Renovate Handbook Issue 31
A practical, inspirational and thorough guide to creating your dream home; Renovate exists to support you with every stage of your project. Brought to you by the experts behind Refresh Renovations and Zones Landscaping, this issue is packed to the brim with beautiful home and garden ideas. With a specific focus on kitchens, bathrooms and indoor-outdoor living areas, Issue 31 of Renovate is a must-have during the renovation planning process. Special features includes the People's Choice Awards with renovation and landscaping projects of the year - from kitchens to conversions and gardens to outdoor rooms. Take inspiration from the projects selected by you!
A practical, inspirational and thorough guide to creating your dream home; Renovate exists to support you with every stage of your project.
Brought to you by the experts behind Refresh Renovations and Zones Landscaping, this issue is packed to the brim with beautiful home and garden ideas.
With a specific focus on kitchens, bathrooms and indoor-outdoor living areas, Issue 31 of Renovate is a must-have during the renovation planning process.
Special features includes the People's Choice Awards with renovation and landscaping projects of the year - from kitchens to conversions and gardens to outdoor rooms. Take inspiration from the projects selected by you!
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Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
ISSUE 31
$9.95 incl GST
INSIDE
PEOPLE’S
CHOICE
AWARDS
Best projects that
you voted for
Relax and let Refresh take
care of your renovation
Project by Refresh Renovations
Home Renovation Specialist
Refresh is the world's leading builder that specialises in
renovations. Working with Refresh, you can be assured that
your renovation will be cost-effective and hassle free.
ISSUE 031
As a design and build specialist, we make things easy by
being your one point of contact for the entire renovation
process. We have the designers, builders and sub-trades to
complete the job on time, on budget and to a high standard.
We work with you, within your budget to design and deliver
the home you want.
www.refreshrenovations.com.au
www.refreshrenovations.co.uk
www.refreshrenovations.co.nz
www.refreshrenovations.com
The practical guide to renovating
Contents
Planning
Kitchen
Bathroom
People's
choice awards
Before
and afters
Living
spaces
Outdoor
living
Inspirational
homes
6 Planning your
renovation
18 Kitchen
checklist
30 Bathroom
checklist
42 Kitchen of
the Year
67 Open-plan
transformation
74 Living checklist
92 Outdoor
checklist
111 Clarksville’s
mullet house
8 Most popular
renovations
9 Renovation
trends
10 Budgeting
statistics
11 Top tips for
renovating
12 Applying for
consent
14 Home
renovation
inspiration
20 Kitchen
layout
23 Butler’s
pantries
25 How to make
the most of a
compact
kitchen
26 Kitchen
FAQs:
Ask our
experts
32 Measure me
right: Bathroom
measurements
34 Bathroom
FAQs:
Ask our
experts
37 How to solve
unequal water
pressure
39 What is a
wet room?
46 Bathroom of
the Year
50 Conversion of
the Year
52 Extension of
the Year
55 Exterior of
the Year
56 Outdoor Projects
of the Year
62 Whole House of
the Year
68 Kitchen
transformation
69 Apartment
kitchen
transformation
70 A Pensacola
bathroom
transformation
71 A bold and
elegant
bathroom
transformation
76 Basement and
loft conversions
78 Clever storage
tricks
81 Extending your
home
84 Is open-plan
right for you?
86 Converting your
home garage to
a living space
89 Indoor outdoor
flow ideas
94 Xeriscapes
96 Paving solutions
for your home
98 Ask our experts
100 Edible gardens
102 Outdoor rooms
105 How to save
water during
summer
106 Artificial or real
grass?
- From movie
set to stylish
mullet house,
check out this
six year
renovation in
Clarksville.
115 Brooklyn
townhouse
- A complete
renovation of a
Park Slope
townhouse in
Brooklyn,
New York.
05 17 29 40 66 73 91 109
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The practical guide to renovating
Planning
So, you’ve decided to renovate -
congratulations! A great journey is
about to begin. Before you start, we
think you should get to know the
basics. The following pages have been
designed to support you in confidently
planning your renovation.
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The practical guide to renovating
Planning your
renovation
PLANNING
Knowing how to plan a renovation, and understanding what process to
follow, can have a huge impact on the final result of your project. Doing your
research and knowing what to expect is key to getting the renovation you
want. The following steps will help to keep your project on track.
1
2
3
4
6
CONSIDER WHY YOU
WANT TO RENOVATE
Understanding the motivation
behind your renovation is
essential to getting your desired
result. Do you require more space
for a growing family? If so, an
extension and room addition may
be the main focus of your project.
Is your home looking tired and
dated? In this case, you will need
to pinpoint what areas of your
home require particular attention.
Perhaps you want to improve your
home’s energy efficiency or even
invest in a luxury renovation?
Throughout this guide, you’ll find
multiple renovation checklists
designed to support you in
identifying your renovation
priorities.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Once you know what type of
work will be involved in your
home renovation, start looking at
examples of the work you want
to be done. Most renovation
companies will provide examples
of past work and case studies on
their website. Take note of what
you do and don’t like about the
projects you see. Keep copies of
any pictures that could provide
your designer with useful examples
of what you like. This is also a
good time to begin familiarizing
yourself with the costs, consents
and processes involved in carrying
out your project ideas to a high
standard. If this all seems a bit
overwhelming at first, don’t worry;
there are plenty of renovation
experts out there who can offer
advice and guidance.
CONTACT A RENOVATION
COMPANY
Seeking out examples of local
renovations should lead you to
the websites of a few different
renovation companies. Look at
their portfolios - are you satisfied
with their standards? Do they
offer the type of services you are
after? Some companies might only
provide design or construction
services while others provide an
end-to-end renovation service.
Check out their customer
testimonials to ensure they are
a business you would want to
work with. Once you have found
a company that you are satisfied
with, get in touch.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
When you have found a company
you are interested in, book a
consultation with them. This
will be an opportunity for them
to come to the project site and
discuss your ideas. A good
renovation consultant should be
able to provide you with useful
advice on your project and will
tell you whether or not your ideas
are feasible. Moving forward,
they should be able to advise you
on what council and building
requirements you need to be aware
of, what costs will be involved and
any other important information
relevant to your project. Even
if you are opting for the DIY
route, meeting with a renovation
consultant could prove to be hugely
beneficial.
5DECIDE WHO WILL
MANAGE THE PROJECT
The next step is to decide on
whether you will manage the
project yourself or hire a project
manager. Unless you have a
significant amount of time
available and building knowledge,
managing the project yourself
could prove to be a stressful and
expensive process. Managing
multiple trades without the
experience to do so can lead
to miscommunication, project
schedules being extended and
much more money being spent
than originally estimated. If you
don’t have much knowledge in
the renovation sector, hiring a
project manager could make the
experience far more enjoyable and
cost-effective.
BEGIN THE DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Probably the most difficult
point in a renovation - making
decisions. Now that you have
selected a renovation builder,
your concept will be discussed in
more depth. Concept drawings
will be drawn up along with cost
estimates. This is the time to
make any adjustments to your
project so that it meets both
your budget, taste and priorities.
When you are happy with the
concept, design and quote; you
can begin looking at signing
building contracts. Depending
on the size of your renovation,
this is also a good time to discuss
whether or not you will remain at
home during the build or will find
temporary accommodation.
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The practical guide to renovating
Most popular
renovations
Renovation
trends
PLANNING
A survey produced by Refresh Renovations asked participants what area of
the home they were likely to renovate first. Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms,
laundries and living rooms were at the top of the list - here’s why.
From kitchen extensions to COVID-19 renovations, take a look
at what Houzz and Modernize’s recent surveys have discovered
about renovation trends in your part of the world.
7.2%
6.9%
19.2%
KITCHENS
BATHROOMS
BEDROOMS
LAUNDRIES
LIVING ROOMS
33%
NEW ZEALAND
Of New Zealand homeowners
consider health concerns to be
“very or extremely important to
their project”.
83%
AUSTRALIA
Of renovating Australian
homeowners were able to continue
on with their home renovation
when the COVID-19 pandemic was
declared in March 2020.
8.3%
14.9%
45%
Of New Zealand homeowners
are opting to renovate rather
than buy a new home.
22%
Of Australian homeowners found
that integrating “green” materials
was a high priority.
KITCHENS
While open-plan kitchens have been the trend for years
now, homeowners are starting to move toward more
multi-functional kitchens and living spaces that can be
opened up and closed off as needed. This is particularly
true for young families who have been spending more
time at home during 2020 and need their own designated
spaces for homeschooling, relaxing and dining etc. If
you are interested in creating a kitchen that can be both
open-plan and closed off, cavity sliding doors can provide
a simple solution.
BATHROOMS
As one of the most used rooms of the house, it should
come as no surprise that bathrooms are one of the most
frequently renovated spaces. Modern bathroom designs
are typically the go-to for renovating homeowners. In
terms of colour palettes, homeowners are choosing to
keep things simple with light colour palettes and dark
accents. Walk-in/wet room style showers are also hugely
popular at the moment and are a great future-proofing
option.
BEDROOMS
Whether you are renovating an existing bedroom or
adding an additional bedroom to your property, this
room, in particular, should feel like a private haven.
Often, bedroom renovations are carried out as part of
an extension project that will allow a home to cater for
a growing family or any long-term guests. These types of
projects commonly include ensuite additions and/or walkin
wardrobe additions.
LAUNDRIES
There are many ways to design and build a laundry within
a set budget. Some homeowners simply include this within
a garage conversion project, others extend, and some
carry out bathroom-to-laundry conversions. You might
even be able to fit a hidden laundry underneath your
home’s staircase!
LIVING ROOMS
Living rooms around the world are currently heavily
influenced by Scandinavian design. This minimalistic
style typically features simple colour schemes of light
walls, wooden floors and a focus on quality over quantity.
One of the benefits of this style is that it provides
a simple base for plenty of ongoing personalisation
through interior design.
27%
16%
46%
51%
Of New Zealand homeowners
choosing to update the style of
their kitchen opt for a modern/
contemporary style.
UNITED KINGDOM
Of UK homeowners begin a
renovation due to recently
discovered deterioration/
damage.
Of UK homeowners
exceed their renovation
budgets.
Of those surveyed worked
on a renovation project in
2019.
30%
28%
24%
39%
Of Australian homeowners
want to renovate their outdoor
areas, 26% want to renovate their
kitchens and 24% would most
like to renovate their bathrooms
UNITED STATES
Of US homeowners are interested
in beginning exterior home
renovation projects.
Of US homeowners choose
to renovate so that they can
customise a recently purchased
home.
Of US homeowners pay for their
renovations in cash, 26% pay via
finance/loans, 17% pay with their
credit cards and 18% pay with
alternative means e.g. payment plans.
Modernize: 2020 Weathering the Off-Season Study
Houzz: Home Renovation Trends Study 2016-2020
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The practical guide to renovating
Budgeting
statistics
Top tips for
renovating
PLANNING
Award-winning renovation company Refresh Renovations recently
asked over 400 people what their biggest renovation fears were.
Unsurprisingly, sticking to a budget was at the top of the list.
Is fear of going over-budget holding you back from getting the ball
rolling with your renovation ideas? Check out these solutions on
how to stick to your renovation budget.
2%
3%
6%
Of respondents were
concerned about the mess that
comes with a home renovation
project e.g. the dust and
demolition debris commonly
found on construction sites.
Were, understandably,
worried that they would
make mistakes during their
renovation project. Usually,
this comes down to a lack of
experience.
Of those surveyed said that
their biggest renovation fears
involved finding unexpected
surprises such as asbestos, rot
or structural damage.
PRIORITISE
Understand your
objectives – be clear
about what you want to
achieve and why.
MAKE A PLAN
Focus on planning – break
the project down into
achievable milestones.
STICK TO A BUDGET
Avoid budget creep,
allowing the project to grow
as it progresses can cause
the budget to escalate and
the schedule to overrun.
7.4% 7.6% 9%
Felt uneasy about their
ability to find tradesmen who
would provide high-quality
workmanship. A fear of having
to coordinate trades was also
noted.
Were worried about running
over their estimated timeline,
as it typically causes
homeowners to spend more
than they originally budgeted
for. This is often due to poor
project management.
Of respondents were
concerned that they didn’t
have enough knowledge of the
industry, trends, or project
management skills to be able
to renovate their own home
successfully.
FUTURE PROOF
It’s good practice to include
a contingency plan -
possibly around 15% of the
total budget - to cater for
unforseen costs.
DEADLINES
Draw up a schedule –
an accurate schedule
with a clear deadline for
completion is essential.
COST EFFICIENCY
Manage your finances -
you’ll need to ensure that
you can meet the agreed
payment schedule.
9%
12.8%
30.6%
Of respondents were most
afraid that when the project
was completed, they would be
unhappy with the final result,
it wouldn’t live up to their
expectations or would turn out
worse than before they started.
Of respondents said that the
general cost of renovating
was their biggest fear. It is
common knowledge that
renovations can be expensive
even when everything goes to
plan.
Of respondents revealed their
biggest fear was encountering
unforeseen costs that were
not included in the initial
costing, resulting in the budget
spiralling out of control and
unfinished renovations.
COMMIT TO PLAN
Stick to the plan - changing
your mind during the project
is guaranteed to blow the
budget.
FLEXIBILITY
Expect the unexpected. Even
with the most meticulous
planning, there is still a
chance that something
unexpected might occur.
COMPROMISE
Agree on realistic
specifications, avoid the
temptation to splurge on
luxury items that add little
value.
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The practical guide to renovating
PLANNING
Applying for consent
Resource consent, planning permission, building
consent...what do they all mean and will they be
required for your renovation? Learn the basics here.
One of the most complicated, yet
essential, stages of any renovation
project is applying for local consents and
permits. Go without, and you will not
only be risking fines and penalties, you
could also be risking the safety of your
household. Applying for local permission
can be a costly, time consuming and
detailed process. Unless you have a solid
understanding of the laws and regulations
surrounding your project, it is well worth
getting some support from a reputable
design and build company.
NEW ZEALAND
All New Zealand home renovations
must meet Building Code requirements.
Additionally, your project may require
Building Consent and/or Resource
Consent. Before you begin any work, it’s
important to check with your local council
and/or an expert (such as a specialist,
registered Architect, Town Planner or a
licensed building practitioner).
Works that commonly require
consent include:
• Structural work e.g. additions/
alterations
• New plumbing and drainage
• Wood burner
• Retaining walls over 1.5 metres in
height
• Fences or walls over 2.5 metres
• Swimming pool fences
• Large sheds over 30m2
• Specific earthworks
• Heritage-listed building renovations
AUSTRALIA
One of the first things you will need
to do when renovating in Australia is
find out whether or not your project
will require Planning Consent, Building
Consent and/or Land Division Consent.
All renovation work must be carried out
in accordance with the Building Code of
Australia. If you’re unsure of whether or
not your project will require approval, it’s
best to check with an expert.
Projects commonly requiring
consent include:
• Demolition
• Subdivision
• Construction
• Earthworks
• Land-use changes
• Home extensions
• Home additions
• Interior/exterior structural work
• Heritage-listed building renovations
• Land divisions
• Renovations that effect boundary lines
• Renovations that influence fire safety
• Renovations that may affect your
home’s energy efficiency
UNITED KINGDOM
It’s important to be thorough when it
comes to meeting your local Planning
Permission requirements, as different
areas may have different requirements.
Contacting your Local Planning
Authority (LPA) is recommended, as they
can advise you on the approval process
which will be relevant to your project.
Your project may require Planning
Permission and/or Building Regulations
Approval. Alternatively, you may need to
obtain a lawful development certificate.
