Renovate 32 (PCA 21-22)
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ISSUE <strong>32</strong><br />
$9.95 incl GST<br />
INSIDE<br />
PEOPLE’S<br />
CHOICE<br />
AWARDS<br />
Best projects that<br />
you voted for<br />
Image: Blum
Relax and let Refresh take
care of your renovation<br />
Project by Refresh Renovations<br />
We’re changing the way the world renovates<br />
Refresh is the world's leading home renovation builder.<br />
Working with Refresh, you can be assured that your<br />
renovation will be cost-effective and hassle free.<br />
As a design and build specialist, we make things easy by<br />
being your one point of contact for the entire renovation<br />
process. We have the designers, builders and sub-trades to<br />
complete the job on time, on budget and to a high standard.<br />
We work with you, within your budget to design and deliver<br />
the home you want.<br />
www.refreshrenovations.com.au<br />
www.refreshrenovations.co.uk<br />
www.refreshrenovations.co.nz<br />
www.refreshrenovations.com
Sara Tansy<br />
Things your contractors wish<br />
you knew before renovating<br />
WRITTEN BY CHRIS CAIGER<br />
When it comes to renovating, the devil really is in the<br />
details. Most renovation projects run into unexpected<br />
problems, delays, and budget blowouts.<br />
In fact, according to research<br />
company BRANZ, 30% of a homeowner’s<br />
budget goes to waste in a<br />
typical renovation. When Refresh<br />
Renovations surveyed over 400<br />
homeowners worldwide to find out<br />
their biggest renovation fear, over a<br />
third of respondents revealed it was<br />
encountering unforeseen costs that<br />
weren’t included in the initial costing,<br />
resulting in the budget spiralling out<br />
of control and the renovation being<br />
unfinished.<br />
Having been in the renovation industry<br />
for decades, I’m going to reveal<br />
the three things that your contractors<br />
wish you knew before getting started<br />
on your renovation and why these tips<br />
are likely to help you stay on track<br />
and avoid a budget blow-out.<br />
1. POOR COMMUNICATION<br />
One of the biggest complaints from<br />
contractors is a lack of communication<br />
from the homeowner. Often<br />
this is due to the client not clarifying<br />
what they want to achieve with their<br />
renovation project in the first place.<br />
Any contractor will tell you: there is<br />
no such thing as communicating too<br />
many details. Alongside what you want<br />
to achieve, it’s also important to share<br />
why you want to achieve it. So make<br />
sure to discuss every detail of your<br />
project, even if it seems obvious. It<br />
is essential for you both to be on the<br />
same page, and often a good idea to<br />
get everything in writing.<br />
Many homeowners let small things go,<br />
hoping the final product will outweigh<br />
the tiny mistakes, or they decide to leave<br />
it until the end to get those things fixed.<br />
However, the quicker you point out a<br />
mistake or something you don’t like, the<br />
easier it is to resolve. Your contractors<br />
want to do the best job possible, but<br />
mistakes do happen, and things can get<br />
lost during communication.<br />
The more details available to your contractor,<br />
the better the estimate they can<br />
provide you regarding how long your<br />
project will take and how much it’s going<br />
to cost. If you need something done by<br />
a certain time, let your contractor know<br />
so that they can adjust their timeline<br />
accordingly.<br />
2. INADEQUATE PLANNING<br />
Before you even think about project<br />
managing, you need a plan. Contractors<br />
2 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
know from experience that the<br />
homeowners who skip on the planning,<br />
hoping to save money, are the ones<br />
most likely to end up spending more.<br />
Like Benjamin Franklin said, “Failing to<br />
plan is planning to fail.”<br />
Often homeowners think of planning<br />
as design, but it consists of so much<br />
more. Having a proper plan for your<br />
renovation means figuring out time<br />
frames, getting early budget estimates,<br />
preparing documentation, researching<br />
specifications of products and materials,<br />
as well as drafting contracts with<br />
tradespeople.<br />
When it comes to figuring out how<br />
much your initial budget will be, it’s a<br />
good idea to ask your contractor for<br />
previous case studies. If you want to<br />
know how much a modern kitchen<br />
renovation will cost, look at their previously<br />
completed kitchen projects for<br />
a cost estimate. Plus, you might pick<br />
up something you want to incorporate<br />
into your renovation or learn about<br />
something you want to avoid.<br />
If you hire a renovation company<br />
to take care of your design and<br />
construction stages, they will advise<br />
you to spend 10-15% of your budget<br />
on planning. Homeowners who decide<br />
to skip this step usually spend 30%<br />
more than their total budget. A really<br />
important thing to remember is that<br />
the planning cost is not in addition to<br />
your project; it is part of it.<br />
Without adequate planning, it’s going<br />
to be nearly impossible to manage<br />
your project, and your renovation is<br />
likely to spiral out of control, resulting<br />
in a budget blowout.<br />
3. LACK OF PROJECT<br />
MANAGEMENT<br />
Once you have a plan in order, it’s<br />
possible to start managing your<br />
renovation project. Most builders are<br />
trained in site management, that is,<br />
they make sure their tradespeople<br />
are turning up on time and keep<br />
a record of the materials they are<br />
using, however, that is not the same as<br />
project management.<br />
A dedicated project manager will<br />
ensure your project stays true to its<br />
initial design and finishes on track,<br />
all while considering the budget. They<br />
essentially have a holistic view of the<br />
entire project and understand how all<br />
the pieces fit together.<br />
Note that when it comes to making<br />
decisions during your renovation<br />
project, it is ideal to figure out the<br />
details and finalise plans as early as<br />
possible. There’s a good rule of thumb<br />
that contractors use – each time you<br />
