Guthrie Bowron and The Hits ‘Love Where You Live’ room makeover series has been phenomenally popular and in our last reveal, winner Heather Dixon of Palmerston North finally gets to see her finished spare bedroom, which was previously disorganised and full of clutter.
Heather, winner of Guthrie Bowron’s and The Hits Love Where You Live room makeover competition, seeing the room for the first time after the makeover. Photo / Leon Rose.
Battling against the odds with Covid-based delays in sourcing materials and engaging tradespeople, Hayley Brown who is the award-winning interior designer and founder of Lou Brown Design has come up trumps – yet again.
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This time she had another factor to contend with – albeit a very happy one, as she awaited the birth of her beautiful baby daughter who arrived safely a few weeks ago in the midst of the project.
The room in which Hayley has woven her latest design magic is a very light, bright one where Heather loves to relax and read, while enjoying a cup of tea.
A clever blend of nature-inspired elements has resulted in an airy, coastal vibe, cleverly incorporating treasured items that pay homage to Heather’s family history, including a picture that was painted by her grandmother and a monogrammed trunk that belonged to her grandfather.
After look design elements: Wallpaper, Paint and Curtains from Guthrie Bowron. Feature Euro PIllowcases by Kinship linen; glass ceiling lamp, folding side table and occasional chair by CC Interiors; globe, photo frame and vase by French Country; bedside lamp by Mr Ralph. Photos by Mark Cote (before) and Leon Rose (after).
“Heather is a keen traveller and we’ve used art and objects she’s collected from around the world,” says Hayley.
“One of her favourite trips was to Pancake Rocks - here in New Zealand, so we've framed one of her photos from that amazing place and the small vintage world globe also nods to her many journeys.”
When it came to colour, Hayley chose Dulux Wash & Wear in ‘Port Fitzroy’ for the walls. It’s a delicate blue that’s restful and calming and a low-sheen finish serves to enhance its gentle and serene qualities.
Meanwhile, the skirting and ceiling mouldings were painted with Dulux Semi-gloss Aquanamel in ‘Mt Aspiring’. Guthrie Bowron stores are proud to be Dulux approved specialists.
The delicate silver floral-patterned wallpaper on the ceiling is from the ‘Glasshouse’ collection (pattern number, GLA903) - also from Guthrie Bowron.
After look design elements: Wallpaper, Paint and Curtains from Guthrie Bowron. Photos by Mark Cote (before) and Leon Rose (after).
“This really blew me away,” says Heather. “Wallpapering a ceiling is not something I’d ever have thought of doing, but I absolutely love it!”
The existing carpet was removed before the floorboards were sanded back and contractors applied Cabot's Clear Polyurethane in an easy-care semi-gloss finish.
“I think the Weave ‘Lisbon’ jute rug in ‘Seasalt’, and the drapes from Guthrie Bowron really add to the overall easy-going vibe of the room,” says Hayley.
“The window furnishings were all made by Guthrie Bowron with the main drapes in James Dunlop ‘Foreshore’ design in ’Shell’ colorway and black trim from Warwick Fabric’s ‘Allegra’ design in colour in ‘Onyx’.
“A few accents of black add elegance and contrast whilst not being too overpowering,” she adds, referring also to the handsome lantern-style, central hanging light and Hayley also sourced an attractive antique-style lamp for the bedside table.
After look design elements: Paint, Curtains, Roman Blind, Wallpaper and Woodcare used on polished floor boards from Guthrie Bowron. Folding side table and occasional chair by CC Interiors. Photos by Mark Cote (before) and Leon Rose (after).
Meanwhile the custom-made Roman Blind on the French doors from Guthrie Bowron and a plush, over-sized, velvet chair provides Heather with a fantastic spot to chill out and enjoy her new surroundings.
“I just can’t believe how comfy it is!”
Hayley styled the bed using gorgeous luxury Kinship Euro pillowcases and a Weave ‘Alberto’ cushion in colour Onyx, which sits nicely alongside an elegant Byblos cushion – also in Onyx.
Heather says that she’s so very delighted with the makeover outcome that she’s decided to continue the intrinsic themes of Hayley’s design throughout the rest of her home.
“Hayley’s given me the confidence to try things that are a little out of the ordinary and hopefully achieve wonderful effects,” she says.
“I’m going to be one of Guthrie Bowron’s best customers for the next year or two!”
After look design elements: Paint, Curtains, Roman Blind, Wallpaper and Woodcare used on polished floor boards from Guthrie Bowron. Glass ceiling lamp, folding side table and occasional chair by CC Interiors; Photo frame by French Country. Photos by Mark Cote (before) and Leon Rose (after).
While Heather finds herself constantly returning to her new happy place, she reveals that she hasn’t road-tested the freshly-styled bed in person yet.
“My little nephew had the first sleep in it and he was very excited.”
After look design gallery. Designer Hayley Brown. Photos / Leon Rose.
Once again - for her part, Hayley can’t praise Guthrie Bowron enough for generously sharing their collective expertise - honed over 125 years in the business. That special expertise and resourcefulness helped our fantastic designer bring this inspirational project to fruition during a rather difficult time in New Zealand’s history.
To view just some of Guthrie Bowron’s extensive product range go to www.guthriebowron.co.nz
Guthrie Bowron has 50 locally-owned and operated stores across New Zealand and while kiwis are always very welcome to visit, each store offers in-home consultations, with free measures and quotes for window furnishings and flooring*.
*Flooring not available in all stores. Travel distance parameters may apply.
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Other products sourced:
Feature Euro PIllowcases by Kinship linen
Glass ceiling lamp, folding side table and occasional chair by CC Interiors
Globe, photo frame and vase by French Country
Bedside lamp by Mr Ralph