Projects that commonly require
Planning Permission and/or Building
Regulations Approval include:
• Listed-building renovations
• Extensions/additions
• Construction work
• Plumbing
• Door and window replacements
• Roof covering replacements
• Building use changes
UNITED STATES
In the United States, building
regulations depend on your State,
and in some cases, city or county
zones may have different permit
regulations, so it’s important to discuss
your plans with a local renovation
consultant or a licensed contractor.
You should generally contact your local
Development Services Planner who will
advise you on your zoning and future
land use category. It is also important
to understand your flood plain
designation, which identifies any flood
hazard areas.
In the US, you generally will need to
apply for individual permits for each
service. This might include a building
permit, an electrical permit, a plumbing
permit, a gas permit or even a lawn
sprinkler permit. Once your renovation
is complete, it’s important to keep
copies of these permits for insurance
purposes. Generally, you won’t need
a permit if you are completing
minor work (tiling, new cabinets,
counters, etc) within your home. It is
when the changes within your home
require structural, electrical, gas or
plumbing work that a permit will be
required. It’s always best to check
with a local renovation specialist, as
carrying out work without the proper
consents can lead to penalties, fines
and unfinished work. If your home
is heritage-listed or is located within
a conservation area, you will need
to apply for permission to carry out
changes on the house.
For further guidance, please consult
your local specialist or Development
Services Planner.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Applications should be filled
out by someone who thoroughly
understands your project, your
region’s building regulations and
has experience in completing any
applications relevant to your region.
Until you have the relevant consents,
you generally won’t be able to begin
any renovation work.
As regulations within different states
and countries vary, your first step
should always be to seek advice from
a trusted renovation/landscaping
consultant or to get in touch
with your local council for more
information.
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The practical guide to renovating
PLANNING
HOME IDEAS
Sources of renovation inspiration brought to you
by Home Ideas Centre Auckland. Visit www.homeideas.co.nz
Home renovation
inspiration
Personalising your home generally begins with a collection of images,
ideas and creative input. Try out these resources if you’re in the
process of figuring out your style, layout and product preferences.
EXPLORE PINTEREST
For many, Pinterest is the online space where interior
design wishlists begin. The image sharing site allows
you to explore endless home design photos and save
them to an online image board. A site like this is a great
place to start if you’re only just beginning to develop
your home design ideas. Once you’ve built up a sizable
image collection, go through each image and try to
recognise what it is that attracts you to each interior or
exterior space. Is it the style, the colours, the furniture
or something else? Take note of what aspects you would
like to replicate within your own home.
FIGURE OUT YOUR STYLE
A quick search of “interior design styles” on Google will
quickly lead you to a variety of interior design options.
Try to discern what styles draw you in and why - do you
like the idea of a clean, minimalistic style home? Perhaps
a rustic, country theme is more you or, alternatively,
an interior that has more of an industrial edge?
Scandinavian design is hugely popular at the moment
as it focuses on creating peaceful, natural settings
that leave plenty of room for ongoing personalisation.
Understanding your style will help your designer to know
what angle to take as they draw up your project.
VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM
Design showrooms are an excellent way to see products
in-person. They allow you to examine products up-close
and, in the process, determine whether or not they will
be a good fit for your style and home environment.
The Home Ideas Centre is a New Zealand-based
3000 m2 design showroom that displays design and
build products from a wide range of New Zealand
manufacturers. Every country will have its own version
of this, allowing you to explore a vast array of interior
and exterior design options ranging from swimming
pools to kitchen benchtops.
LOOK AT LOCAL PROJECTS
When you have a vague idea of what you are looking
for in your home design, start looking up designers or
renovation companies who have a proven record of
completing your style of renovation. Scroll through their
online portfolios, read through their case studies and
take note of the materials and design aspects that seem
both practical and aesthetically pleasing to you.
TALK TO A DESIGNER
Once you have scrolled through a few local home design
websites, consider reaching out to the ones that stand
out to you as being professional and experienced in
your specific area of interest. If this is your first home
renovation, you might want to work with a company that
can provide end-to-end support, from design through
to project completion. When you meet with a local
renovation specialist, show them your ideas and see
if they seem like someone that you would like to work
with (and invite into your home) long-term. A home
renovation is a personal project and a considerable
investment, so keep looking until you find the right fit.
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The practical guide to renovating
We have everything you need
to freshen up your home
Kitchen
As one of the most used rooms in the
home, it’s important to design this space to
suit your lifestyle needs. Use our kitchen
planning checklist to get started, see our
expert’s answers to your FAQs and draw
inspiration from our award-winning
kitchen designs!
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The practical guide to renovating
Kitchen checklist
Out of the following, what features are important to you and your home?
DESIGN, STYLE + LAYOUT
Breakfast bar or kitchen island
False ceiling
Natural light
General lighting
Good task lighting
Eating area or ability to sit at the benchtop
Optimise kitchen view/outlook
Luxury countertops
Accent pieces
Rustic elements
STORAGE + CABINETRY
Appliance cupboard
Space for special appliances
Waste disposal unit
Built-in rubbish bin or recycling bins
New cupboards or new doors and handles
Touch technology cabinetry
Butler’s pantry
Lots of easy-access drawers or pull outs
Display shelves
Cabinet for bottles, herbs and spices
Cabinets for kitchen utensils, accessories, cutlery and dinnerware
Cabinet for baking utensils
Cabinet for cleaning products
Rotating corner cupboard shelving
APPLIANCES
Dishwasher
A wall oven or all in one stove
Microwave and grill oven
Ventilation
Fridge and freezer
Beer and wine fridge
FINISHINGS
New sink or double sink
New tap - pull out faucet for rinsing
Water filter
Power points
Wiring for TV or Internet
Wall finish
Non-slip flooring
Kitchen window treatment - blinds/curtains
Splashback
Benchtops - laminate, marble, wood, granite or concrete
Key things to consider
• What is the end goal of the kitchen renovation?
• Have you determined your budget?
• What works in the existing space and, could those
features be incorporated into the new design?
• Who does the cooking? Just one cook or the whole
family?
• How is the kitchen used? Just for cooking, sitting
or entertaining too?
• How much storage is needed?
• What style do you like - modern, traditional,
rustic...?
• Where will you cook during the renovation?
• Have you considered future-proofing your kitchen,
for retirement or other stages of life?
KITCHEN
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The practical guide to renovating
Kitchen layout
Items related to a specific task area should be placed within arm’s reach. Ideally, you want to
think about creating a triangle between the sink, stove and fridge. This easily connects your
kitchen work spaces - resulting in a functional kitchen layout.
Today, a functional kitchen is determined by the workflow -
the proximity and sequence of the key work stations or zones
make cooking a delight and easy for more than one chef.
KITCHEN
IMAGE Blum New Zealand
SOCIALISING ZONE
CONSUMABLES ZONE
NON-CONSUMABLES ZONE
Kitchen islands provide a central
location to socialise while you cook
Bi-fold windows can be used to connect
the indoor kitchen space to outdoor
entertaining spaces
Store groceries, including fridge items
and frozen edibles
An ideal space for your pantry
Focus on layers of easy to access storage
Dinnerware and cutlery
Glass and serveware
Containers and lids for food storage
PREPARATION ZONE
Preparation implements for slicing,
dicing, mashing and mixing
Store mixing bowls, knives, boards
and other preparation appliances
Oils, spices and herbs should be
stored within fit-for-purpose drawers
CLEANING ZONE
Keep cleaning products close to
the sink and dishwasher
Rubbish bins should also be kept
in this area
For ultimate functionality, you
might want to opt for a scullery
COOKING ZONE
Keep your most-used cooking
products, utensils and pots and
pans around the stovetop and
oven(s)
Focus on below-the-waist
drawers - a great place to store
your baking essentials
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With you, from design to completion
Kitchens that are on trend and on budget
KITCHEN
Butler’s pantries
Black Melamine
A butler’s pantry is an area where you can sweep dishes away, hide cumbersome
appliances and prepare food – a room where you can close the door, keeping the
main kitchen clear as the visual focus. Depending on the context, butler’s pantries
can also function as secondary kitchens.
Black, Penny Tiles Splashback
Icy White, Laminate
CONSIDERATIONS
If you’ve got the budget, creating the perfect butler’s
pantry/scullery can deliver a whole new experience
in the home. From stone benchtops to custom
cabinetry, storage solutions, charging stations,
areas for homework or baking … the possibilities are
limited only by the imagination.
SIZE
While some people want to use sculleries as a
full kitchen, doing most of their food preparation
in a separate space, others may prefer to have
their food preparation areas on display. If the
functionality of a scullery is to be a workable
cooking and food prep area, space and size
are important. If it’s too small, the scullery can
quickly start to feel like a confined area, which
is not ideal.
STORAGE
If space is not a limitation; large workspaces
and functional, easy-to-reach storage is often a
priority. Pull-out shelving is becoming popular
and various options are available to ensure each
available space is maximised with pull-out corner
cupboards and innovative carousel solutions.
LAYOUT
As you plan your pantry, think about what sort
of workspace will be needed, whether plumbing
is required for a second sink or dishwasher and
whether additional power points will be useful to
allow for larger appliances to be set up and plugged
in; ready to use.
Book a free in-store consultation and
explore your dream kitchen at mitre10.co.nz/kitchens
KEEPING IT CLEAN
Dishwashers are often placed in the butler’s pantry.
If that’s going to be the case, then a nearby sink will
be a necessity for those who want to avoid traipsing
dishes from one area to another. Keep this in mind
when you are looking at costs, as new plumbing
points will likely be needed.
FUNCTIONAL FAMILY LIVING
High-end sculleries can deliver personalised
solutions for a family’s needs. For families with
children; a butler’s pantry can provide a “messy
area” where children can learn to bake, where
devices can be charged and where school lunches
can be made.
23
The practical guide to renovating
KITCHEN
HOW TO
Make the most of
a compact kitchen
Our top tips to create the perfect bijou kitchen combine planning and design with
practicality and discipline to ensure that every aspect works in harmony to deliver a
solution that matches both your taste and your lifestyle.
Where your family comes together
Your local kitchen design, manufacture &
installation specialists
Order your FREE Kitchen Look Book for ideas,
inspiration, and trending styles
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR KITCHEN
WORKSPACES
Even a compact kitchen can offer functional space –
it’s just a case of creating it. A slim island can usually
be accommodated, but if not then a butcher’s block
will give you an area for preparation. If space is very
limited, it’s imperative to be disciplined in keeping
workspaces clutter-free and to consider gadgets
such as a boiling-water tap which may enable you to
dispense with a kettle.
IDENTIFY THE BEST LAYOUT
Above everything, the layout that you settle on will
have the biggest impact on the feeling of space. As
well as considering all of the components – such as
furniture, appliances and storage – it’s important to
think about the flow of the space; as you will be using
the kitchen for a variety of purposes.
CHOOSE COLOUR CAREFULLY
Most designers will recommend white for small
areas. A compact kitchen is no different, although
neutral shades are also a possibility. Large
expanses of dark colour have a tendency to shrink
spaces but they should not be dismissed altogether.
Accenting with a darker colour can enhance the
feeling of depth and spaciousness.
SLIM DOWN YOUR APPLIANCES
Appliances invariably require significant space
allocation in any kitchen but smaller slimline
models are available, as are combination solutions
such as a washer-dryers. Integrating appliances
can also benefit not only the overall design but also
the overall spatial perception.
LET THE LIGHT FLOOD IN
A compact kitchen can easily be dark, so allow
in as much natural light as possible. That might
mean replacing an existing window with a larger
alternative or adding a roof light. If neither of these
options is feasible, another approach might be to
install an internal window in order to ‘borrow’ light
from another room.
PUT IT AWAY
Storage is a key consideration when designing a
compact kitchen. Visible clutter combined with
exposed pots, pans and utensils can all shrink
the space. From recessed shelving and bespoke
cupboards to elegant hanging rails, there are
a multitude of options for storage even in the
smallest of spaces.
www.mastercraft.co.nz I 0800 67 67 67 I 29 Locations New Zealand-wide
24 ISSUE 031
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The practical guide to renovating
Q
Q
What is the “kitchen triangle”?
A
If I spend "x" amount on my home, what
amount can I expect the value of my
home to increase by?
KITCHEN
It’s basically the triangle between the sink, the fridge and
your cooking space. So, your fridge would be your storage
(or your pantry, possibly), you’ve got your cooking area and
then your washing area. That has changed a little bit over
time as kitchens have become more modern. However,
when you are looking at simulating that triangle, don’t run
miles between your kitchen! You only want to have one or
two paces between each of those points. If you start going
three or four paces, you’re doing a lot of mileage in that
kitchen just to cook one meal.
KIM REICHE
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Manukau and Franklin, NZ
A
Whilst I'm not a valuer of properties in your market, so
can't help you with that, I am an expert in renovation work.
Remember that this is your home and most of your time
is spent in the kitchen area, so it's an integral part of your
family home. Whilst it is the most expensive part of your
home, you want to do it once, do it right and have no regrets
after completing it. So try to spend as much as your budget
will allow. Remember, when (and if) you do sell your home
in the future, you would have had the pleasure of a modern
kitchen and your home will be more sale-able.
STEVE ROPER
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Waikato, NZ
ASK OUR EXPERTS
We asked our team of experts to provide answers to some of their most
frequently asked kitchen renovation questions. Here’s what they had to say.
Q
Q
What are some basic things that can be done
to improve an existing kitchen?
A
I always think: “what is going to give you the most pleasure
and what do you touch a lot in your kitchen?” What you
touch the most is, without a doubt, your kitchen tap. A
nice sexy tap does wonders with some really cool handles!
If you’ve got a little bit more of a budget, freshen up your
splashback. Benchtops are quite simple to change, however,
remember that there is always a bit of plumbing and
electrical involved because you have to move your hob and
your sink. So, depending on where your budget sits; taps,
handles and splashbacks are always a good place to start.
KIM REICHE
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Manukau and Franklin, NZ
What is an outdoor kitchen?
A
An outdoor kitchen, obviously, is a space outside where you
will entertain your friends, your family and your guests
while you do your prep work and the cooking in the open
air. It gives you a little more storage space and it gives you
a little bit more room for adventurous cooking than an
indoor kitchen does - through the use of wood/charcoal
BBQs, smokers, pizza ovens etc. An outdoor kitchen is a big
reflection of the homeowner - it’s a very personal, intimate
space. It’s also the hottest new trend in entertaining. With
this in mind, it’s an investment that can add value to your
home (in some cases, 100-200% return of the improvement
cost!).
THELMA MEYER
Zones Landscaping Specialist in Auckland, NZ
Q
Should I keep my plumbing where it is?
A
The answer to that varies case-by-case. It depends on the
construction of the house. If the house has concrete floors, then
it may be better to keep the plumbing within the same vicinity.
If you have floors that we have access to underneath where we
can actually tweak the drainage, then it’s a little bit easier to do.
It is always advisable to try to do a like-for-like replacement in
terms of plumbing, your oven and your range hood.
KIM REICHE
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Manukau and Franklin, NZ
Resene
Macau
wallpaper
collection
LFI125
Resene
Barometer
26 ISSUE 031
27
The practical guide to renovating
Bathroom
The bathroom - a place we spend
approximately 92 days of our life in - is
a place of escapism. Whether you’re
renovating your bathroom to improve its
layout, style or ambience, take some time
to plan it out in detail. Only fools rush in.
EMBRACE THE NATURAL
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Handcrafted and distinctively designed to
embrace the natural properties of concrete,
creating a focal point in any bathroom.
