Mid-Century Design

Grove House is more than just a building; it’s a collection of memories encapsulated in space. The North Shore home was last renovated by the owner’s father, and so opting to change it wasn’t an easy decision; it was an emotional one. But the family has grown since then, so an major renovation and new extension were necessary.

Cadence & Co took on the project, compassionately including pieces from the owner’s father’s renovation in its new iteration, but made anew. An old desk was cut up and used for mantles and a bespoke cheeseboard, and a barn door was repurposed for the entry to the linen cupboard, preserving her father’s memory in physical form. 

The overall aesthetic of the building is mid-century California bungalow, with the new extension’s glassy exterior overlooking a freshly landscaped garden, and its glistening, turquoise pool. When the family cools off the water, a picture window keeps the inner sanctum of the home in mind, framing the remarkable new ribbon stair curling upwards inside. The home is flooded with light, emboldened by the pale tones of the interior.  

Refined Hardware Details

There is a formality to the design, reflective of its grand locale. “Marble became a hero element in the project, flowing across floors, walls, benchtops and trims, to bring a sense of luxury throughout,” say Mia Lake Interiors. Blue elements echo Bellevue Hill’s spectacular Harbour views. “A subtle blue tone appeared in key moments across the home, layered with curves in ceilings, archways and joinery that added movement and ease,” explain the team. Silver accents, too, mirror the glittering water outside. “We selected nickel finishes for the tapware and hardware, wanting a timeless palette that would stay elegant long term. Every surface carried a sense of detail, whether through wainscoting, joinery doors or splashbacks, bringing depth and texture to the interiors.” 

“Grove House’s interiors have been designed to reflect the evolving needs of a growing family. At the heart of this transformation was a desire to create interiors that feel grounded, beautiful, and intentional,” says senior interior designer on the project, Georgia Conway, who highlights Iver’s role in this process. “Iver’s hardware played an instrumental role in realising this vision. The Brunswick Lever, with its clean lines and refined geometry, brings a sense of calm and clarity to daily interactions. Their quiet minimalism complements the architectural restraint of the new spaces, subtly elevating the experience of moving through the home. The diamond-cut cross knurling along the bar handle adds a layer of subtle texture, a tactile detail that speaks to craftsmanship and considered design.” 

Form and Function

Iver’s Helsinki Cabinet and T Cabinet Pulls were used throughout the home, seamlessly connecting utility spaces with communal ones, such as in the kitchen, butler’s pantry, laundry, and even the dining room cabinetry. “Helsinki joinery pulls were introduced as subtle statement pieces, designed to pair effortlessly with classic and refined joinery,” explains Conway. “Their timeless form adds a sculptural quality to the interiors, nodding to the mid-century spirit that informed the home’s new layout and connection to the landscape.” 

There is a playfulness to the new architecture of this home, translated via elements like arched doorways and the LA-style, crazy paving by the pool. The pink-toned front door continues the trend, its Berlin Pull Handle, like the other Iver pieces in the home, finished in black-tinged brass. “The Signature Brass finish unifies these touchpoints with a beautifully rich, hand-aged patina,” says Conway. “Its deep bronze undertones and golden highlights introduce a tactile warmth, one that feels lived-in and enduring. This finish sits comfortably within both the natural and refined materials used throughout, creating a quiet continuity across the home.” 

It is elements like this which unify this house. “The incorporation of Iver hardware is an essential layer in the interior design of Grove House,” continues Conway, “bringing warmth, texture, and quiet sophistication to a home deeply rooted in memory, yet thoughtfully designed for a new chapter.”