b'pictures: Kallan MacLeodstylist: Lianne WhorwoodWith the addition of a roomy living room/kitchen opening out onto a large deck and back garden, this small transitional 1920s villa has been transformed into a spacious and very functional home for Kylie Dysart and Andrew Lamb, and their two small daughters.KylieandAndrewareonlythesecondownersoftheachieved with stacking doors, reaching nearly to ceilingLook after your Aucklandhome,whichislocatedinaleafycul-de-sacheight and about 7.5 metres in width. These open outwooden deck - stain with Resene Kwila amongst a cluster of tastefully renovated early villas. Whencompletely to the deck, which then has two steps up to aTimber Stain or they bought the house six years ago, it came with somewide expanse of lawn. Resene Furniture and Decking Oil to cosmetic updates from the 1970s, but was mainly original. Rather than a traditional lean-to, Tony reversed the slopeenhance its natural good looks.We instantly fell in love with the large section (867m2)of the roof to maximise natural light and give a sense and saw its potential. The only things in the gardenof open living. With the doors stacked back completely, were a few scraggly trees, the central plum tree andthe combined space of the living room/kitchen with the some old garden sheds, including one which housedalfresco area of the deck and back lawn makes a fantastic theoutsidelaundry,thecoupleexplains.Whenarea for entertaining. This was demonstrated recently, wemovedinweimmediatelyimprovedthemasterwith a stress-free childs birthday party held in the space, bedroom by re-decorating and adding an ensuite, andwith 30 small guests and a huge bouncy castle.then patiently lived in the house for three years beforeThe result has been a total success. Evie (four) and two-beginning work with Auckland architect Tony Gracie onyear-old Sara can play happily outside in the sandpit on the major refurbishment. the kwila deck or on the swing in the old plum tree in the centre of the lawn, while Kylie works inside.Together,theydecidedtoturntheoldkitchen/diningResene For me, it means peace of mind. I can prepare dinner andAlo Aloarea in the existing three-bedroom home into a fourth watch the girls at the same time. It really works well.Resene bedroomwithanewbathroomandlaundry,whileFahrenheitadding a large extension at the back of the house for theThe function of this new area is outstanding for a familyResene High Countryliving room and kitchen combined. They also wanted thatwith small children, says Tony. Its so well used, it almost Resene very-much-sought-afterindoor/outdoor Thiswasmakes the rest of the house redundant. Red Red Red ow. | 87'