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The practical guide to renovating
Bathroom checklist
Out of the following, what features are important to you and your home?
BATHROOM
DESIGN, STYLE + LAYOUT
Floors - ceramic tiles, laminate, terrazzo, engineered wood
Wall finish - wet surfaces, paint, tiles
New shower - cubicle, walk-in or room for two
New bath - spa bath, freestanding or alcove
Windows - outside view or frosted glass
Natural light - big windows or skylights
Separate toilet room
Ensuite
Wet room
STORAGE + CABINETRY
Lockable medicine cabinet
Space for other items - scales, rubbish bin
Shelves/drawers for toiletries, towels, make-up or other
New cupboards, or new doors and handles
Laundry cabinet
Built-in shower storage
Ladder shelf
APPLIANCES
Laundry area for dirty washing, ironing, cleaning items
Hot water tank - electric/gas, instant water heater
Powerpoints - hair and grooming appliances
Good tasking lighting - makeup, magnifying mirrors
General lighting - feature lighting for effects or dimmers
Underfloor heating or radiator
Heated towel rail
Ventilation - vents or automatic fan
FINISHINGS
Future proofing - grab bars, non-slip tiles, walk-in shower
Bathroom window treatments - blinds, shutters
Dressing - full-length mirrors, robe hooks
Showerhead - rainfall style, handheld or wall mounted
Mirror - fog-less, wall mounted, pivot, illuminated
New taps or fixtures
New toilet
Double basin - wall hung or other
Bathroom splashback
New vanity - laminate, marble, wood, granite, concrete or other
Other privacy considerations
Key things to consider
• What design style are you drawn to?
• Have you determined your budget?
• Have you checked your calendar for the most convenient time of year
to renovate?
• Have you considered a backup bathroom for while you renovate?
• Have you considered powder room needs as well as practical needs?
• How much space is there? See page 33 for advice on measurements.
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IMAGE Adam Schlooz PROJECT Corey Rambhai
The practical guide to renovating
BATHROOMS
Measure me right
The bathroom is one of the rooms in the
home that needs careful consideration when
embarking on a renovation project.
WHO WILL BE USING THE BATHROOM, NOW AND
IN YEARS TO COME?
If you can answer that question, you’ll be setting off in the right
direction from the outset. Will it be two people who often get
ready for work at the same time? A family with young children?
Grandparents? Pets? Your bathroom requirements will change
depending on the main users.
HOW WILL THE BATHROOM BE USED?
If two people are going to be sharing the use of the space at the
same time each morning, you will want to consider floor space,
designing comfortable amounts of room to carry out whatever
tasks are undertaken at the same time. If the bathroom needs to
accommodate space for one person to sit and apply make-up while
another shaves at the same time, you may want to consider double
basins and a larger mirror.
LAYOUT OPTIONS
In regards to layout, an important consideration is what will be
seen of the bathroom from the door. If a guest is walking past the
room, it may be that having the toilet in the line of vision isn’t the
best idea. Instead, ensuring the vanity and mirror are the first focal
points could make more sense.
If you’re looking at including a bath, space can become an issue in
smaller layouts, so thinking about combining a bath and shower is
often a popular solution with a shower over the tub.
KEY MEASUREMENTS
Most bathroomware products are of fairly standard dimensions. Of
course, there are countless options for different products. If you’re
looking at designing bespoke pieces, then these more standardised
measurements won’t be relevant. As a general guide though,
the following dimensions are relatively universal for standard
bathroomware and are worth considering as you develop a design
for your bathroom that allows for seamless functionality through
clever use of space.
SPACE REQUIRED AROUND BATHROOMWARE
To ensure a comfortable amount of room around each piece
in the bathroom, there are some fairly standard guidelines to
follow. While these will differ depending on individual design
requirements, the guidelines below are a good place to start:
• For ease of movement, you’ll need a minimum of 700mm of
clear space in front of the toilet, and 200mm on either side of it
• Double sinks can generally be incorporated into an area
spanning 1500mm, but it’s generally more functional if this can
be extended to at least 1800mm
• Towel rails are normally mounted around 900mm above the
floor
• If a shower has a glass enclosure, it normally reaches a
minimum of 1900mm in height from the floor
• If you have fixtures on opposite walls, a minimum space of
800mm from the front edge of each fixture to the front of the
opposing one allows for comfortable space to move around in
• With the placement of each fixture, ensure you leave enough
space for an uncluttered entryway where the door can
effortlessly open. For a standard 81cm door, aim for at least an
86cm width of surrounding space.
Key measurements
1
2
3
4
A standard bath generally measures
1740mm (d) 800mm (w) x 612mm (h)
Showers generally measure around
900mm (d) x 900mm (w)
Toilets generally measure
650mm (d) x 380mm (w) x 816mm (h)
Vanities generally measure around
395mm (d) x 460mm (w) x 900mm (h)
4
3
1
2
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IMAGE Adam Schlooz PROJECT Corey Rambhai
The practical guide to renovating
Q
Q
ASK OUR EXPERTS
We asked our team of experts to provide answers to some of their most
frequently asked bathroom renovation questions. Here’s what they had to say.
Currently, what are some of the most
popular bathroom renovation trends?
A
We are finding that our clients are loving sleek and modern
designs throughout their tile selections and bathroom
fixtures. Overall, subway tiles are still a popular choice.
They often sit at a great price point and give clients
flexibility with colour and layout options. Woodgrain joinery
is also a popular way of adding softness into a space.
Finally, in terms of fixtures, we are noticing that back-towall
bathtubs are still a go-to. They offer the convenience
of a drop-in bath, but with the aesthetic of a freestanding
model.
ROSIE REID
Refresh Renovations Project Manager in Wellington, NZ
What are some important things
to keep in mind when renovating a
bathroom for retirement?
A
An easy, accessible shower without any step-overs is best.
Go with level shower designs for wheelchair access. You
want the shower design to be easy for people to go in and
out. So no bath. Take the bath out. It really depends on the
health of the client and what stage of retirement they are
in, but grip-bars for showers and even for the toilet offers
something to hold on to for balance if a client is at a stage
where it is getting harder to walk. It’s also a good idea to
consider adding in a slightly higher, raised toilet. People find
it quite hard, as they get older and stiffer, to sit down on a
lower toilet. Standard toilets are slightly low but you can
choose to have a higher model installed. If there is room, it
helps to have walls on either side of the toilet with grab-bars
attached, so that individuals can pull themselves back up.
LIA BOERSMA
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Wellington, NZ
BATHROOM
Q
Q
What flooring materials do you recommend
for a modern bathroom?
How can I optimise the layout within my
small bathroom?
A
A
Q
How long will my bathroom renovation take?
A tiled floor for a bathroom is the most practical option.
Careful consideration needs to be taken for the selection of
flooring, and also the floor construction, to ensure that it
complies with local waterproofing standards. I recommend
a quality porcelain tile for the finished surface. A highly
polished tile should be avoided as they can be very slippery
when wet. Most tiles have a slip rating which can help assess
their suitability for bathroom flooring but it is always worth
getting advice from your local tile supplier.
PAUL CREE
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Melbourne, AU
Optimising space in a small bathroom can be a tricky
prospect. Recess everything that you can e.g. cabinets,
niches and maybe even the vanity. An in-wall cistern will
reduce your toilet’s protrusion from the wall into your
bathroom space. Try to keep the shower to a minimum of
900 x 900, and use a sliding door. Depending on the entry
point to the bathroom, the shower unit could have a curved
front. For all bathrooms, a design is required but a good
design is particularly important for small spaces to make
use of every centimetre being optimised.
COREY RAMBHAI
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Auckland, NZ
A
It's important to note that the timeline and schedule need to
be flexible. Some circumstances that could change the timeline
and schedule are delays in the delivery of materials, quality of
materials, subcontractor schedules, weather, inspections, etc.
HAYLEY ENGLISH
Refresh Renovations Specialist in Pensacola, Florida
Resene
Cavern Pink
Resene
Afficionado
34 ISSUE 031
35
With you, from design to completion
HOW TO
Solve unequal
water pressure
If taking a shower tends to be more of an unpredictable event than a comforting way to
rinse away the day, your home may have unequal water pressure. Experienced plumber
Hayden Lim has some advice on resolving this problem.
BATHROOMS
Q
What is an unequal water
pressure system?
Q
What is the best way to identify
unequal water pressure?
A
Q
A
An unequal water pressure system is
when your cold water pressure is higher
than your hot water pressure.
What causes unequal water
pressure?
It is caused by a low-pressure hot water
cylinder being installed in the house to
deliver hot water. You will typically find
this type of system in the majority of
houses built before the 2000s.
A
The easiest way for a homeowner to identify
whether or not they have unequal water
pressure is to turn on a hot tap and a cold
tap and compare the differences in water
pressure. If the cold pressure is much greater
than the hot pressure, then they more than
likely have a low-pressure hot water cylinder
installed and have an unequal water system.
Also, the homeowner may have noticed that
their shower is very temperamental and hard
to adjust to a comfortable temperature or it
fluctuates a lot; that is also a sign that it is an
unequal pressure system.
BEFORE
Q
A
How long does it take to
replace a hot water cylinder?
In most situations, a hot water cylinder
upgrade can easily be completed in one day.
Mitre 10 has everything you need
to create the bathroom you’ve
always wanted. With a stylish range
of tapware and quality vanities,
baths and showers, our bathroom
consultants can help from a refresh
to a complete renovation without
breaking the bank.
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Q
A
How can unequal water pressure
be solved?
The best way to solve the problem would be
to replace the old low-pressure hot water
cylinder and upgrade it to a mains pressure
hot water cylinder. This will give you an equal
pressure system which means the cold and
hot water pressure is the same and you will
find it a lot easier to mix the water and have a
comfortable shower.
M10 NZ Life & Leisure Ad.indd 4
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37
The practical guide to renovating
Organise your bathroom,
organise your life
City-50 drawers feature Onda Storage Accessories
What is a wet room?
Wet rooms can be deceptively simple spaces. Thought, planning and attention
to detail are all keys to creating a relaxing space where form marries function.
This is a trend driven by architects and their clients alike!
BATHROOM
SURFACE SATISFACTION
LET THE LIGHT IN
City 50 offers you 105 luxurious vanity
models, allowing you to pick the size and
configuration that best suits your bathroom.
Scan QR Code to view the City 50 range.
stmichel.co.nz
SUPERSIZE SPACE
One of the big advantages of wet
rooms is that they create the illusion
of more space in even a modestsized
bathroom. Doing away with
conventional shower screens and
trays allows the eye to travel further
without interruption. The effect can be
enhanced with a wall-mounted basin
and toilet fittings.
FOOLPROOF
WATERPROOFING
One of the biggest challenges in
creating a wet room is ensuring it
is fully waterproofed. Waterproof
surfaces should be floor-to-ceiling
and extend at least a two-metre
radius from the showerhead. A
surveyor is the best source of advice
but be prepared to install additional
waterproofing for the underlying
wall and floor structure. Tanking, for
example, is a waterproof layer applied
underneath the chosen surface finish,
providing a further layer of protection
against leakage that could cause damp
or even dry rot.
Choosing wet room surfaces is one
of the most pleasurable parts of
creating such a space. Revel in the
tactile qualities and sensual palette
of slate, marble, limestone or even
waterproofed concrete. Tiles offer a
kaleidoscopic choice of colours and
patterns, bespoke mosaics add an
indulgent and personal touch. If your
budget allows, consider underfloor
heating when planning the floor
surface. Wet rooms without heating
can be cold in winter.
WHEN LESS IS MORE
Storage is always an important
consideration in a bathroom but
even more so in a wet room where
bathroom necessities – not just lotions
and potions but also towels, toilet
paper and cleaning materials – should
be stored outside the splash zone.
Recessed or cavity cabinetry and flush
panelled cupboards make sense in this
space.
FOCUS ON FIXTURES AND
FITTINGS
The minimalist ethos that defines
the wet room allows the fixtures
and fittings that remain to take
centre stage. It also invites the use
of innovative bathware and tapware
such as freestanding baths and basins
that are plumbed from the floor.
Showerheads can be mounted from
walls or ceilings singly, in groups or
in linear arrangements. The most
efficient showerheads combine
reduced water flow with aeration to
give the feeling of a stronger flow with
less water.
An ideal bathroom design will bathe
you in ample natural light. You
might want to achieve this by having
skylights, high-up windows or frosted
windows installed. Of course, interior
lighting is also important. Staying
within the clean and spacious theme of
most wet rooms; you might want to opt
for recessed lighting and perhaps some
feature LED lighting over your vanity.
FUTURE-PROOFING
Regardless of your current age, wet
rooms offer a practical bathroom
layout for all stages of life. It’s a
waterproof zone where you don’t have
to worry about kids splashing in the
bathtub or dogs shaking dry after
you’ve given them an indoors wash.
Later in life, wet rooms provide easy
shower access with a reduced risk of
tripping and falling on your way in
and out. The low-maintenance aspects
of the space also make it ideal for all
of life’s busy stages. Overall, it’s an
accessible bathroom design that just
makes sense.
39
The practical guide to renovating
People's
choice
awards
42 46 50
KITCHEN
OF THE YEAR
BATHROOM
OF THE YEAR
CONVERSION
OF THE YEAR
International home renovation and
landscaping specialists Refresh Renovations
and Zones Landscaping asked renovation
enthusiasts to cast their votes on a range of
standout projects. These are their
People’s Choice Awards.
52 56
62
EXTENSION & EXTERIOR
OF THE YEAR
OUTDOOR PROJECTS
OF THE YEAR
WHOLE HOUSE
RENOVATION OF THE YEAR
40
ISSUE 031
The practical guide to renovating
Photography: Scott Espie
KITCHEN
OF THE
YEAR
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
BRONZE
Photography: Picturia Commercial
KITCHEN
OF THE
YEAR
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
SILVER
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Serene green: 1920's
kitchen update
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $120,000 NZD
Cooking with
cool tones
• Location: Surrey, England
• Cost: £90,000 GBP
A striking aspect of this 1920s home renovation is the
modern kitchen design. Originally featuring an outdated
layout and clashing colours, the kitchen was updated with a
new layout, sleek storage solutions, modern appliances and
a bold green tiled splashback. Every detail, from the kwila
flooring to the contemporary lighting, has contributed
to this kitchen’s elegant yet practical new personality.
Completed alongside a rumpus room, laundry and office
renovation: the home’s complete renovation was carried out
in 10 weeks within the homeowner’s $120,000 budget.
• Project duration: 10 weeks
• Challenges: Water tight issues
• Key materials: Kwila hardwood
flooring, Corian stone kitchen island
• Key features: Green splashback tiles
• Style: Scandinavian design influences
• Renovation Specialist: Corey
Rambhai, Refresh Renovations
Many of us aspire to design our dream home - and that’s just
what these homeowners did. They worked with Renovation
Specialist Kelley Malcher across every stage of their project,
ensuring the design and plans were perfect before any
construction began. The kitchen, which had not been updated
in 20 years, was central to this renovation. It was updated
to an open-plan layout with plenty of storage. From the blue
tiles to the grey furnishings, the kitchen update includes a
cohesive collection of traditional and contemporary features.
• Project duration: 2 months
• Key materials: Marble benchtops
• Key features: “Duck egg blue”
splashback tiles
• Style: Traditional/
contemporary style
• Renovation Specialist: Kelley Malcher,
Refresh Renovations
BEFORE
42 ISSUE 031
43
The practical guide to renovating
KITCHEN
OF THE
YEAR
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Scott Espie
A modern
monochromatic
masterpiece
While the original kitchen of this Auckland villa would have
been a standout in its day, it wasn’t designed with modern
living in mind. Clean lines, light colours and an open layout
have made it much more suitable for a modern family.
