Based on the Cardrona Ready to Build plan – with a few smart adaptations to suit the elevated Kāpiti site, this three bedroom, two-level home spans 200m² and offers a beautifully resolved take on modern New Zealand living.

“One of our goals was to showcase emerging trends as well as a few bold design concepts,” says Kim. “We wanted to try things that felt fresh but still timeless.”

Helping bring that vision to life was interior designer Vanessa Webb from Dress My Nest, a long-time collaborator with the Landmark Homes Wellington team. Vanessa led the full interior concept, from colour palettes and material selections to styling and finishes, creating a home that feels considered at every level.

The living areas bring together golden timbers with soft green and grey tones, creating a palette that feels warm, calm, and connected to the landscape. In the lounge, a black-painted ceiling introduces a moodier tone and adds contrast to the otherwise soft, natural palette. 

Natural materials, subtle contrasts, and clean lines give the whole interior a sense of quiet consistency – one that flows seamlessly from room to room and from indoors to out.

Thanks to its elevated position, the upper-level captures sweeping views out to Kāpiti Island and, on a clear day, even Mount Taranaki. The kitchen, dining area and main lounge all open onto a generous deck, an idyllic spot for soaking up the afternoon sun or watching it set over the ocean. On the opposite side of the lounge, a Juliet balcony opens the space up to the view and brings in natural light from another angle.

The main lounge is designed to feel slightly separate from the kitchen and dining zone and sits beneath a striking black chapel-style ceiling. 

“Painting the lounge ceiling black adds an instant sense of cosiness, despite the high pitch,” says Kim. “But it also means you get the best of both worlds, the volume and openness, but also a feeling of intimacy.”

The atmosphere is carried through with olive-toned walls and a textured dark feature wall that frames the fireplace and built-in TV. Together, they give the room a rich, layered feel. Soft wool carpet dials up the comfort factor, while natural light keeps the space feeling open and balanced. 

Built by Chatswood Kitchens, the kitchen’s dark cabinetry combines with vertical timber panelling on the island, giving a subtle nod to the home’s exterior cladding. The look is modern and with clean lines and just enough texture to add warmth and interest. Underfoot, wide-plank timber-look flooring adds a natural, grounded feel that ties the kitchen in with the rest of the open-plan space.

Above the island, three large skylights are paired with sleek black spotlights in place of traditional pendants. This setup allows for plenty of natural light during the day and focused light in the evening

“It was a deliberate design move not to use pendants so we could maximise the view,” says Kim. “It works really well both in practical terms and for the overall aesthetic.”

To the right of the main kitchen area, a large scullery with open shelving and stone benchtops offers generous prep space and additional storage. And to the left, a built-in study nook adds everyday functionality. 

“It can be used for work, storing recipe books, or just keeping the gear out of sight – it’s one of those little practical touches that make the space easy to live in,” says Kim.

Both the family bathroom and ensuite continue the home’s natural, earthy tones.

In the ensuite, large grey tiles are paired with a soft green wall-hung vanity and brushed gunmetal tapware, along with a fully tiled walk-in shower that feels simple and modern.

In the main bathroom, olive green finger tiles add a touch of contrast against the same grey tiling, creating a soft, organic feel. A freestanding white bath and brushed nickel fittings keep the space feeling light and balanced, while LED mirrors and floating vanities help keep things clean and contemporary.