A quirky blue shed by the wharf, a paintbrush that never seems to rest, and a house full of stories – Bec and Zac Deacon’s Māpua home proves the most memorable interiors are the ones that evolve over time.
Photos: Tessa Claus
Our Story
My husband Zac and I live by the wharf in Māpua with our twin boys Reed and Noah, daughter Olive, and our dog, Pickle. We moved back home to Nelson 13 years ago, just before Olive was born, leaving Zac's family in Brighton, England. I'd always admired this quirky blue building – we loved its shape, the little windows scattered everywhere, and, of course, the fact that it was painted blue. The moment it came on the market we put in an offer, and moved in just two weeks later. Originally built as a sailmaker's shed in the 1980s, the house had a sign out the front that simply read The Tin Shed – a name we've kept since.
In four words
Open. Relaxed. Colourful. Original.
Inspiration
Our style is inspired by way we live, the places we've travelled, and our budget! Very little in our home is new. I buy second hand, recreate pieces, or its home made by family and friends. I really only like things that are meaningful. We have always been limited in budget, and have the creative skills to do it ourselves. Zac and I have completed most of the renovations, including laying flooring, tiling, painting, lighting, installing patios, decking etc... Doing so much of the work ourselves has made us even more connected to our home, and we've learnt so much along the way. Our biggest inspiration has always been the places we've lived and travelled – England, Cambodia and we’ve spent time in France. We've filled our home with treasures collected during our time overseas and handmade pieces that each tell their own story. I love walking around our house and feeling filled with memories of special times in our lives. There are many nods to Brighton particularly. Luckily, I also come from a very creative family, so much of what's on our walls and shelves has been made by my siblings, our mums, or by us. It makes our home feel incredibly individual and personal.
Decorating style
I don't think we have one defined decorating style – we simply buy and make what we love. We've never wanted to follow trends. We love mixing old with new and are naturally drawn to colour, texture and unique shapes. Today, our home reflects who we are – it’s colourful, lived-in and full of memories.
Where we shop
Mostly I'm in a charity shop, or looking on Marketplace, we're happy to wait until we find something that feels just right rather than buying simply to fill a space. I hate waste, so whenever possible I'll repair, repaint or reinvent something rather than replace it. I love finding things and transforming them to work for my home.
Favourite piece
It's really impossible to choose just one. Anything handmade by Zac, Reed, Noah or Olive is incredibly special. Both Zac's mum and my mum have gifted us beautiful handmade quilts, while Ali's paintings and Kate's ceramics have become treasured favourites.
Save or splurge?
I’m a second-hand saver! With three young kids and one wage everything was pretty thrifty. I've painted every wall (once or twice!), upcycled furniture, woven lampshades, made plant stands, built shelving, made cushions etc. These handmade pieces add character and makes me feel resourceful. These days we’re happy to invest in quality pieces, but I'll always love the satisfaction of creating something myself.
Renovations
Every part of the house has been renovated in some way. The kitchen, bathroom, laundry being the first, then we opened up the back end of our home with French doors and glass panels. Recently we replaced all the flooring which has made the tin shed feel way more fancy! Each project has massively improved how the home functions while still preserving its fun personality. It's been a gradual process, as and when we could fund it!
Future plans
Oh there's always a list! Painting the exterior is next but choosing the perfect shade of blue has turned out to be much harder than we expected! Although the renovations will eventually end, I'll never stop painting walls, moving furniture around or adding little touches to our home.
What piece would you never part with?
Any of the handmade pieces created by our family- they're completely irreplaceable because they're filled with love and memories.
Best decorating tip
Start with one piece you absolutely love, whether it's artwork, a favourite piece of furniture, or simply a colour, and let that guide the rest of the room.
Rather than decorating everything at once, allow that feature piece to influence your colour palette, textures and furniture choices. Rooms feel far more personal and cohesive when they're designed around something meaningful instead of following trends.
Favourite Spot
It’s hard to choose because every room has its own special purpose, but if I had to pick one, it would be the lounge in the evenings. Once everyone’s home, we’re sitting together hanging out, talking, watching sport or our favourite series. When we are all together is when the house feels at its very best.
Dream addition
Our next big project is building a garage with a tin shed vibe. Zac will finally have a dedicated space for woodwork and DIY projects (instead of taking over every spare corner of the house.) It will also include a gallery at the front of the property that could be open to the public – a space where people could browse, attend workshops and experience the things I love making.
Every home should have...
Spaces where everyone can come together, but also somewhere to retreat for peace and quiet. We love having separate areas for adults and kids, large doors that open onto the garden. I also couldn't be without our English clothes pulley, it makes winter clothes drying so much easier.
If you had a day to refresh the home
Well I’ve got 50 indoor plants, so I’d feed them first probably! I also love rearranging furniture and moving stuff around to make our home feel different and confuse family members when they get home.
Something you would change
We'd put this house up the road onto a hill overlooking the sea. We absolutely love where we live and enjoy being so central in Māpua, but would enjoy a little more privacy and obviously a view would be incredible.
Best advice received
For young families – take your time! Focus on what really matters: spending time with your children and making memories in your home. The decorating doesn’t need to happen straight away or be perfect (I needed this advice.) One thing I've always loved about the Tin Shed is that we've never felt the need to be precious about our home. It's a home that's meant to be lived in and fully enjoyed by our family and friends.
Favourite household chore
Hanging the washing out in the sunshine! I've recently bought a sewing machine and have been enjoying repairing cushions and clothes. This winter I've been in my studio sewing scented eye pillows, and wheat bags for the whole family – the Tin Shed isn't the warmest house in winter! There's something so cool about making practical things by hand that will be used and appreciated every day.
The neighbourhood
Māpua is beautiful in every season, and we're incredibly lucky to call it home. I love walking out on the sand spit from Māpua Leisure Park at the lowest tide – I do this weekly with my girlfriends. It's peaceful, the views are stunning, and it reminds us just how special this part of the world is. Being so close to the sea and surrounded by such a supportive community is something we'll never take for granted.
Our garden
We're currently loving the cedar hot tub, it's so good for stargazing at night! I also love spending time in the studio at the rear of the property, where I can work on creative projects while still feeling connected to the garden and the rest of our home.
Best memory
Recently, one of my favourite memories has been watching England play in the Football World Cup with our extended family all crammed into the lounge. Everyone arrived dressed up, waving clackers and chanting! More than anything, though, our best memories are made in summer, when the house is overflowing with family and friends. The Tin Shed has always been an easy place to entertain, and it's at its happiest when it's full.
