12 March 2025

A New Dawn

Inspired by the meaning of Te Atatū, “just after dawn,” Material Creative has redefined this 1960s home to echo that quiet magic when the first light meets the earth.

The house, situated on the edge of the Waitematā Harbour, reflects its owners’ desire for a peaceful haven away from the demands of daily life. Outside, the home is dark and grounding, clad in rich rust brick with sharp angles, black joinery, and dark timber—evoking the stillness of night. Inside, a different mood unfolds: an airy, light-filled sanctuary that feels as tranquil and rejuvenating as dawn itself.

The couple’s brief asked for a calming palette, lots of gathering spaces, and great flow to bring simplicity to a busy life. For the owners, both originally from Mt. Maunganui, the connection to the water was essential. He’s a surfer with a deep affinity for the sea, while she, a designer with a bohemian-inspired shoe brand, brings her love for earthy 70s aesthetics into the home. These references filter into the home via earthy tones combined with layers of texture and mixed materials, ensuring the spaces feel warm, relaxed and comfortable.

Martino Gamper’s Spitz grinders, inspired by the moutainous landscapes of Italy, placed with Hasami Porcelain bowls stacked with matching plates.

Under the creative direction of Toni Brandso, cofounder of Material Creative, the layout was thoughtfully reimagined to transform a formerly compartmentalized space into a seamless open-plan design that encourages connection. By repositioning the kitchen and refining the floor plan, Toni and her team brought a newfound sense of spaciousness and modern functionality to the home.

The kitchen is sleek, constrained, and sculptural– designed to maximise space, storage, and bench space, with a hidden scullery flowing to the laundry. The pared back palette is enhanced by the backdrop of the Shinnoki Frozen Walnut cabinetry, brushed nickel Buddy tapware, and the lightness of the Osso stools which let the sensuality of the wood material express itself.

Carefully curated pieces from Simon James were chosen to evoke a sense of serenity, layering the home with meaning. The straight cylindrical pillars of the Pier Chairs from Resident are complimented by the strong, sculptural profile of the Hotaru Double Bubble Pendant by Ozeki & Co.

 

The home is laidback yet elegant, life giving and soulful, simple in material and form with nods to the 60’s/70’s heritage.
– Toni Brandso, Material Creative

This home marks a lasting relationship with Material Creative, whom the clients have trusted for several projects over the years. The result is a sophisticated and tranquil retreat, where every texture, material, and shade feels layered with meaning—a dream home with the rhythm and harmony of a life by the sea. When asked about the design, Toni describes it as “the perfect calm backdrop to our clients’ busy lives, where family and entertaining are at the heart of everything they do.”

Osso stools by Mattiazzi from Simon James, meticulously handcrafted from locally sourced ash, are beautifully complemented by the timeless elegance of Shinnoki Frozen Walnut Veneer from Vidaspace— an expression of refined taste and comfort.

Discover more from Simon James online.