For the most part, the design and colour scheme has been
chosen for its simplicity - allowing the homeowners to add
their own bursts of personality through art and decoration.
However, there is one particularly unique aspect: textured
tiling along the splashback and island is illuminated by LED
lighting, creating an artistic lighting effect around the room.
The otherwise very white scheme is anchored with the
clients’ selection of black accents in tapware, light fittings
and appliances, adding some drama while keeping the
kitchen significantly lighter than its original. The overall
effect is a light and open, personalised and stylish space.
“I love the pared-down design of the kitchen so that
it looks really smart in the corner of the open-plan
living space. It allows the focus to be on the clients’
accessories, art and furniture.” - Dave Georgetti
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $50,000 NZD
• Project duration: 2 months
• Key materials: Melamine panelled
cupboards, white composite stone
benchtops
• Key features: Unique LED lighting/
tile combination
• Style: A simple colour palette allows
for personalised decorating
• Renovation Specialist: Dave
Georgetti, Refresh Renovations
44 ISSUE 031
45
The practical guide to renovating
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
BATHROOM
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
BRONZE
Marvellously
modern
bathroom
design
A pre-existing “wing wall” is now a standout
feature in this bathroom redesign. Covered
with dark grey/brown hexagon tiles, the wall
makes a statement, provides an added level
of privacy and seamlessly blends into the
custom made vanity. In contrast, the rest of
the bathroom features light colours. White
marble tiles cover the floor, white paint
brightens the walls and quality bathroom
ware all work together to achieve a simple
elegance.
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
BATHROOM
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
SILVER
PEOPLE'S KITCHEN CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Vince DeStefano
• Location: Auckland, New
Zealand
An ensuite transformed
from bland to grand
The owner of this Melbourne bathroom desperately wanted a walkin
shower but didn’t know how to make it happen within such a
limited amount of space. The solution? A cavity sliding door. Once
the space-saving door was installed, waterproofing and floor-toceiling
tiling were carried out, transforming the space into a highend
wetroom. With a floating stone-top vanity, subtle shower niche
and chrome tapware - it’s the small details that complete this design.
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Cost: $16,710 AUD
• Project duration: 3 weeks
• Key materials: Floating stonetop
vanity, chrome tapware
• Key feature: Walk-in shower
• Biggest challenge: Making
the small space feel larger
• Renovation Specialist:
Leigh McDonald, Refresh
Renovations
• Cost: $95,000 NZD
• Project duration: 8 weeks
• Key materials: Marble
flooring, engineered stone
benchtop
• Key features: Custommade
vanity
• Style: Minimalism
• Best decision: Keeping the
existing “wing wall”
• Renovation Specialist:
Dave Georgetti,
Refresh Renovations
Photography: Scott Espie
BEFORE
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The practical guide to renovating
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
BATHROOM
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
Photography: Chris Pryor, Top Snap Photography
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
The bee's knees:
Honeycomb ensuite
This renovation is a fantastic example of how a highend
result can be achieved within a limited space.
There’s no sign of it now but this ensuite was originally
unusable due to structural damage and mould - a
result of poor waterproofing. Renovation Specialist
Marcus Smith updated it to the homeowner’s
preferences.
The new, personalised design features a periodstyle
basin mixer by Phoenix, a beautiful Timberline
floating vanity and a polished concrete basin.
Natural stone hexagon tiles are eye-catching in the
large walk-in shower along with a recess for shower
products and a heated towel ladder. The glass shower
panel combined with the monochrome colours and
wet room all play key roles in making this bathroom
feel more spacious than it previously did.
Lastly, the guest powder room was upgraded to
complement the new ensuite. Sticking to the same
style; the powder room is clean, spacious and
minimal.
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Cost: $175,000 AUD (includes a deck update
as well)
• Project duration: 12 weeks (includes a deck -
Exterior of the Year page 55)
• Key materials: Natural stone hexagon tiles
• Key features: Walk-in shower, Timberline
vanity, polished concrete basin
• Style: Monochrome colour scheme
• Renovation Specialist: Marcus Smith,
Refresh Renovations
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The practical guide to renovating
Photography: Adam Schlooz
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
CONVERSION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $130,000 NZD (includes adding
a storage space and updating the
existing media room)
• Project duration: 10 weeks
• Key features: Laser-cut garage
door
• Renovation Specialist: Corey
Rambhai, Refresh Renovations
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Light and bright
home office garage
conversion
Renovation Specialist Corey Rambhai helped these
homeowners re-design, re-construct and re-decorate
their dark, cluttered garage into an inviting and practical
home office. A standout aspect of this conversion is
the laser-cut garage door which lets plenty of natural
light in. This, paired with the newly painted walls, adds
a fresh, spacious feel to the office. Custom storage was
installed, allowing the homeowners to keep their tools
tidy and enjoy a relaxed office environment. A desk area
with office cabinetry and new office-friendly lighting
complete the space. Now comfortably working from
home, the homeowners are enjoying their “welcoming
and functional” office.
“The garage door is the wow statement.
Now, everything has a place. It’s clean, fresh
and decluttered. The office is welcoming
and functional." - Michelle Devereux-Rangi,
Refresh Renovations Specialist
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The practical guide to renovating
A Scandi
style home
office
extension
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
EXTENSION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
BRONZE
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
EXTENSION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
SILVER
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Elfs Photography
Photography: Elfs Photography
Extending provided an ideal work-from-home solution for this
homeowner. Staying consistent with the rest of the home, polished
timber flooring was chosen for the new home office. While the style
of the office is simple, every detail has been carefully thought-out.
A window in the corner of the room provides ample natural light
in conjunction with modern recessed lighting. A powder room was
included within the extension, which adds to the privacy of the office.
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
Growing home for
a growing family
Needing a house that could match their growing family,
these homeowners opted to add a second storey bedroom
and bathroom to their two-bedroom, one-bathroom home.
To achieve this, they also needed to extend the ground floor
of their home to create room for a staircase. This five-month
renovation resulted in a brand new upstairs bedroom and
bathroom as well as an airy, bright downstairs update.
The new design makes the most out of every space within
the home - including the stairway which houses a hidden
laundry. Upstairs, Baltic pine flooring and white floor-toceiling
paint creates a natural and calming bedroom space
while the bathroom design exudes style and functionality.
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Cost: $205,000 AUD
• Project duration: 5 months
• Key materials: Baltic pine flooring
• Key features: New bedroom,
bathroom and staircase
• Biggest challenge: Height restrictions
required the build of a vaulted ceiling
• Renovation Specialist: Paul Cree,
Refresh Renovations
• Cost: $67,000 AUD
• Project duration: 3 months
• Key materials: Polished timber flooring
• Top trend: Scandinavian design
• Best decision: Lightweight construction
methods helped to keep costs down
• Biggest challenge: Carrying out construction
on a boundary meant a fire-rated boundary
wall was required
• Renovation Specialist: Paul Cree,
Refresh Renovations
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The practical guide to renovating
Cabin fever:
Ground floor
bedroom
extension
BEFORE
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
EXTENSION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
EXTERIOR
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Chris Pryor, Top Snap Photography
A Victorian deck
that delivers
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Cost: $175,000 AUD (includes
an ensuite update as well)
Photography: David Dolphin
Having already carried out extension work out on their stone-built
Georgian-style home in the past, these homeowners wanted to keep
their newest extension project as consistent as possible with the
home’s existing design. Cedarwood cladding was used to maintain
this consistency on the exterior. Inside, the bedroom is almost a
new home in itself. Triple stacked doors connect a small patio to a
spacious bedroom that features air conditioning, a soft new carpet,
fresh paint, modern lighting and a generous walk-in wardrobe.
Within 12 weeks of work, the owners of this peaceful Wanaka
property were able to provide their guests with a relaxed and private
room of their own.
Originally, this outdoor area wasn’t only lacking in shade - guttering
and drainage issues were causing rainwater to run into the home’s
living room. The homeowners worked with local Renovation
Specialist Marcus Smith to rectify these issues whilst optimising
the lifestyle aspects of their Merbau deck. The Merbau decking was
extended to create a more serviceable space and an Ultimate Louvre
Roof system was installed. To complement the space, Marcus and
his team installed a high-performance slimline strip heater and a
first-class motorised blind that now filters the light and weather on
the western side. The newly improved deck area brings a relaxed,
luxury element to the home.
• Project duration: 12 weeks
(includes an ensuite -
Bathroom of the Year page 48)
• Key materials: Merbau decking
• Key features: Ultimate Louvre
roof system
• Renovation Specialist: Marcus
Smith, Refresh Renovations
• Location: Wanaka, New Zealand
• Cost: $88,000 NZD
• Project duration: 12 weeks
• Key features: Large walk-in wardrobe, triplestacking
slider door
• Renovation Specialist: David Dolphin,
Refresh Renovations
BEFORE
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The practical guide to renovating
OUTDOOR
ROOM OF
THE YEAR
ZONES LANDSCAPING
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
BRONZE
OUTDOOR
ROOM OF
THE YEAR
ZONES LANDSCAPING
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
SILVER
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Scott Espie
Photography: Scott Espie
A sun-soaked
backyard oasis
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $100,000 NZD
Poolside paradise:
A year-round escape
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $130,000 NZD
There are three defined focus points within this backyard design.
The first area of focus is the outdoor dining area which sits on
a heightened platform of coloured concrete and is sheltered by a
louvre roof system. Kwila steps lead down into the second living
area: a relaxed outdoor lounge that is sheltered by trees. Lastly,
a summer favourite, the swimming pool area is enclosed within
clear glass fencing. Different levels work together beautifully
with planter boxes to separate each of these areas into their own
unique living spaces.
• Project duration: 2 months
• Key materials: Kwila deck, coloured
concrete, sealer pine retaining, Glass
Vice fencing
• Key features: Louvre roof system
• Landscaping Specialist: Boyd and
Matt Gillespie, Zones Landscaping
Despite being designed around a swimming pool, this outdoor space
was created with year-round use in mind. Landscaping Specialist
Rose Bridge worked with the homeowners to check-off their wishlist
which included a fade-resistant hardwood deck, an outdoor
fire that doubles as a pizza oven, a Weber BBQ, a louvre roof and
a custom made storage bench. To complete the space, outdoor
lighting was installed and garden landscaping was carried out.
• Project duration: 6 weeks
• Key materials: Garapa
hardwood decking, wooden/
concrete storage bench
• Key features: Flare fireplace
• Landscaping Specialist: Rose
Bridge, Zones Landscaping
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The practical guide to renovating
OUTDOOR
ROOM OF
THE YEAR
ZONES LANDSCAPING
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Scott Espie
A sleek suburban
sanctuary
Although it’s located within New Zealand’s most populated
city, this backyard feels private and peaceful. Its design
flows effortlessly from the home's interior, providing the
homeowners and their guests with a smart and modern
outdoor living area.
Artificial turf allows the homeowners to live in a mudfree
zone throughout the winter. It also provides an easy
maintenance solution in comparison to their original lawn.
Vitex decking now offers an aesthetic contrast between the
open and covered areas, while a louvre roof allows sunlight
to stream through in the summer while providing sealed
coverage in the winter. The outdoor fireplace and spa area
are the final touches, creating some winter warmth.
“It has all come together really well. I would have
to say my favourite features are the louvre and
the fireplace. The louvre guys have been really
good to work with. All of the suppliers were very
accommodating and helped us through some
tricky little problems. We’re very impressed!” - Matt,
homeowner.
• Location: Auckland,
New Zealand
• Cost: $96,000
• Project duration: 9 weeks
• Key materials: Vitex
decking, artificial turf
• Key features: Outdoor
fireplace, spa area
• Top trend: Louvre roof
• Best decision: Fixing
timber decking onto the
concrete to
save on costs
• Landscaping Specialist:
Kate Ryan, Zones
Landscaping
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The practical guide to renovating
ZONES LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPE OF
THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
ZONES LANDSCAPING
GARDEN OF
THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Dom Birley
Photography: Matthew Wilkinson
Beachside bliss:
A peaceful landscape
• Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
• Cost: $100,000 NZD
Follow the tropical
yellow brick road
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $100,000 NZD
Hoping to establish an improved outdoor living area within a
new garden design, these homeowners worked with Landscape
Architect Nichola Vague to develop their ideas. They wanted
their garden to suit the cottage style of their home, so a green
and white garden with iceberg roses became a prominent
aspect of the design. On the seaside section of the property, a
subtropical theme was introduced using specimen bromeliads,
cycads and palm trees. Completed with pavers, painting work,
trellis screening, a louvre roof, outdoor lighting and new
gardens - the new design is a cohesive blend of old and new.
• Project duration: Carried out in
4-week stages over 1 year
• Key materials: Concrete pavers, timber
trellis, louvre roof, retaining walls
• Key features: Cottage/subtropical
garden themes
• Landscaping Specialist:
Nichola Vague, Zones Landscaping
After living in their beautiful Mediterranean-style home for
over 30 years, the owners decided that it was time to carry out
work that would preserve the style of their outdoor area. Their
local Landscaping Specialist Matthew Wilkinson worked with
them to improve and extend the pathways around their home.
To complete this work, Matthew first had to address a range of
drainage issues throughout the property. Once this was done,
Matthew’s team installed terracotta cobble tiled pathways (to
suit the existing cobble tiles used for the pool patio).
• Project duration: 5 months
• Key materials: Terracotta cobble
tiles, steel garden edging
• Key features: Pathway upgrade
• Best decision: New drainage
• Landscaping Specialist: Matthew
Wilkinson, Zones Landscaping
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REFRESH RENOVATIONS
FULL HOUSE
RENOVATION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
BRONZE
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
FULL HOUSE
RENOVATION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
SILVER
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Sara Tansy
Photography: Sara Tansy
A lively kitchen with
a dash of colour
• Location: Wellington, New
Zealand
Black is back:
A kitchen with an edge
• Location: Wellington, New Zealand
• Cost: $377,000 NZD
This family’s wish-list included an open-plan kitchen/dining area, a
bathroom renovation, adding a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite into the
master bedroom, as well as a new deck with stairs and a balustrade.
The original living area featured a classic design which included timber
flooring, a chandelier and stunning mountain views. However, a modern
update allowed for more functionality. The walls and ceiling were
repainted, the timber flooring switched out for easy-to-clean laminate
flooring and the chandelier was replaced with modern pendant lighting.
The upper deck was rebuilt with timber - with new stairs leading to the
ground-level deck. A sliding door with double glazing was also installed,
which brings light and warmth into the house.
• Cost: $320,000 NZD
• Project duration: 8 months
• Key materials: Laminate
flooring, timber deck, glass
balustrade
• Renovation Specialist: Steve
Wang, Refresh Renovations
These homeowners wanted to completely modernise
their home’s interior, largely focusing on the kitchen and
bathrooms. They also wanted new flooring, stairs and paint
work. In the bathrooms; they opted for floor-to-ceiling tiling
and granite vanities. Their high-gloss kitchen has been
designed to perfection and finished with engineered stone
benchtops and high-end appliances. Throughout the home,
timber flooring adds texture. However, the stairs are perhaps
the standout feature of the home thanks to the striking colour
scheme and sophisticated glass balustrade.
