Art and Architecture Fuse in Vibrant New Taranaki Home

A unique home near New Plymouth, New Zealand, showcases a bold blend of art and architecture, reflecting the creative vision of its owners, Margaret Milne and Max Dick. Completed in 2021, this residence stands on farmland with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Tasman Sea. The couple has embraced a vibrant aesthetic, rejecting the conventional white walls typically favored by art collectors in favor of rich colors that mirror the natural landscape.

Inside, the home features walls and ceilings painted in different hues, inspired by local elements such as clay, sulphur, sandstone, tussock, and lichen. This colorful backdrop is filled with a diverse array of contemporary paintings, sculptures, and pottery, creating a lively atmosphere. Margaret, a retired high school English teacher and self-taught interior designer, believes that expressing individuality through color is vital. She often finds herself at odds with clients who prefer an all-white interior, stating, “It’s about a house having soul.”

The couple’s home is constructed from durable materials including concrete block and birch ply, with design contributions from local architect Ian Pritchard. While Max, a retired property valuer, appreciates the permanence of materials like concrete, he acknowledges Margaret’s preference for a distinctive style. “I like quite a bit of the brutalist era,” she explains, referring to the unpainted concrete features within the house.

Margaret’s design philosophy emphasizes creating spaces with character. She opts for defined rooms rather than open-plan layouts, believing that each area should provide a unique experience. The kitchen, for instance, is deliberately separated from the dining area to maintain a sense of privacy. “To me, a kitchen is like a ballpoint pen—useful, but you don’t need to see it,” she states.

Despite some of Max’s wishes for larger windows, Margaret prioritized wall space for art. Their bedroom features a window that frames the iconic Taranaki Maunga, resembling a natural artwork. Max reflects on his evolving appreciation for art, saying, “Over 51 years of marriage, I’ve grown to love it. Even though I may not have a great skill as to who the artists are, I certainly enjoy being surrounded by nice art and nice furniture.”

Margaret encourages prospective collectors to choose artwork that resonates with their budget. She recalls a couple who opted to forego a refrigerator in favor of a painting, humorously noting, “I’d rather have the painting than have food.” This perspective reflects her belief in prioritizing personal passion over strict financial constraints.

The couple has moved frequently and built two homes, with this project being particularly exciting for Margaret. She enjoys the decision-making process and finds it fulfilling to visualize a cohesive design. The home is filled with treasures, many of which are handmade or collected during travels, all placed with thoughtful consideration.

Lighting plays a crucial role in the home’s ambience. Margaret avoids traditional downlights, which she feels can detract from a home’s character, preferring to use strategically placed fixtures that enhance the artistic elements throughout.

Max contributes to the property’s upkeep, maintaining fences and planting thousands of native trees on the farmland they have owned for nearly 40 years. He describes the farm as a retreat from their city-oriented lifestyle, stating, “It’s a space and it’s a buffer.”

Outside, a striking U-shaped sculpture by Steuart Welch enhances the landscape, while a unique row of outdoor dining chairs—including a bold yellow one among classic black—adds an element of surprise. Visitors to the home during this year’s NZ House & Garden Tours have appreciated these unexpected design choices.

Margaret’s design mantra is clear: “Be brave.” This philosophy resonates throughout their home, where art and architecture coexist in harmony, inviting guests to explore and engage with every corner.

In a Q&A session, the couple shared insights into their design journey. Margaret emphasized the importance of curation in decorating, saying, “There has to be something that marries it all together.” Max advised obtaining multiple quotes from suppliers to ensure quality and value.

The couple’s favorite family treasure is a family bible, which holds a significant place in their living space. Reflecting on their future, Margaret expressed a desire to see more of her grandchildren and to possibly build another house with a different style.

Overall, Margaret and Max’s home is a testament to their shared vision, celebrating the intersection of art, color, and architecture in a way that is both personal and inviting.