MONOCHROME MOOD

Elegant and sophisticated, but also welcoming and family friendly - this renovated charmer in Wellington has it all

- Shelley Tustin

DINING

Homeowner Laura Bennett admits to having a soft spot for mid-century design, but says the glass-topped dining table was actually chosen by her husband Sean, who thought it would sit lighter in the space than solid timber. The glass tabletop does bring lightness to the space, allowing an unencumbered view across the open-plan zone.

There's a certain sorcery in a black-and-white colour it's simple and scheme striking, easy to build on and a shortcut to sophistication. Just as the little black dress is the ultimate fashion staple, a monochrome interior has the same timeless appeal, transcending trends due to the way it makes a space feel: calm, considered, with a hint of drama.

LIVING

The horse print by photographer Victoria Aguirre is a sentimental piece, reminding Laura of a childhood spent riding horses with her sister, and takes pride of place over the leather sofa from Freedom. The opposite wall features a fluffy bench seat, gifted by a friend, and a fox print, tracked down after Laura saw it on The Block NZ.

Laura Bennett, who lives in this Wellington bungalow with husband Sean and their children, Harper and Frankie, is quick to refuse credit for their home's classic scheme - the couple bought the house already renovated. They didn't choose the moody black kitchen cabinetry or dark stained floors, and Laura is frustrated that she can't identify the perfectly crisp white paint on the walls ("Maybe Resene Black White? I wish I knew for sure what it was because I'd use it in every house I ever have"), but what they have done is built on the style foundations laid by the previous owners, embracing the magic of monochrome and making it their own.

KITCHEN