• Project duration: 4 ½ months
• Key materials: Timber flooring,
engineered stone benchtops,
granite bathroom vanities
• Key features: Bubble massage
bath, glass balustrade
• Renovation Specialist: Steve
Wang, Refresh Renovations
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The practical guide to renovating
REFRESH RENOVATIONS
FULL HOUSE
RENOVATION
OF THE YEAR
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
GOLD
• Location: Wellington, New
Zealand
• Cost: $725,000 NZD
• Project duration: 9 months
• Key materials: Matai timber
flooring, stone benchtops
• Key features: 160sqm of
updated living space
• Renovation Specialist: Mark
Morrison, Refresh Renovations
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Photography: Helen Gwyther
A bungalow fit
for a family
Adding a basement to your bungalow is no small task but,
for these homeowners, it was as easy as moving out and
returning nine months later to a completely new home. In
addition to adding a second storey beneath the existing
house, the project focused on the property’s outdoor area,
kitchen and open-plan living area. New matai timber
flooring was installed in areas throughout the home,
creating a natural and high-quality finish. In the kitchen,
the homeowners opted for a clean, modern style - adding
a pop of colour through their choice in splashback. The
dining area and window seat look out into the backyard
through large windows and french doors - which soak the
living areas in light. Combined with the indoor layout, the
deck provides fantastic indoor/outdoor flow - ideal for
hosting summer barbeques.
“It was a very involved renovation and the clients
had to be out of the house for nine months - but it
created a great new home. It saw the living spaces
transformed and almost the entire house upgraded
to modern, high-quality specifications.”
- Mark Morrison
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Before
and
afters
A spacious
and glossy
open plan
space
BEFORE
These kitchens, bathrooms and openplan
spaces went from dated and
eclectic to modern and personalised.
Take inspiration from a traditionalstyle
butler’s pantry, an elegant deepblue
bathroom or a spacious and
stylish open-plan family kitchen and
living room.
Photography: Scott Espie
What was originally a small corner kitchen was transformed into
a functional and spacious living space within this three-month
upgrade. The project involved an extension, new flooring and a
complete kitchen and living room makeover.
To make the roof compliant, timber structures were added to the
roof space. Soft strip lighting, plenty of storage and a new layout
have optimised the kitchen for modern living.
The new kitchen and living area now perfectly cater to
family living. The open-plan design allows for socialising and
multitasking, while the white paired with wood creates an elegant
yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Cost: $200,000
• Build duration: 3 months
• Challenges: The original roofing
structure required additional support
during the extension
• Interesting features: Bi-fold kitchen
window
• Renovation Specialist: Corey Rambhai,
Refresh Renovations
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The practical guide to renovating
Black and
white unite in
this modern
kitchen
BEFORE
From classic
clutter to a
green dream
kitchen
BEFORE
BEFORE AND AFTERS
Photography: Elfrem Chan, Elfs Photography
Photography: Caitlin Withers
On their kitchen’s 10-year anniversary, these homeowners
decided it was time for a change. They wanted to optimise
their kitchen, of course, but the biggest goal on their wishlist
was to build a butler's pantry. Design and build specialist
Leigh McDonald showed them how to achieve this within
their limited kitchen space.
The couples’ dream bespoke butler’s pantry was constructed
with plenty of overhead shelving, cabinets, bench space, a
new fridge and an extra sink. A cupboard caddy was installed
to suit new internal corner cabinets and LED strip lighting
was installed under the overhead shelving in both the kitchen
and pantry.
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Cost: $52,000 AUD
• Project duration: 3+ weeks (timeline
pushed out due to COVID)
• Key materials: Engineered quartz
countertops + splashbacks
• Key features: New butler’s pantry
• Top trend: White and black colour
palette with gold accents
• Renovation Specialist: Leigh
McDonald, Refresh Renovations
Bright, spacious and unique; you can say with confidence that this
brick apartment is no longer stuck in the 1960s. Instead, it joins the
pace of the modern world - with a hint of its original oomph. The new
open-plan layout makes it much more spacious and functional while
the moveable island bench offers unique versatility. Both sides of the
island bench offer storage while the centre provides an obvious spot
for social clusters. The dark “sea green” splashback tiles offer a pop of
colour whilst offering a nod to the kitchen’s original style.
“A colour consultant was brought in during the
concept process to pick the kitchen () tiles - the
client wanted the new tiles to stay within the age
of the original apartment without being too retro.”
- Guy Allenby
• Location: Sydney, Australia
• Cost: $60,000 AUD
• Project duration: 3 months
• Key features: Dark “sea green”
splashback tiling
• Renovation Specialist: Guy
Allenby, Refresh Renovations
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A light
and bright
bathroom
makeover
BEFORE
Join the
navy:
A touch
of elegance
BEFORE
BEFORE AND AFTERS
Photography: Anthony Litton from AEV Real Estate Photography®
Photography: Sara Letan
It wasn’t all smooth sailing during this Pensacola bathroom
renovation. During the demolition of the original bathroom,
the Project Manager discovered damage caused by a squirrel.
Professional project management helped to rectify this quickly
so that a new modern, spacious design could be implemented.
New luxury vinyl flooring was installed over the existing floor
tiles as well as modern cabinetry and quartz countertops.
The old windows were replaced with frosted glass and a new
toilet and glass/Corian shower were installed. With new paint,
a retextured ceiling and a few new accessories - the original
bathroom is now unrecognizable.
• Location: Pensacola, Florida
• Project duration: 22 weeks
• Challenges: Hidden damage,
caused by a squirrel
• Key materials: Quartz countertops,
luxury vinyl plank flooring
• Renovation Specialist: Hayley
English, Refresh Renovations
Deciding that it was time to move on from their timber
panelled bathroom and toilet, these Wellington homeowners
contacted Refresh Renovations to discuss a new design.
Their local Renovation Specialist Lia Boersma worked with
them to develop a design, build and interior makeover of the
two spaces.
Before the makeover could begin, the bathroom had to be
stripped back and have its rotten framing and flooring
replaced. The spaces were then updated with new floor tiles,
dados, paintwork and bathroomware. The final result is
elegant and personalised - with detailed wall panelling and a
striking mix of white, black and deep blue colours.
• Location: Wellington, New Zealand
• Project duration: 10 weeks
• Challenges: Hidden floor damage
• Key features: Paneled wall detailing
and dados
• Renovation Specialist: Lia Boersma,
Refresh Renovations
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The practical guide to renovating
Living
spaces
Increasingly, homeowners are leaning
toward multi-functional living spaces. For
some clever design ideas on achieving
functional open-plan designs, indooroutdoor
flow and home office spaces:
keep reading.
TO
YOURS
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73
The practical guide to renovating
Living checklist
Out of the following, what features are important to you and your home?
SHOULD I RENOVATE, ADD OR EXTEND?
Bedroom
Living area
Study/office area
Kids playroom
Media room/home theatre
Garage, basement or attic conversion
Home gym
Sunroom/conservatory
WHAT IS MY RENOVATION PURPOSE?
Future proofing (retirement)
Child-proofing
Luxury renovation
Eco-renovation
Updating
Increasing space/storage
Creating indoor/outdoor flow
Pet-friendly renovation
DESIGN, STYLE + LAYOUT
Windows – particular style, shape or size
Natural light – large windows, skylights etc.
Open plan design
Staircases and railings
Doors – sliding, bifold, french doors etc.
STORAGE + CABINETRY
Shelving storage & storage cupboards
Built-in storage
Walk-in-wardrobes
Window seat with built-in storage
Under-stair storage
Increasing attic/basement/garage storage
APPLIANCES + ELECTRICALS
Powerpoints
Wiring for TV, music or Internet
Automated smart home systems or smart security systems
Wall-mounted TV screens
Lighting – feature or task lighting, dimmers etc.
Ventilation – ducted system or other
Heating & cooling – HVACs, fans, radiators, fireplaces etc.
FINISHINGS
Insulation – underfloor, walls and/or ceiling
Flooring – wood, tiles, carpet, concrete etc.
Paint - colour, brand, feature walls
Carpentry work
Window dressings - roller blinds, Venetian blinds, shutters etc.
Key things to consider
• Have you determined your budget?
• Have you thought about your top priorities?
• Have you checked your calendar for the most
convenient time of year to renovate?
• Have you considered how the renovation will
affect the way you live and how you’ll work
around it?
• Have you checked how removing walls will
affect the weight bearing of the home?
• Have you established the thematic look and
style of your interiors?
STANDOUT
FEATURE
RESENE
AXOLOTL
LIVING SPACES
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is the material most commonly specified,
along with insulation and a system of
drainage pipes that lead the water away
from your house. It’s worth planning this
part of the renovation carefully to ensure
your new living space is sealed properly
and stays dry long-term.
Ventilation is key for a healthy and
comfortable basement extension, so
make sure you factor a heating and
ventilation system into your renovation
plans. This could be as easy as adding
a single unit electric heat pump but can
also include underfloor heating which is
especially practical in a basement as it
keeps the floor warm and the rooms dry.
Be sure to install proper insulation first.
LOFT CONVERSIONS
Loft conversions typically require
structural and foundational work, as the
original house was not built to hold the
weight of a second storey. In many cases,
extra steel or timber beams need to be
installed to support the new first floor.
Keeping the number of steel beams down
– and using timber for strengthening
where possible – will help you keep
your building costs down. In addition to
the new steel or timber sub-structure,
often the existing flooring needs to be
underpinned and strengthened. This kind
of foundation work is usually the biggest
unknown factor in terms of renovation
costs – until it’s been properly designed
and engineered by your architect.
Generally speaking, the steeper the pitch
of your roof the more likely it is that
your roof will be suitable for conversion.
However, any work done on a roof
requires a scaffold or edge protection,
which will add to the cost of your project.
Weather-proofing during the build is
one of the main concerns when the roof
has to be removed. Full scaffolding that
can be wrapped in plastic shrink wrap
is a good option that provides watertightness
and allows the builders to work
in any weather, thus helping to avoid
weather-related delays that can be costly
both in terms of time and money.
Skylight windows are the most costeffective
window style to install. They
let in plenty of light; however, as they
are flush with the roofline they will
not help create any more headroom.
Dormer windows create this precious
extra headroom that protrudes from the
sloping roof, so they are a great option
when you want to maximise the available
attic space. If your budget allows, you can
even consider installing French doors or
sliding doors with a glass balustrade or
small balcony. These solutions create
the feeling of a more open space and let
natural light flood in.
With all of this extra building work
required, it’s not surprising that loft
conversions are typically more expensive
than same level extensions. They do,
however, allow you to maximise space
while maintaining the home’s footprint,
which is often key in denser, urban areas.
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LIVING SPACES
Basement and
loft conversions
These days, many people are deciding
to stay in their homes and maximise the
space they've got. Especially if you’re in
a neighbourhood you love; a conversion
can provide the best solution to creating
an additional bedroom, office, games
room or unique space.
BASEMENT CONVERSIONS
With section sizes and lawn space at a
premium, plus height and boundary
limitations in place in most urban
settings, basement conversions are fast
becoming a renovation style of choice for
creating additional living space.
Getting architectural plans drawn up
for your project is one of the first steps
to get your renovation underway. When
excavating or converting a basement
space, engineering work is typically
necessary to provide sufficient support.
This is a major cost influencer, so a large
percentage of your renovation costs will
be determined by the kind of structural
and foundation work that will need to be
done. Extending your home below ground
level is generally more expensive than a
same level home extension because more
work is required.
The main concern with a basement
conversion is how to support and protect
your existing house. First of all, the
existing structure requires propping.
When the building phase begins, strong
foundations need to be put in place to
ensure your extension will support the
main house. This typically requires steel
and concrete structures. The soil type of
your property may have an impact on the
cost, as loose or unstable soil such as ash
or sand may require more work.
Apart from structural work, one of the
most important issues is creating a
watertight space. Solid sheet membrane
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LIVING SPACES
Resene
Clever storage tricks
Intelligent storage solutions make use
of space in any room of the home –
bedrooms, bathrooms, lounge, office,
garage or even under the stairwell. We
take a look at some clever renovation
ideas that will provide homes of all
sizes with more space. Used correctly,
these methods will ensure you never
need to turn to self-storage as a
decluttering solution.
KITCHEN AND LIVING ROOM
STORAGE
Make the most out of the kitchen space
you have available through kitchen island
drawers, floor-to-ceiling cupboards
or built-in storage. Especially in small
kitchens, dish rack stands create clutter
and a lack of space. One way to resolve
this is to install a slide-out dish drying
cabinet. Butler’s pantries are another
great storage solution to make use of
as you move between your kitchen and
living spaces.
Resene
Bite Me
Resene
Arrowtown
Concealed floor-to-ceiling cabinets are
ideal if you would like ample storage
space for your TV, DVDs and non-display
items. Use display shelves for sentimental
items such as treasured photographs,
ornaments and books. For a touch of
sophistication, consider a built-in wine
rack.
BATHROOM AND LAUNDRY
STORAGE
Organisation plays a key role in bathroom
storage. Adding storage containers to
draws keeps products laid out separately
and easy to see. Built-in shelves, within
the shower cubicle or next to the toilet,
is a great small space storage solution.
A decent sized mirror cabinet is another
worthwhile investment.
If your bathroom and laundry are in the
same room, cavity sliding doors are an
effective way to create some separation.
Another option is to create a laundry
closet. If you have the space, installing
a linen cupboard next to the laundry is
ideal, along with a built-in ironing board.
BEDROOM AND WARDROBE
STORAGE
If you don’t have the luxury of a walk-in
wardrobe, a ceiling-mounted clothes rail
provides easy access to clothes and leaves
space for further storage underneath.
Drawer organisers save a lot of time and
can be used for underwear, pants and
casual tops.
Bed bases that include drawers are a
useful addition to small bedrooms. If you
have a bit more space to work with, place
an ottoman or storage chest at the end
of the bed, which can double as a seat. If
you’re really challenged for space, a foldup
bed could work wonders.
Loft beds work well in children’s rooms
and result in plenty of room underneath
for a desk, reading nook or play area.
Loft beds can be designed from scratch
to include a range of features, including
children’s wardrobes and drawers.
OFFICE AND WORKSPACE
STORAGE
Cube shelving is a great office storage
solution, as everything you need is on
display and is easy to access. Having a
display space on the wall behind your
desk is helpful. This might be in the
form of a display wall or be as simple as
a hanging pinboard. A display space like
this is a useful place to keep a calendar,
reminders and any daily inspiration.
If you only have a small amount of space
to work with, a fold-up desk could be an
efficient choice. If you are attempting
to create an office space within a larger
living area, consider renovating the space
so that you can have your own private
nook to work in.
Resene
Natural
GARAGE STORAGE
Anaglypta
wallpaper
collection
RD7100
Never underestimate the difference
that shelf storage, slat walls and storage
trunks can make to your garage.
Smaller items can be stored in boxes or
containers on wall shelving, while tools
of all sorts can be hung from slat walls.
If you have kids in the house, keep any
dangerous tools stored in a secure
storage box or on high shelving.
UNDER-STAIR STORAGE
Stairways provide a great opportunity
for creative storage. The space
underneath can be used as a reading
nook, library, cupboard, hidden laundry
or desk space - to name a few ideas.
The stairs themselves can be converted
into slide-out drawers or storage units.
If you don’t have stairs to work with,
a built-in bench with cubed storage
shelves underneath can be a useful
space to store and put on shoes. bags
and keys tidy and easy to find.
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Like you,
we’re proudly
building for
New Zealand.
