Dull to dazzling

An Auckland interior designer jumped at the chance to purchase a dilapidated north facing villa in the popular suburb of Grey Lynn, aiming to give it a substantial renovation before reselling. With a vision to completely overhaul the 1920s home and add a two-storey extension, she reached out to Matt Linn from Rhombus Construction to bring the design to life. 

The project was guided by a clear vision centred on showcasing innovative design concepts and creativity. “We worked closely with our client to validate her ideas and suggest alternative solutions that could be executed to the desired high standard,” says Matt. 

The Rhombus team expanded the home’s original footprint, adding bedrooms, a media room, and a powder room. “Custom steel-framed glass doors create a seamless transition to the modern rear of the property, where a sleek, minimalist kitchen, with marble benchtops and a round timber island, opens to a sunken circular plunge pool,” says Matt. 

“Our client was inspired by an overseas design that omitted traditional pool balustrades. Balancing aesthetics with compliance was challenging, but incorporating a lowered garden strip allowed unobstructed outdoor views.” 

A second level master suite features a bay window overlooking the lush backyard. An ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, home office, and concealed storage complete the retreat. The interior balances old and new, blending restored timber sash windows, colonial mouldings, and battened ceilings with tasteful outdoor fireplaces, central heating, timber flooring, and Italian-tiled bathrooms. 

Matt’s client is delighted with the renovation. “The workmanship and finishing are impeccable. I am thrilled with the outcome.”

Location: Grey Lynn | Auckland

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