Kersti and Frank purchased their perfect ‘downsizer’ in September 2015. ‘Perfect’, because it had a great layout, established garden, and was in their ideal location (they even road-tested the walk to their favourite local cafe). But, being an interior designer by trade, Kersti couldn’t help but redecorate a little!
Along with her daughter Kimberley (also an interior designer), Kersti was sketching up options for floor plans and elevations even before purchasing the house – ‘we just had an innate feeling that this house was the one!’ she says.
The home is a typical 1980’s build – single storey, with a flat roof and relatively clean lines, with multiple courtyards and light wells to maximise natural light. Retaining most of the existing floorplan and room layout, Kersti and Kimberly gutted the kitchen and all bathrooms, taking cues from existing terrazzo tiles and brass tapware.
The pair introduced a pared back colour palette of cool whites and greys, with the addition of dramatic deep green cabinetry with brass hardware in the dining room. ‘The impact of the green cabinets always gets a great response’ says Kersti. ‘We’d always been so neutral and “safe” with our colour choices in the past, and this green was definitely an out-of-the-box choice for us.. but it presents a young and playful atmosphere in the space, in comparison to the previous feel which was quite old.’
Renovating houses has been a life-long passion for Kersti, who launched her own business, Accolade Design, more than 35 years ago. ‘Frank and I love renovating; we have purchased and renovated more than 10 houses over the course of 25 years (with rental properties in between – a lot of moving!)’ Kersti confesses. Most of their homes before this one, though, were decorated with the intention of selling.
That’s why this particular project has been a liberating experience for the Wiedermanns. ‘As this is our ‘forever’ home, we wanted to select materials, finishes and products that we truly loved, to make it extra special’ Kersti explains. ‘Kimberley really pushed us with the selections, stepping out of our comfort zone in a few subtle ways. She opened our eyes to new ways of viewing and enjoying the home, and together we had a lot of fun designing it. It’s a special home for us all.’