Extending your home
LIVING SPACES
Every day, passionate and dedicated
professionals come together as an industry
for the good of all New Zealanders. It’s
something we’re proud to have been a
trusted part of for over 90 years.
gib.co.nz/homeowner
Homeowner Support
Do you love your location and home but don’t have the space to accommodate your
family’s growing needs? A house extension could be the perfect solution.
With current house prices making it difficult for homeowners
to purchase just what they need, house extensions provide
families with a way to design living spaces that perfectly meet
their requirements. Whether you need more lounge space,
additional bedrooms or improved indoor-outdoor flow, clever
renovation projects can usually adapt your home’s floor plan
to suit your lifestyle.
SAME-LEVEL EXTENSIONS
Ground floor extensions are typically more affordable than
converting a loft or excavating basement space. Smaller
renovations may work out slightly more expensive per square
metre than larger renovations, as many of the overheads
(such as council permits) stay the same. It’s best to get a fixed
price from your builder before the project starts, to ensure
your renovation comes in on budget. If your budget is tight,
focus on the things you really need and start a list of possible
‘wants’ to add to your home further down the track.
If you are trying to achieve more space through your
extension, an open-plan layout with good indoor-outdoor
flow is a great way of creating the perception of more space.
One of the most common alterations is the creation of one
large living/dining/kitchen space. Opening up walls is usually
a straightforward process, however, load-bearing walls may
need to be strengthened which would incur additional costs.
Any electrical or plumbing points within the wall would also
have an impact on the overall cost. Other considerations
might include insulation, cladding and finishing materials.
If you are looking to simply remove a non-load-bearing wall
between two rooms, you may be able to get this taken out and
tidied within one day.
SECOND STOREY EXTENSIONS
Extending up will save your valuable outdoor area and unlock
any potential district or water views, whilst providing clearly
defined living and sleeping zones within your home.
It is best to have a renovation builder on board right from
the get-go. A renovation builder will provide the cost of the
exact work to be undertaken based on the concept drawings
and working drawings translated from your initial ideas.
A renovation builder has overall responsibility to deliver
the results on time and within budget. They will use their
knowledge and expertise to deal with any delays or disruptions
and the many trades and authorities that need to be involved
during the process. Costing a renovation builder into your
budget is highly recommended.
An important aspect of any second storey extension is
choosing stairs that will work within your home. Carpet
wrapped steps are your most cost-effective option when
it comes to stairways. A set of straight stairs are easiest to
build and install and are hence very affordable. Depending
on your space and requirements, however, a set of turning
stairs might be required. If you choose materials such as
hardwood timber or glass for the steps or the balustrade, this
will increase the cost. Floating steps or curved staircases – in
the upper regions when it comes to price – add a bit of drama
and visual impact. Floor level lighting and art embedded into
the steps add to the wow factor.
BASEMENT EXTENSIONS
If you can’t extend outwards or upwards, there is another
way. You could consider a basement building extension or
basement conversion, using the ground beneath your house to
gain that valuable extra space. Basement building extensions
are becoming increasingly popular - the prohibitive cost of
climbing the housing ladder means that extending an existing
property is an appealing option for those looking for extra
space.
Adding a basement to an existing property requires extensive
excavation but it’s a good option for when there’s no other
way to gain extra space. It’s often possible to add the cost of
an extension on to your mortgage, especially if you have a
good amount of equity in your property. A basement building
extension also adds value to your house, making it a great
opportunity for homeowners and investors alike.
There are a number of technical considerations when
building or converting a basement. Primarily, this includes
getting permission from your local planning authority,
meeting building regulations and understanding the type of
soil you’re excavating. Once these necessities are in order,
you need to consider natural light, ventilation, circulation,
and waterproofing.
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A TASTE
OF COLOUR
IMAGE Melanie Jenkins
LIVING SPACES
If it’s one thing you can be sure of, trends never stand
still. We asked the Resene experts to give us a taste of
what’s trending for this season.
PAINTS Resene
1. COLOUR COMBOS. Pairing colours is where it’s at.
Warm greys paired with tan, camel, terracotta and brownblacks,
for instance. “The combination of black on tan or
tan on black is a smart choice,” says interior designer and
colour consultant Debbie Abercrombie. “Also, keep an eye
out for ochres and colours of cracked earth. The key is
seeing colour in combination. Colours isolated are often
not the wow we are looking for. It is how we combine them.”
RESENE SOOTHE
2. MAXIMALISM. Forget minimalism and its
constraints. Make a move towards maximalism – one of
the hottest styles in interior design. A blend of historical
design and colours, layers and textures, and mixed artwork
allows the maximalist to create an interior that not only
melds the patina of time with contemporary decor but
creates an interior that is vastly unique. “Maximalism
allows you to let your imagination loose” says Rebecca
Long, Resene Colour Expert. “The key here is to connect
the dots and play close attention to design elements, such
as repetition and shape, to build your scheme.”
RESENE AVALANCHE
3. GROUNDED NEUTRALS. Earthier, honest
neutrals are right on trend. Choose a colour palette
of earthy browns, tans, warm greys and greens – and
especially terracotta. “Terracotta is making a comeback
and it isn't just limited to pots,” says Rebecca. “Pair colours
such as Resene Entourage and Resene Desperado with
classic timber stains such as Resene Pitch Black and
Resene Natural.”
RESENE ALABASTER
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The practical guide to renovating
Is open-plan
right for you?
It’s definitely trendy - but will an open-plan
layout suit your lifestyle?
LIVING SPACES
Thanks to the plethora of home renovation programmes
that populate our various TV channels and the lifestyle
magazines that fill our newsagents’ shelves, the concept
of open-plan living is high on everyone’s agenda. But
despite the impression given on the small screen, it’s
often not as simple as it seems, especially if you’re
hoping to knock down walls and move services around.
If you’re keen to rethink your internal space this spring,
you’ll need a combination of sensitivity, creativity and
meticulous planning.
WILL IT SUIT THE STYLE OF YOUR HOME?
The first consideration is suitability. Open-plan is all
very well, but it’s definitely more suited to certain styles
of properties. Barn conversions and contemporary
houses can accommodate open-plan spaces brilliantly,
but character cottages and period properties are imbued
with a different personality, so it’s vital to ensure that
your plans won’t damage the spirit of the original
building. That said, it’s still possible to rethink the
internal space of an older house to give it a modern flow
that better suits today’s lifestyle requirements. Terraced
houses, for example, are ideal for open-plan living, while
country cottages major on cosy, self-contained rooms.
It’s also worth remembering that restoring an older
home to its former configuration can be expensive, if not
impossible; so it’s advisable to stop, pause and to think
carefully before proceeding.
WHY OPEN-PLAN?
Once you’ve established that your property is suitable
for open-plan, ask yourself why you’re doing it. What are
the objectives for the update? Are you hoping to create
space, increase the amount of natural daylight, build a
closer connection with the garden or simply enable the
whole family to spend more time together?
It’s questionable as to whether rethinking your internal
space will automatically add value, but there’s no
doubt that improving your quality of life is the perfect
motivation for refreshing your configuration. In extreme
circumstances, it may be preferable to move rather than
attempt to force the existing space to deliver what you’re
hoping for, but in the majority of cases, it can be possible
to realise your dream within the existing structure.
WILL YOU NEED MULTIPURPOSE SPACES?
Raised areas, bi-fold doors and furniture such as
bookcases and storage solutions can all help to
create different areas for different activities without
compromising the open-plan philosophy. Colour schemes
can have a huge impact on the look and feel of an openplan
space. Neutral tones provide the opportunity for
splashes of colour in cushions and artwork, while a
strong feature wall can help to define a specific zone.
The type of flooring you select will also have a significant
effect. Hard flooring is practical but can also be noisy.
Rugs are excellent for softening but aren’t practical in
areas used for food preparation or dining, and they can
present a trip hazard for young and old alike, so think
carefully about the floor you would like to lay. Dimmer
switches and concealed lighting are clever ways of subtly
illuminating the space, while the colour and style of your
internal doors will also contribute to the overall effect.
Wooden doors can become a feature of the space, while
painted doors tend to recede into the background.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SAFETY?
One area of an open-plan renovation that must be
considered is fire safety. A downstairs space that
includes an open kitchen presents a greater fire risk,
so the standard advice is that all first-floor bedroom
windows must be egress windows to ensure they act
as escape routes. It’s vital not only to fit smoke alarms
throughout the ground floor and the upstairs landing but
also to test them regularly.
WHAT WILL YOUR IDEAL LAYOUT LOOK LIKE?
The design phase should also include some visualisation
of the end result. Where will you want to eat? What about
the outlook? What will be the focus when you’re relaxing
on the sofa? How will you move around the space? How
far will the dining table be from the kitchen area? How
quiet will the space be? Will you be able to hear the
television or stereo when the dishwasher is running or
the children are playing? Ultimately, open-plan is about
making different rooms work together rather than
creating one cavernous space, and that’s where the real
design skill comes in.
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The practical guide to renovating
Converting your home
garage to a living space
LIVING SPACES
For most of us, buying a home is a dream come true and, once the boxes are
unpacked, we happily settle into furnishing and embellishing our very own
little haven of comfort and homeliness.
As time goes on, we typically grow in size. Our needs,
wants and desires change and, very often, our little slice of
paradise can’t keep up with our changing world.
In this age of discard and throw away what we no longer
want, the obvious solution to a house you’ve outgrown is to
sell, move on and take the happy memories with you. But
why not take a step back and look at what you have and
invest some time and energy into rezoning, repurposing
and reinventing your existing rooms and spaces and
making them work for you? Do you really need a garage
that once housed a car but is now full of stuff that you
might one-day use?
Converting your garage into a liveable room will not only
add value to your home but will also go a long way toward
meeting the demands of modern-day living. We live in an
age where a study, media room, games room, rumpus room
or teenage retreat are now standard inclusions in the floor
plans of most new builds.
GETTING STARTED
The first step in the process is to decide on the purpose
of the new room. Will it be a bedroom, study or perhaps a
media room? Is there enough available space to achieve the
desired purpose?
You will, firstly, need to make sure the garage is structurally
sound. The foundations will need to be checked to make
sure they can take the increased load of the wall and room
modifications.
Garage walls are typically single brick, so the walls will need
a moisture barrier, which is linked to a damp proof course.
This will then need to be insulated. A good way to do this is
to fit self-insulted plasterboard on treated batons. Another
method would be to lay some internal blockwork with
appropriate insulation in the cavity.
CEILING HEIGHT
Different regions have different rules surrounding ceiling
height for habitable rooms. If your garage ceiling is too low,
you will need to consider some ways to meet these height
requirements. Raising the roof is often the best option as
the concrete slab of a garage floor can be both costly and
difficult to remove. The roof is likely to need a complete
upgrade with insulation to make sure it conforms to
building regulations.
RAINWATER DRAINAGE
Quite often the fall of a driveway is on a slant with rainwater
running into a drain at the end of the driveway and in front
of the garage door. This should be addressed during your
design process to ensure rainwater is diverted away from
the habitable space.
FLOORING CONSIDERATIONS
The concrete slab of a garage floor is usually not built to
residential standards and is unlikely to have a damp proof
membrane (DPM). This will need to be added along with
insulation. As an alternative, you could lay a suspended
timber floor. Consult your local renovation specialist for
the most appropriate solution for your garage.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
All buildings should be energy efficient and conform
to building regulations in terms of windows, doors,
insulation and general airtightness. The amount of
heat that can pass through the glass and framework
is measured as a U-Value (rate of heat transfer) and
should not exceed the stated requirements. You will
need to make sure there is sufficient ventilation in the
room in accordance with building regulations.
CONSENT
As the garage will no longer house your car, you
will need to check that your house does not have
a restriction on the removal of your garage, as this
impacts parking requirements. Different regions
have different requirements surrounding garage
conversion consents. Check out our article on
“Applying for Consent” for further guidance or
consult your local specialist.
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LIVING SPACES
Indoor outdoor
flow ideas
Having coordinated indoor-outdoor flow in your home will make it easier to
entertain, and creates a spacious chill-out space for you and your loved ones.
Here are some ideas on how to set up your ideal indoor-outdoor haven.
GO GREEN INSIDE
Featuring green hues inside your home automatically
connects the interior to the garden and to nature.
There’s a host of green options to choose from,
including painted or wallpapered feature walls and
carpets or pot plants strategically dotted around
the home. Alternatively, you could add more
delicate accents such as cushions, green-patterned
upholstery or decorative items and ornaments, like
vases.
CREATE FLOOR FLOW
Having your indoor and adjacent outdoor flooring
at the same level, as well as choosing the same
flooring material, can hugely improve flow; as it
creates the illusion that you’re in the same space.
Stone is a robust, natural and eye-pleasing material
that’s perfect for creating a seamless indooroutdoor
flow. If you have a deck, then timber or
wood-like vinyl inside the kitchen and lounge will
add continuity.
What’s the state of your
switchboard?
We have been in Kiwi homes for over 80 years with connected and
reliable electrical solutions.
Our innovative products are made to keep what’s important to you safe
and sound. If you’re thinking about renovating, let an electrician have a
look at your switchboard to check if it’s up to scratch before you begin.
You can rely on us to continue to create clever electrical products that
help New Zealand homes become smarter and safer.
Ask your electrician for PDL.
OPEN IT UP
The problem with many of the more established
abodes is that their backs connect to the garden only
via teeny windows – or a windowless wall. The result:
zero indoor-outdoor flow. This situation is easily
remedied by installing or replacing smaller windows
with larger ones – or, to really open up the space
and allow an influx of light as well as easy access,
consider sliding or French doors.
TAKE YOUR HOME OUTSIDE
Another way to improve indoor-outdoor flow and
make your alfresco dining experience more userfriendly
is by simply taking your kitchen outside.
Outdoor kitchens are becoming all the rage; as are
outdoor ovens, fridges, rotisseries and other culinary
appliances.
OPT FOR AN ALL-SEASONS LAYOUT
It’s always a great idea to have a combination
of covered and uncovered outdoor spaces. But
even when it rains and you don’t have a covered
entertainment area outside, you can still connect
to your garden by reworking the interior layout.
Instead of having the dining table in the kitchen
far away from the garden, shift it into a spot with
an outdoor view within the living room or lounge.
GO FOR WOVEN FURNITURE
Woven furniture looks the part both inside a
home and in the garden, so dotting a few tables
and chairs both inside and out will connect the
two spaces. Opt for modern synthetic rattan and
wicker furniture – not only does it look ‘real’, but
it’s also weatherproof and easy to keep clean.
pdl.co.nz/safety
89
Outdoor
Living
Putting extra thought into the exterior
of your home can significantly improve
its value and transform your day-today
lifestyle. From decking and paving
through to gardens and inspirational
backyards, here is our compact guide to
transforming your outdoor area.
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The practical guide to renovating
Outdoor checklist
Out of the following, what features are important to you and your home?
GARDEN
Compost
Edible vegetable garden
Landscaped lawn
Artificial grass
Retaining walls or terraced sections
Raised garden beds
Native plants
Flower garden/s
Deciduous trees
Tree or plant removal
Irrigation
Automated irrigation systems
Rainwater system
Greywater system
ENTERTAINING
Decking - wood, composite, bamboo, stone, concrete, brick
Patio - concrete pavers, stone, brick, ceramic tiles
Built-in seating
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor oven
Outdoor kitchen
BBQ
Swimming pool
Spa pool
Outdoor shower
Outdoor entertainment system
Kids play area - playground, sports, playhouse etc.
