had chosen."

Style tips

Online inspiration: Michelle Fitzgerald recommends sourcing products online when renovating, especially when you live outside of a main centre. Many suppliers are happy to take orders and payment over the phone or online, make to measure if necessary and then courier your purchase to you.

Know your limitations: In this case, the homeowners did a lot of the work themselves, but called in professionals to lay the carpet and do the wallpapering.

* Leanne Moore is editor of Your Home & Garden. See the latest issue for the full story on this home and other ideas for your place.