13/06/2026
Uncovering the Original Beauty of Dorothy's Sitting Room
In 1992, it was decided that the time had come to restore Dorothy’s sitting room to its original elegance. Over the years, the room had undergone several changes, some during Dorothy’s lifetime, and others after her death. The goal was to return it to the way it appeared when the house was first built.
It’s believed that the original blue-green textured wallpaper was chosen to complement the deep turquoise tones of the fireplace tiles. With the restoration of the original brass fittings, that had been painted over in the 1970s, the room regained its warmth and vibrancy. These brass details, a hallmark of Architect Sir Ernest George’s design style, are one of Olveston’s defining features, adding beauty and variety throughout the home.
Initially, the plan was to repaint the ceiling, doors, window frames, and other woodwork in grey, a colour commonly used in Edwardian interiors. However, when the room was stripped back, it revealed that the ceiling's original shade was a soft blue-green that harmonised perfectly with the wallpaper and fireplace. The decision was made to restore the ceiling to this original colour.
To replicate the original wallpaper, Swedish Scanatex fabric was chosen for the walls. Not only does it offer a convincing substitute in appearance, but it also strengthens the plasterwork, bonding well and providing a durable, paint-friendly surface.
Selecting suitable curtains proved to be a challenge. The brown drapes, so familiar in this room, were installed in the 1950s by Thomas Wight and had once complemented the room’s pastel palette and furniture fabric. However, the upholstery had faded significantly, and the curtains, now tired and out of sync with the new décor, no longer suited the space. After much deliberation, it was decided that the curtains should not dominate a room already rich in character. A neutral gull-grey Scottish fabric was selected instead.
Originally, it was hoped that the silk linings of the old curtains, imported especially for Miss Theomin, could be reused. Unfortunately, their condition had deteriorated beyond repair. They were carefully packed, along with the original brown curtains, and stored for their historical significance.
After the home was gifted to the city in the 1960s, picture lights were installed over some of the paintings. These have since been replaced with adjustable spotlights, and the light shades were also replaced. Fortunately, most of the original furnishings remain, preserving the room's atmosphere, and memories.
Today, the sitting room reflects the way Dorothy lived in this room daily, from 1907, when the family moved in, until she modernised the room in the 1950s.
Come on one of our six daily 1-hour guided tours and learn about the Theomin family, their magnificent collection and how they lived in the early 1900s.
Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.
Article prepared by Kevin Flaherty, guide at Olveston Historic Home.
