A warm and contemporary retreat that recaptures its 70s soul

Nestled in the lush surroundings of Titirangi, west of Auckland, this 1970s home recaptures its original spirit through a renovation that celebrates retro design and the honesty of materials. Rarebirds Interiors studio reinterpreted the local modernist architecture with a more tactile and contemporary approach, aiming to evoke the landscape of the Waitākere forests.

The owners wanted to preserve the architectural essence of the house, maintaining its characteristic structure and materials while bringing a contemporary perspective. Wood takes centre stage again, both in the vertical panelling and the slatted ceiling, while Dekton Liquid Shell surfaces by Cosentino introduce a serene counterpoint that unifies the kitchen and bathrooms. Its ivory tone with pearly nuances connects with the warmth of dark woods and bronze metals, providing a restrained luminosity that enhances the overall design.

In the kitchen, Dekton Liquid Shell is used on the worktop, the front and the details of the asymmetrical peninsula, which appears to float above the stone flooring. The silky texture of the material interacts with the verticality of the fluted walnut furniture. Its durability and resistance to heat and stains make it a practical choice for a space that combines intensive use with a handcrafted aesthetic. The clean lines of the design and warm lighting transform the room into an introspective, cosy and functional space, true to the spirit of mid-century New Zealand homes.

The bathroom maintains this aesthetic and material continuity. Here, Dekton Liquid Shell is used on the worktops and mouldings, providing a refined contrast against the stone cladding of the walls. The surface, in off-white with subtle veining, balances the expressive strength of the tiles and the rough textures of the surroundings. Copper-finished taps and sculptural fixtures reinforce the nostalgic air of the design, while the curved volumes of the basin and cylindrical handles soften the geometric rigour of the layout.

The choice of Cosentino was, according to the studio, both aesthetic and conceptual. “We were looking for a material that interpreted nature from a contemporary perspective, with texture, depth and durability,” explain Rarebirds Interiors. The ultra-compact Dekton surface enabled the realisation of this fusion between heritage and modernity, offering the possibility to customise cuts and shapes, including decorative circular supports reminiscent of 70s furniture.