Breathing New Life Into A Classic Kiwi Bach
Images Dominey Flores
At a time when traditional Kiwi baches are being demolished and replaced with shiny new builds, Dom and Arno are embracing the humble beginnings of their slice of Kiwiana history.
Nestled on a quiet street in Snells Beach, the couple’s 1960s bach overlooks picturesque Kawau Bay. It’s a simple split-level 120 square metre structure with an elevated wrap- around deck, set on an 890 square metre section.
The previous owners had already renovated the house, but drab grey flooring, a grey kitchen, and grey bathrooms did not
inspire the couple. Dom and Arno were determined to reclaim the character and charm of yesteryears and re-renovate the property while paying homage to its coastal surroundings.
Their design direction was cosy, inviting,
and vintage. Throughout the house, they replaced the flooring with durable engineered oak, injecting much-needed warmth into the interiors. While one of the most significant transformations happened in the open-plan kitchen and dining area.
As self-proclaimed ‘minimalist home cooks,’ they simplified their storage, eliminating
the bulky, barely used pantry and cabinets. Timeless shaker cabinets paired with brass fixtures, along with open shelving and imperfect Spanish tiles for the backsplash, were chosen to add subtle texture and create a more lived-in feeling.
Leaning into the vintage vibe, a coffee and tea corner was created, adorning the walls with thrifted and collected art. The kitchen and dining areas were then decorated with locally sourced pottery, books, and vintage decor - including an old Singer sewing machine that was found beneath the house.
For dramatic effect, the couple skipped
the white paint in the rest of the house. Embracing colour, they drenched the walls and ceiling of the guest bedroom in a moody shade of green. Dramatic colour and pattern choices continued in the main bathroom, with bold floral pattern tiles paired with nautical blue-green hues, a throwback to the home's decade of origin.
Dom and Arno’s favourite stage of the renovation thus far has been the conversion of the garage into a creative studio, adding an extra 54 square metres to the property. Tongue and groove walls, exposed wooden beams, and a beachy surf-shack-inspired style create the ideal hangout and creative space for Dom, who works from home.
While renovations are ongoing, this Kiwi bach is slowly but steadily living out its next chapter as a beloved, characterful home with owners intent on embracing and celebrating its place in Kiwiana history.
