A villa renovation with a difference and an eye for detail, by Malcolm Walker Architects and KKID

‘Generally, our approach is to acknowledge that villas are generous and simple, and we followed that by making all our doors, windows and spaces generous and simply linked,’ says Malcolm. ‘We also allowed the central hallway to continue notionally right through to the back wall. There’s something nice about looking right through a house.’ Traditional accents he’s reimagined include the ceiling battens, which aren’t intricate but dressed and lead along the hallway through a frameless glass highlight window past a pivot door and into the dining area.”

Initially, the couple thought they’d make a bold statement with paint, but on Karen’s advice, they opted for more neutral choices, including Dulux Haast Half on the walls in the living spaces and Dulux Ōkārito for the ceiling, trims and doors. The triangular window to the south accentuates the gable nature of the home, and the family has discovered that from the outside looking in at night, it looks sculptural, like a star. ‘You’re welcome, neighbours,’ jokes James.”

The kitchen offsets the visual complexity of the island’s mare giallo quartzite from Artedomus, the oak veneer cabinetry, and the parquet flooring from Timber Floor Solutions with a simple stainless steel bench, and light grey Antilia tiles from Artedomus. The vases (on the bench and island) and bowl (on the shelf) are by 101 Copenhagen from Frobisher Interiors, the Mesa bowl (on the bench) is from Città, the Untitled 30 artwork is by Grace Badar from Melanie Roger Gallery, the Highline pendant is by Rakumba from ECC and the Harriet bar stools are by David Shaw.”

Both this bathroom and the ensuite are compact, so Karen knew she wanted to use a single stone for the walls and floors, something earthy and dramatic. ‘I chose azzurro marble from Artedomus, which like the kitchen stone has copper veining and an underlying warmth. ‘You can’t go wrong if you stick with nature’ was my motto.’ Enhancing its beauty is Essence tapware by Grohe from Robertson, a vanity by Cube Dentro, a Bari light by Astro Lighting from ECC and a vase by 101 Copenhagen from Frobisher Interiors. The Nought stem holder beside it and the towel on the Barcelona bath by Victoria & Albert from Robertson are from Città.”