Pergola or outdoor room/coverage
FUNCTIONALITY - SAFETY FEATURES
New fencing - vinyl, wood, stone, metal, concrete, composite
Gates - vinyl, wood, stone, metal, concrete, composite
Automated gates
Outdoor lighting
Smart-bulb lighting
Automated home security system
Indoor/outdoor flow
Workshop
Firewood shed
Pathways
Sun and warmth optimisation
Space for pets
Privacy
Wheelchair accessibility to your home
Key things to consider
• What are my main priorities within this
landscaping project?
• What style do I gravitate toward? (e.g. coastal,
native, luxury, rustic etc.)
• Are my ideas going to match the style of my home?
• What is my budget range?
• Have you checked your calendar for the most
convenient time of year to carry out a landscaping
project?
• Have you considered how this landscaping work
might affect your lifestyle?
• Have you considered the climate, orientation, soil
type and other local conditions like wind, rainfall
and drainage?
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The practical guide to renovating
ALL IMAGES the F5 Residence in Palm Springs by AR&D Architects Ltd.
OUTDOOR EXTERIOR LIVING & OUTDOORS
Xeriscapes
Think cactus', Palm Springs and raw textures that
simplify dry and timeless landscape design roots.
IMAGES Michal Utterback
With recreation time at a premium and a
growing global concern for the supply of water,
savvy gardeners are adopting xeriscaping
principles into every zone of their landscape
design. Until recently, xeriscapes have most
commonly been a feature around commercial
sites, apartment buildings, roundabouts and
traffic islands. As water conservation awareness
grows, xeriscaping in backyards is catching on.
WHAT IS A XERISCAPE?
The term ‘xeriscape’ was coined in America after a
prolonged drought in Denver Colorado led locals to look
for a less resource-dependent way of gardening. Xeros
is a Greek word that means dry. A xeriscape works with
‘nature’, employing the natural flow of water through
the landscape as the basis for water conservation.
Creative xeriscaping not only conserves water through
plant groupings, mulching and the use of native plants;
it also keeps watering and weeding to a minimum and
negates the use of any chemical fertilizers.
WHAT PLANTS WORK WELL IN A XERISCAPE?
A xeriscape does not have to be comprised exclusively
of natives or drought-tolerant vegetation. By ‘hydrozoning’
or grouping plants with similar water needs
together in your landscape plans, xeriscapes can
accommodate a range of plant options to achieve
an overall look. Plants that require more water are
placed in a shady spot or closer to a water source.
With careful planning, contouring and understanding
of natural drainage patterns, the landscape itself can
be used to fully guide water to areas of the garden
where it will be most beneficial. Terracing can stem
soil erosion while mounds and berms at the edges of
the garden will help redirect water flow back into the
garden.
A thick layer of mulch keeps the moisture in and weeds
out. A layer of leaves, seaweed, straw, compost, bark or
gravel will also help keep moisture in and help prevent
erosion. Mulch should be at least 6cm thick and applied
twice a year. Lawns are water guzzlers, so they are not
usually desired in desert conditions.
WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO GET STARTED?
Widespread droughts are becoming more common
and, with water-intensive agriculture and industries
creating growing demands on our rivers and aquifers,
water is becoming the new gold. Now is a good time to
start saving.
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Paving solutions for your home
Modern manufacturing has made it possible to combine a
landscaper’s three favourite words - attractive, affordable and
durable - into single slabs of hardscaping material.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Whether you are considering paving, decking or building
a pathway in your garden; make sure you know about
these modern solutions before you begin selecting your
materials.
PORCELAIN STONEWARE PAVERS
Porcelain stoneware pavers are slowly but surely coming of
age since they emerged around six years ago. Slip-resistant
and extra-durable, they are easy to install and maintain, and
they’re also extremely versatile.
The tiles are made from ultra-fine clay and are inherently
non-porous due to their high density, which makes them
highly resistant to stains, water and general wear and tear.
Their thickness also means they can handle high pressure
and makes them ideal for any exterior applications and heavy
pedestrian traffic. They don’t require sealing either and can
easily be cleaned with a broom and a hose.
COMPOSITE DECKING
Consisting of a combination of recycled wood fibres and
recycled plastic, composite decking is super-robust and
resistant to decay, giving it a much longer lifespan than
wooden decks.
Solid composite decking, available as boards and tiles, is a
premium, eco-friendly composite flooring product that’s also
super low-maintenance.
Being ‘solid’, it won’t crack, warp or move like many of the
hollow products on the market – and, unlike timber decking,
it comes in a range of prefabricated natural timber colours,
so there’s no need to stain or paint it. Better still: it’s easy to
clean, and the only TLC it needs is a few soap washes per year.
What’s more, Solid Composite Decking is slip-resistant
(making it ideal for entranceways), plus it contains mould
inhibitors and is free from formaldehyde and other harmful
chemicals found in treated timber. And you don’t have
to worry about nails popping up and potentially hurting
someone. That’s because a hidden clip fixing system holds the
boards together - making it easier and quicker to install than
timber.
PERMEABLE SURFACES
Permeable surfaces provide a sustainable solution,
they are designed to effectively manage stormwater
runoff by filtering water through to underlying
draining systems, while also filtering out pollutants.
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OUTDOOR LIVING
ASK OUR EXPERTS
We asked our team of experts to provide answers to some of their most
frequently asked landscaping questions. Here’s what they had to say.
When it comes to backyard makeovers,
it never hurts to ask an expert. Here,
specialists from Zones Landscaping
offer their top tips on designing new
outdoor areas.
IMAGES Scott Espie PROJECTS Matt & Boyd Gillespie
Q
How often should I water my garden?
A
Q
Will a sloping backyard impact my
landscape design?
A
When we come on-site, there are a few fundamental
things that we have to check. Levels will really dictate
how we move forward with a design. We look at
whether or not there are slopes on a property. It’s all
about how we create this flow from the house. So we
use levels to dictate the start of our designs. That might
mean making big, grand staircases down to a property’s
bottom levels or even cutting a retaining just to create
flat, level areas. Levels are a key fundamental of how
we approach the initial stages of a design.
VAUGHAN MACKENZIE-BROWN
Zones Landscape Architect in Auckland, NZ
Q
What kind of shelter should I consider?
A
Rain, wind and even burning sun can impact your
enjoyment of your outdoor kitchen. An overhead
covering can ensure you can use the space yearround.
Options include a full or partial roof, pergola
or sailcloth. A very popular option for outdoor shelter
is the use of louvres, which can be opened or closed
depending on weather conditions. Consider also
the inclusion of vertical screens for additional rain
protection and privacy. These structures can also help
to define the space.
NICHOLA VAGUE
Zones Landscape Architect in Tauranga, NZ
Usually when the top of the soil (about an inch) is dry.
In the hot summer months, it can be daily. We were
given advice from our lawn contractor and nurseries
contractor that the best thing to do is water deeply
about three times per week rather than every day. In
winter, you don’t need to water as often due to rain.
Just check the dryness of the soil.
TRACEY BARKER
Zones Landscaping Specialist in Auckland, NZ
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The practical guide to renovating
Edible gardens
Successfully grow your own food
with this beginner's guide
If you’d like “grabbing a snack” to be as easy as
stepping into your backyard, look no further. Follow
this guide and you’ll be enjoying some backyard
treats in no time!
OUTDOOR LIVING
Persea Gratissima/Avocado
Arachis Hypogaea/Peanut
Mangifera Indica/Mango
Chenopodium/Quinoa Cicer Arietinum/Chickpea Ananas Comosus/Pineapple
Avocados are a hardy plant
withstanding temperatures as low as
-50°C. But avocado lovers be warned,
patience is required, as these trees
can take up to 5 years to bear fruit.
Perseverance is rewarded, however, as
a mature 7-year-old tree can produce
up to 200 avocados, annually.
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Height: 9.1m – 18.3m
• Width: 6.1m – 24.5m
• Native to: Central America, South
America
• Soil: pH acidic, neutral, alkaline
• Soil drainage: Well-drained
• Soil type: Clay, loam, sand
• Growth rate: Medium
• Water requirements: Drought
tolerant, average water
Packed with protein and good fats,
peanuts make for a great snack. On
average, the ripening time is between
80 and 150 days after planting. With
the seeds growing underground, you
will need to remove the whole plant
when harvesting. Although one plant
might only yield a pitiful amount of
peanuts, it does have a fun, novelty
value, that the kids will love
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Height: 25.4cm - 30.5cm
• Width: 0.3m - 0.9m
• Native to: South America
• Soil: pH acidic, neutral
• Soil drainage: Well-drained
• Soil type: Loam, sand
• Growth rate: Fast
• Water requirements: Average
water
These trees need full sun and a
warmer climate to really thrive. Make
sure you leave plenty of room for
your tree to grow as it can become
quite big. Finding a sheltered spot in
your garden that gets optimum sun
and where the soil can drain well will
have you receiving delicious fruit all
year round in no time.
• Sun exposure: Full sun,
• Height: 9.1m - 30.5m
• Width: 4.6m - 27.4m
• Native to: India, Melanesia
• Soil: pH acidic, neutral, alkaline
• Soil drainage: Well-drained
• Soil type: Loam, sand
• Growth rate: Medium
• Water requirements: Drought
tolerant, average water
A delicious, nutty substitute for rice;
teaming with B vitamins, protein and
minerals to help you feel in tip-top
shape - quinoa makes a nutritious
addition to a variety of meals. You
will need to plant at least 10 seedlings
to make it worth your while. Quinoa
enjoys sunny days and cooler evenings.
The plants are ready to harvest once
the stalks go brown and the leaves dry
out.
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Height: 0.5m – 2m
• Width: 0.2m – 1m
• Native to: South America
• Soil: pH acidic, neutral
• Soil drainage: Well-drained
• Soil type: Clay, Loam, Sand
• Growth rate: Fast
• Water requirements: Average water
Chickpeas are a very versatile food.
Throw them into a pesto salad or
blend them into falafel for a proteinpacked
meal. The beans need a fair
amount of sun to really get growing
and are ready to harvest 100 days
after planting. One plant will yield
a handful or so of chickpeas, so if
hummus is on the agenda, it might be
a good idea to grow 4-5 plants.
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Height: 20.3cm - 101.6cm
• Width: 25.4cm - 114.3cm
• Native to: Mediterranean, Turkey,
Africa, Southern Asia, Western Asia
• Soil: pH acidic, neutral
• Soil drainage: Well-drained
• Soil type: Loam, sand
• Growth rate: Fast
• Water requirements: Drought
tolerant, average water
Delicious and refreshing, pineapples
are a fantastic source of antioxidants,
vitamin C and manganese. Commonly
grown in parts of South America,
pineapple plants love the sun and
warmer climates. Making sure
they’re not exposed to temperatures
under 50°C would be beneficial but
they can withstand temperatures as
low as -20°C.
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Height: 0.9m - 1.5m
• Width: 0.9m - 1.2m
• Native to: Hybrid origin, South
America
• Soil: pH acidic, neutral
• Soil drainage: Well-drained
• Soil type: Loam, sand
• Growth rate: Medium
• Water requirements: Drought
tolerant, average water
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The practical guide to renovating
Outdoor rooms
What to consider when building an outdoor room
OUTDOOR LIVING
The purpose of an outdoor room is to add another
living space to your house without the need to
undertake an indoor building renovation or
addition. From a modest wooden deck through to
an outdoor retreat complete with a kitchen, lounge
and audio-visual system – the only limit is your
imagination. So before you start planning, consider
these elements for your outdoor room…
PURPOSE
How do you plan to use the space? Is it mainly for
cooking or alfresco dining? A dedicated space for
entertaining? Play area for kids or a teenage retreat?
Maybe you want to create a space that’s purely for
privacy and relaxation… If you have a small kitchen
or lounge area, an outdoor room is a hugely valuable
addition – for both lifestyle and resale value.
LAYOUT
Considering your outdoor area and budget, think
about your space and how you will access and use it.
Most outdoor rooms or pergolas are just under 20m2.
Draw up a sketch with the various items you want to
include (e.g. table and chairs, barbeque, sun lounger
etc), drawn roughly to scale. Then allow extra space
for traffic flow around those areas. As a rule of thumb,
allow a minimum space of 4m x 4m if you want to fit in
a standard 4-seater outdoor table and chairs. Ideally,
you’ll want a north-facing aspect that catches plenty
of sun, that is out of the wind and has minimal traffic
noise. And it should definitely be a “room with a view”.
Will it be separate from the house – more akin to a
pool-house - or one that’s attached to the house, loggiastyle?
When attaching a structure to the home or in
close proximity, consider the architectural style of the
property, the cladding, colours, materials; and make a
conscious decision regarding the structural elements
of the outdoor room. Carrying the design principles
you’ve applied inside your home to the outside will
create a seamless flow and a sense of connectedness.
SIZE
How big should you go? A good rule of thumb is to keep
it comparable to the rooms inside your house – your
outdoor room should be no bigger than the largest
room in your house. This will keep it proportionate to
the scale of your home – a very tiny space next to a
large home, or vice versa, could easily feel awkward.
You can also use your interior to help you plan the
layout. Remember, you’ll need enough space to house
your furniture, cooking equipment and to comfortably
circulate.
LOUVRES
Louvre roofs are a must-have for homeowners who
want their outdoor rooms to pack some real punch.
These roofs can be opened and shut to adapt to the
weather conditions. They allow for the best optimising
of light and shade. But, while they are attractive and
allow for year-round outdoor living, they take a bit of
investment. Other outdoor roof options include shade
sails, awnings and canter levered umbrellas.
TECHNOLOGY
Given that outdoor rooms are either built for relaxation
or entertainment, there’s a vast array of new technology
to ensure you’ll never have to rouse yourself from that
comfy lounger. Louvres with automated sensors that
adjust themselves according to the weather are just the
start. You can incorporate home automation systems
to control the lighting, heating and cooling, music and
entertainment.
If you choose to, pretty much everything can be
controlled from your smartphone or iPad. Having
your own open-air cinema is now a realistic option
– you could start with a white wall and an entry-level
projector. And think carefully about lighting, heating
and cooling options – you don’t want to be too hot in
summer and too cold in winter (the point of an outdoor
room is to use it all year round). Think heaters, fans,
outdoor fire pits, concealable sliding doors or shutters.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Possibilities start with a glammed up BBQ that can be
built into an outdoor kitchen bench and go on to include
a full kitchen with hot plates, a fridge and a wine
fridge. Wood fires are extremely popular in outdoor
entertaining areas as they provide a heat source and
can extend the seasons.
Outdoor kitchens have come ahead in leaps and
bounds in recent years, with ovens, fridges, sinks and
other appliances all developed for outdoor use. You
can now have the ultimate outdoor kitchen, down to
the last utensil, without having to go back inside. This
requires built-in storage and benchtops, a sink with hot
and cold water, preferably a dishwasher, and plenty of
refrigeration.
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The practical guide to renovating
HOW TO
Save water
during summer
COMMON TYPES OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Irrigation systems are a great way to maintain the health of your
garden, especially if you are on a busy schedule.
OUTDOOR EXTERIOR LIVING & OUTDOORS
With people throughout the world becoming increasingly conscious of water usage,
there are simple changes we can all make in the garden to conserve water - and the bills
that come with it. From monitoring your water usage to installing rainwater catchment
systems, here are some clever ways to keep your garden hydrated.
WATER TANKS
Water tank systems are a natural and safe way
to water your garden. Rainwater harvesting
involves collecting, storing and using rainwater for
gardening, cleaning and, when filtered correctly;
drinking. Installing a water tank on your property
is not only environmentally-friendly, it also eases
the strain on your wallet by lowering your water
bill. Rainwater tanks are becoming an increasingly
popular trend across the globe and come in a
variety of shapes and sizes: from slimline tanks to
large underground concrete tanks. Alternatively,
for a simple garden watering system, you might
only need a small rain barrel. Once installed,
rainwater tanks are easy to maintain, can be used
for irrigation, reduce floods and soil erosion, and
can be used for almost any watering purpose.
