In the course of my job I’ve worked with some wonderful people. Our fashion editor, Lucia Tigri-Brown, is one of them. Always stylish, she inspires us all to dress our best for work and as a friend she’s supported me through a couple of life’s low points, for which I’ll always be grateful. This week we visit her at the spacious, sunny home she shares with husband Gaz. Like Lucia, it’s streamlined and elegant with a great sense of fun!
Lucia and Gaz cleverly incorporate a contemporary look into their house
After extensive searching, this 1960s home with many original features was the one Lucia and Gaz fell in love with. Minutes from central Auckland, it has a relaxed vibe with large sash windows designed to flood the living spaces with light. The house still has all its original built-in shelving. Although the couple has gone for a contemporary look generally, they have cleverly incorporated all the house’s retro, quirky features.
Lucia has cherished her road signs for almost 20 years
Lucia has always loved Kiwiana, the little things that characterise our country. She grew up on Moa Rd on the Kapiti Coast and when the road signs were being updated, asked if she could have Moa and Kaka. She’s cherished these pieces for almost 20 years.
Lucia and Gaz transformed the sunroom into the dining area
Lucia and Gaz had fun creating smaller spaces within existing rooms, and the sunroom is now their dining area. “We love entertaining in there. The windows slide right back to create an open indoor-outdoor feel. It’s warm and inviting and we have woven loungers at the end to relax on in the weekend. This has allowed us to use the original dining area as a breakfast nook and our home office runs along one wall. By using artwork and well-placed furniture, each area looks clearly defined.”
The beautfiful lace doilies that belonged to Lucia\’s great-grandmother are kept safe in a frame
Lucia’s mother recently gave her some lace doilies that belonged to her great-grandmother. She wasn’t sure what to do with them, but then hit upon the idea of a frame. “They’re kept safe now and I can enjoy looking at them. My husband commented that a few had stains; to me this makes them even more beautiful and interesting,” says Lucia.
