Feature article
A fresh, modern renovation of a heritage concrete villa in Ponsonby
A Ponsonby villa renovation by handmade-rug brand owner Olivia Moon and architect Barbara Webster

AI summary
A Ponsonby heritage villa was thoughtfully renovated by Nodi founder Olivia Moon, blending old and new. The project transformed the dark, dated interior into a light, modern family home by focusing on natural textures and a brighter palette.
Key updates include wide-plank oak flooring and muted Resene paint. Architect Barbara Webster redesigned the kitchen for improved flow, adding a marble island and full-height cabinetry. The result is a timeless space that successfully mixes modern design with antique pieces.
A Pebble Weave rug from Nodi visually separates the living area from the adjoining kitchen. These Vibo Vesoul Cantilever chairs are by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet from The Vitrine, and the Offset stool is by Resident, while the lighting here includes a Hotaru Buoy pendant by Ozeki & Co and a Lampe Mantis by DCW Éditions from Tessuti.
The couple selected their Arcade Sofa by Simon James for its low profile that doesn’t interrupt the view out of the original sash window. With it stand a vintage marble side table from Babelogue and a Toobe lamp by Kartell. The painting is from Aona Hayashi’s Sumi series from Public Record.
The kitchen’s generous island bench made from Sofia marble from Artedomus is paired with Buddy tapware by Progetto that’ll develop a lovely patina over time. The Falcon range cooker suits the style of the house, while a Fisher& Paykel fridge/freezer and dish drawers are integrated into the cabinetry by Bjoern May. “I always used to notice these Cornet pendants by Tsé & Tsé Associées hanging in Tessuti,” says Olivia of the trio of lights she’s used here. “They have such a beautiful shape and add a handmade element to the room.”
A Sumartra side table and Nairobi chairs, both from Design Warehouse, create a conversation zone in the courtyard. The concrete out here echoes the plaster finish of the kitchen walls. “We were going to paint them, but ended up loving the plaster, so we left them,” says Olivia. “The connection was a happy accident.”
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