AUTOMATED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Installing an automated irrigation system
will ensure your plants get the water they
need without any excess water being wasted.
Automated timers and sensors manage
irrigation so that plants are watered at ideal
times - a great option for busy families, full-time
workers or just to keep your garden healthy
while you’re on holiday! There are a range of
automatic control systems available that include
wifi timers, rain sensors, freeze systems and
customisable settings.
WATER MINDFULLY
Zones Landscaping recommends the following
steps to save water during the summer heat.
Drip line irrigation
Drip line irrigation delivers water straight into the
soil, feeding plant roots directly.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers spray gardens from above ground,
meaning that distribution efficiency can be
impacted by the wind.
Drip tape irrigation
Drip tape, another form of drip irrigation,
delivers irrigation through a thin tube.
Soaker hoses
Similar to drip irrigation, soaker hoses feed water
directly into the soil and save on water usage.
GREYWATER SYSTEMS
Another option is to install a greywater system.
Greywater is household wastewater (e.g. water
from your shower or laundry). Greywater systems
redirect this water to a storage tank and, from
there, this wastewater can be reused in your
garden through a connected irrigation system.
While a great way of reusing water, greywater
systems do require sometimes complicated
installation and maintenance. Wearing gloves is
recommended when dealing with greywater. It
should also never be used to water edible plants.
1. Adjust your sprinklers so you are only
watering the lawn or garden, and not the
house or surrounding driveway and paths.
2. Check the absorption of water in your lawn
and/or garden. See if the water is running
off the lawn easily and, if it is, you can split
watering time into shorter periods to allow
for better absorption, as opposed to wasting
water with runoff.
3. Look for moisture before watering, as the
plant may not need it.
4. Use mulch around the base of plants/trees
as this helps to keep moisture in.
Micro spray irrigation
Manual irrigation
This type of watering happens above ground
and is easily impacted by the wind
Watering via the garden hose/a watering can
is common but it’s far less efficient than other
irrigation methods.
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The practical guide to renovating
Artificial or real grass?
Weighing up the pros and cons
OUTDOOR LIVING
Vast improvements in the manufacturing and appearance of artificial turf mean
the green grass of home may not be quite what it seems. Determine what your
lawn will be used for, how often it will be used and the maintenance required so
that you can choose the best lawn for your lifestyle.
IMAGES AND PROJECTS: Matthew WIlkinson
With shrinking section sizes and the popularity
of low-maintenance gardens growing,
backyards are undergoing a radical change –
one that’s seeing the lawnmower banished and
the weekends free to chill out.
Today’s artificial turf is a far cry from products
originally produced over 50 years ago for allweather
sports grounds. As Zones Landscaping
Specialist Nigel Ramsden explains, “There
have been great strides in the look and feel
of artificial grass and it’s now almost like the
real thing. That’s given homeowners a lot more
confidence to install it in larger and more
visible areas of their gardens.”
With pros and cons for both synthetic,
seeded and roll-out natural lawns; what do
homeowners need to consider? “Think about
what it’s to be used for - children playing, pets
or just to add atmosphere to the landscape?”-
says Nigel
The size of the space is also a consideration,
says Zones Landscaping’s Tracey Barker.
“Properties like townhouses and apartments
have very small outdoor areas and often no
access for a lawnmower, so artificial turf is
becoming a more popular choice.” Shade cast
by tall buildings can also make artificial grass a
smart option.
WHAT ARE MY NATURAL LAWN
OPTIONS? Establishing a lawn can be
done by spreading seed manually with a seed
spreader at a minimal cost. However, this
method can cause the lawn to have sparse
patches and another spreading of seeds may
be required later on. Lawn by hydroseeding
starts out as a combination of water, grass seed,
fertiliser and protective mulch mixed together
and sprayed onto prepared soil.
Although a cheaper option to a ready lawn, the
same amount of ground preparation is required.
A ready lawn is appealing for those who want an
instant quality product rather than waiting for
one to germinate from seed.
WHAT SORT OF PREPARATION
IS INVOLVED IN INSTALLING A
READY LAWN? Most ready lawn suppliers
provide pricing by ‘on-site quoting’ due to the
uniqueness of each property. However, there
are a couple that have pricing listed on their
websites. In this case, you will need to know the
square meterage (multiply the length by the
width) of your lawn space in order to calculate
the cost of the ready lawn, which is mostly
sold by the square metre.
Taking into account: the house, outbuildings,
decking, gardens and pathways; the average
urban property can take up to an estimated
90 square metres of lawn. Preparation of
the site will depend on its existing state but,
at the very least, perennial weeds will need
spraying and will then need to be left to take
effect for about three weeks. A large part of
your cost can be in the site’s preparation and
a challenging terrain may require machinery
to perform the earthworks. However, it is
important that this stage of the project is
done correctly to ensure the ground levels
are correct, including the topsoil so that the
finished product will not be left with patches
and ground depressions.
NATURAL GRASS CAN LAST
FOREVER – BUT WHAT ABOUT
ARTIFICIAL TURF?
Expect anything from 15 to 20 years out of
your synthetic lawn. This largely depends on
use and care. How durable will the surface
need to be? What’s the intended use? It’s
also important to check the surface and
installation warranties provided.
WHAT ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS? Natural grass absorbs carbon
dioxide and acts as a filter for rainwater
flowing into the groundwater. It also naturally
regenerates. It’s cool on the feet – and it’s hard
to beat the smell of a newly mown lawn.
On the other hand, artificial turf (while often
manufactured using recycled materials)
is a petroleum-based product that is not
biodegradable and will ultimately end up in a
landfill. It’s heat absorbent and can feel hot to
touch. On the plus side, it is permeable.
Opinions are divided: Nigel is finding a
growing number of homeowners are after easy
maintenance whereas, for Tracey, cost is usually
the decider.
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The practical guide to renovating
Inspirational
homes
Careful planning and project management
are key ingredients to any successful
renovation - but it all starts with inspiration!
If you are looking for a few unique home
designs to draw ideas from, look no further
than these personalised home designs from
around the world.
Select every product for
your renovation or building
project in one showroom.
Touch & feel products from
over 90 suppliers. Discover
the best materials for every
part of your home, from
your driveway to your
benchtop.
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165 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland | homeideas.co.nz | @homeideasauckland | 09 303 4755 | Free Parking | Open 7 days
The practical guide to renovating
UNITED STATES
CLARKSVILLE’S
MULLET HOUSE
True to its name, this mullet house renovation maintains its original
facade while a modern and creative three-storey build was introduced
to the home’s rear. Architect Matt Fajkus, from Matt Fajkus Architecture,
leads us through the home’s history, design and completion.
WORDS Mina Phillips IMAGES Charles Davis Smith ARCHITECT Matt Fajkus Architecture. LLC
The town of Clarksville, which surrounds this mullet house
renovation, holds a significant amount of history. Founded
in 1871 by Charles Clark, Clarksville is the oldest surviving
settlement to be founded by a freed slave. As a result, the
town is on the National Registrar of Historic Places. “The
original bungalow, built in 1938, was deemed a contributing
structure to this historic place, and therefore could not be
removed, even though it was in severe disrepair,” tells Matt.
According to Matt, the bungalow had been abandoned
for years. “The derelict structure was in such bad shape
that a horror movie was filmed inside. However, we could
envision great potential in the house - it’s an interesting
lot. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the existing lot
and house was the latent potential in the structure.”
With permission from Austin’s Historic Landmark
Commission, Matt and his team began working on the
renovation project, demolishing everything but the front
facade of the house, which they completely preserved.
Bricks were kept from the demolition and re-used on
the exterior of the build, in collaboration with the Old
West Austin Neighborhood Association. So that he could
modernise the rear of the house without altering the
original facade, Matt decided to use a “mullet house”
approach to the design. The landscape also worked well
with this approach.
“The slope from the front to the back of the lot was used as
a primary formal inspiration. This naturally led to opening
up the back of the house design with more mass, including
a walk-out basement on the lower level, a floating deck
at the middle level, and a new upper level for bedrooms”,
explains Matt.
Central to the home’s functionality is the staircase, which
was designed to connect all three levels of the home. “The
end of the staircase presents unique light and views, all
while connecting the old and new, creating a meaningful
home for a young family”, notes Matt.
Wherever possible, the history of the home has been
included in the renovation. This includes using repurposed
framing lumber which was taken from the original house
and used as a finishing material within the newly built
interior. Interesting final touches include a reading nook,
a two-storey graffiti wall and a guest house. Expansive
modern windows bathe the interior in all-day sunlight,
which is accentuated by lighter colours, materials, and
furnishings within the home’s larger spaces. “The clients
have a colourful and playful style that blends old and
new; including antique furniture, modern cabinetry and
contemporary fixtures”, says Matt.
After six years of witnessing the design and build, client
David and his family are now happily settled into the house
and neighbourhood.
INSPIRATIONAL HOMES
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The practical guide to renovating
“The derelict structure was in such bad shape
that a horror movie was filmed inside. However,
we could envision great potential in the house”
Project Details:
Project duration: 6 years
Project budget: $1 million USD
Actual spend: $1.25 million USD
Favourite feature: A dead tree on
the lot was milled to construct the dining
table, increasing the connection of the
newly-designed intervention to its original
surroundings
INSPIRATIONAL HOMES
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The practical guide to renovating
UNITED STATES
BROOKLYN TOWNHOUSE
This brownstone townhouse was initially in an unlivable condition. Seeing
its potential, the homeowners brought it back to life with the help of
architectural design company Frances Mildred.
INSPIRATIONAL HOMES
WORDS Mina Phillips IMAGES Nicole Franzen ARCHITECT Frances Mildred
Hailed by The New York Times and Time Out Magazine
for its bustling, lively family atmosphere and small-town
feel, Park Slope is a tree-lined neighbourhood that gives
Central Park a run for its money. The vibrant location
boasts a range of historic brownstone townhouses; one
of which recently went through a complete interior
transformation.
Brian Papa and Lauren Maccuaig are the founders and
directors of Frances Mildred, the architectural design
company which carried out this renovation project.
Named after Brian’s grandmother, Frances Mildred is a
company inspired to help clients achieve their interior
aspirations through new and creative designs - something
this derelict historical building was in desperate need of.
“The townhouse was in a state of total disrepair when it
was purchased”, says Lauren. “However, there were details
that reflected the history of the property that we wanted
to preserve in order to leave the authentic feeling of a
Brooklyn brownstone. The goal was to restore the house
with as many original details as possible while updating
the layout and finishes for modern living.”
No space was left untouched within this renovation. The
exterior of the house required repairs and updating. The
interior was scattered with damage and there was a hole
in the entryway ceiling. Aside from repairs, the gloomy
interior was in need of increased natural lighting and a
concise colour scheme.
“We carefully analyzed the original details of the house
to determine what was salvageable, what needed to be
recreated and when it made more sense to start from
scratch”, explains Lauren.
Among the salvageable features was the original living
room doorway, the fireplace and the doors of a wardrobe
which were reused in the family room.
“We spent a lot of time working on the layout of the home
and really understanding how it would be experienced in
reality versus on a floor plan”, recalls Lauren. “We wanted
the spaces to feel appropriately proportioned and to have
a circulation that matches a modern family’s lifestyle.”
The new design includes room transformations and new
flooring throughout. What was originally a bathroom
was converted into a home office. The initial kitchen
was redesigned into a master bathroom - featuring a
marble-top double vanity and claw-foot bathtub. While
Lauren and Brian wanted to achieve a luxury finish, the
limited project budget meant that they needed to find a
few frugal solutions. “Deciding where to spend the budget
and where to save on the budget was tricky and required
constant evaluation”, says Lauren. “It’s always challenging
weaving modern infrastructure into an old house. Careful
consideration was taken when deciding where and how
equipment was placed so that it felt seamlessly integrated
into a historic home.”
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The practical guide to renovating
INSPIRATIONAL HOMES
Six months of design and a further eight months of construction
brought out the home’s true potential. A new floorplan now flows
through crisp, light-filled rooms.“The program of the house
came together very nicely”, approves Lauren. “In a relatively
small footprint, we were able to fit five bedrooms, three full
bathrooms and a generous kitchen that meets the needs of a
modern family. The house has a great flow to it. The aesthetic
of the décor is calming and modern, which pairs beautifully
with the historical details of the house. It has a decidedly urban
feel but is also a haven from the chaos of urban life.” The final
look is a grand transformation from the original exterior and
interior. “The kitchen is really our favourite room”, says Lauren.
“The layout works very well within the original footprint of the
house. The finishes are soft and textured. The light throughout
the day is beautiful as it bounces off the adjacent properties.
It looks out over the backyard. It’s a very happy and calming
space.”
Project Details:
Project duration: 14 months
Advice: Renovating townhouses is
not for the faint of heart. There are often
unforeseen conditions that become
apparent once demolition begins. It’s
important to understand that, especially
when working within a limited budget.
Biggest challenge: Achieving the
design within a limited budget.
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The practical guide to renovating
Re-inventing the way people
access water outdoors
ISSN 2230-5599
The Aquor New Zealand range incorporates the best
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hoses and adaptors every time you need to access
water outside. Just plug in the hose connector, water
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Installation restrictions apply, not currently approved for use in
lined walls. For more information visit hydroflow.co.nz
Building or renovating?
Protect your home and keep it happy-as with
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Designer
Angelise Mariu
Design Director
Barry Bloomfield
Editor
Franchelle Oughton
Production Manager
Scott Espie
Writer/Sub-editor
Mina Phillips
Contributors
Anya Kussler , Carol Watson, Clare Chapman Jason Burgess, Jessica Clifton, Mina Phillips, Nadia
Sakey, Patricia Moore, Persephone Nicholas, Philip Saich, Sara Lowrie, Stephanie Matheson,
Advertising & Editorial Enquiries
Franchelle Oughton - editor@renovatemagazine.co.nz
Illustrator
Sara Lowrie
DVS.CO.NZ
Publishing Directors
Jon Bridge, Chris Caiger, Barry Bloomfield
Accounts
Alice Kong - alicek@traffic.net.nz
BUILDING OUTDOOR
SPACES WHERE
MEMORIES ARE MADE
Cover Photography
Scott Espie
At Pacific Group we believe
in providing a convenient,
professional approach.
Whether the intended
application be for functional
purposes as a vibrant focal
point, or a combination of both.
Arched & Flat Roofs
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TRAFFIC NZ LTD PO Box 37-941 Parnell, Auckland 1151, New Zealand
Phone: 09 303 0670
Our aim is to provide you an
outdoor solution to meet your
individual requirements.
A variety of tailor-made styles and designs
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118 ISSUE 031
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Good reasons to
choose Zones
Great design at fixed prices
A plan that suits your home
Efficient project management
Outdoor living specialists
One point of contact
Zones is a complete design and build landscaping
service and has a proven process for taking
customers from concept to completion.
www.zones.co.nz | 0800 30 10 20
www.zoneslandscaping.com | 1833 684 0283
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every stage of your project.
With a specific focus on kitchens,
bathrooms and indoor-outdoor living
areas, Issue 31 of Renovate is a must-have
during the renovation planning process.
Brought to you by the experts behind
Refresh Renovations and Zones
Landscaping, this issue is packed to
the brim with beautiful home and
garden ideas.
Brought to you by:
ISSUE 31