move to the next stage, it costs you ten<br />
times as much to change your mind!<br />
For example, if you decide to move<br />
a specific window to a different<br />
location: During the planning phase,<br />
this might cost as little as $50 to<br />
adjust the initial plans. However,<br />
if you decide to make this change<br />
during the working drawings phase,<br />
this might cost $500 as there are now<br />
engineering considerations that have<br />
to be taken into account, which is<br />
going to be more time-consuming.<br />
If you decide to make this change<br />
during construction, then it might<br />
cost $5,000 or more, as now you<br />
have to make physical and structural<br />
changes, maybe even knock down or<br />
rebuild certain aspects of the room.<br />
Therefore it’s always best to make<br />
changes sooner rather than later.<br />
By keeping on top of these three<br />
things, you will be in a much better<br />
place to complete your renovation<br />
project without a budget blowout and<br />
get the results you desire.<br />
Sara Tensy<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Nick Leko<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
3
HOW TO<br />
Create indoor<br />
outdoor flow<br />
Having coordinated indoor-outdoor flow in your home will make<br />
it easier to entertain, and creates a spacious chill-out space for<br />
you and your loved ones. Here are some ideas on how to set up<br />
your ideal indoor-outdoor haven.<br />
GO GREEN INSIDE<br />
Featuring green hues inside your home automatically<br />
connects the interior to the garden and to<br />
nature. There’s a host of green options to choose<br />
from, including painted or wallpapered feature<br />
walls and carpets or pot plants strategically<br />
dotted around the home. Alternatively, you could<br />
add more delicate accents such as cushions,<br />
green-patterned upholstery or decorative items<br />
and ornaments, like vases.<br />
CREATE FLOOR FLOW<br />
Having your indoor and adjacent outdoor flooring<br />
at the same level, as well as choosing the same<br />
flooring material, can hugely improve flow; as it<br />
creates the illusion that you’re in the same space.<br />
Stone is a robust, natural and eye-pleasing material<br />
that’s perfect for creating a seamless indoor-outdoor<br />
flow. If you have a deck, then timber or<br />
wood-like vinyl inside the kitchen and lounge will<br />
add continuity.<br />
OPT FOR AN ALL-SEASONS LAYOUT<br />
It’s always a great idea to have a combination<br />
of covered and uncovered outdoor spaces. But<br />
even when it rains and you don’t have a covered<br />
entertainment area outside, you can still connect<br />
to your garden by reworking the interior layout.<br />
Instead of having the dining table in the kitchen far<br />
away from the garden, shift it into a spot with an<br />
outdoor view within the living room or lounge.<br />
OPEN IT UP<br />
The problem with many of the more established<br />
abodes is that their backs connect to the garden<br />
only via teeny windows – or a windowless wall. The<br />
result: zero indoor-outdoor flow. This situation is<br />
easily remedied by installing or replacing smaller<br />
windows with larger ones – or, to really open up<br />
the space and allow an influx of light as well as<br />
easy access, consider sliding or French doors.<br />
TAKE YOUR HOME OUTSIDE<br />
Another way to improve indoor-outdoor flow<br />
and make your alfresco dining experience more<br />
user-friendly is by simply taking your kitchen<br />
outside. Outdoor kitchens are becoming all the<br />
rage; as are outdoor ovens, fridges, rotisseries and<br />
other culinary appliances.<br />
GO FOR WOVEN FURNITURE<br />
Woven furniture looks the part both inside a<br />
home and in the garden, so dotting a few tables<br />
and chairs both inside and out will connect the<br />
two spaces. Opt for modern synthetic rattan and<br />
wicker furniture – not only does it look ‘real’, but<br />
it’s also weatherproof and easy to keep clean.<br />
4 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
Like you,<br />
we’re proudly<br />
building for<br />
New Zealand.<br />
Every day, passionate and dedicated<br />
professionals come together as an industry for<br />
the good of all New Zealanders. It’s something<br />
we’re proud to have been a trusted part of for<br />
over 90 years.<br />
gib.co.nz/homeowner
Holly Lynch<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland Central, NZ – Kim Reiche<br />
Applying for consent<br />
Resource consent, planning permission, building consent...<br />
what do they all mean and will they be required for your<br />
renovation? Learn the basics here.<br />
One of the most complicated, yet<br />
essential, stages of any renovation<br />
project is applying for local consents<br />
and permits. Go without, and you will<br />
not only be risking fines and penalties,<br />
you could also be risking the safety<br />
of your household. Applying for local<br />
permission can be a costly, time consuming<br />
and detailed process. Unless<br />
you have a solid understanding of<br />
the laws and regulations surrounding<br />
your project, it is well worth getting<br />
some support from a reputable design<br />
and build company.<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
All New Zealand home renovations<br />
must meet Building Code requirements.<br />
Additionally, your project may<br />
require Building Consent and/or<br />
Resource Consent. Before you begin<br />
any work, it’s important to check<br />
with your local council and/or an<br />
expert (such as a specialist, registered<br />
Architect, Town Planner or a licensed<br />
building practitioner).<br />
Projects commonly requiring<br />
consent include:<br />
• Structural work e.g. additions/<br />
alterations<br />
• New plumbing and drainage<br />
• Wood burner<br />
• Retaining walls over 1.5 metres in<br />
height<br />
• Fences or walls over 2.5 metres<br />
• Swimming pool fences<br />
• Large sheds over 30m2<br />
• Specific earthworks<br />
• Heritage-listed building renovations<br />
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AUSTRALIA<br />
One of the first things you will need<br />
to do when renovating in Australia<br />
is find out whether or not your<br />
project will require Planning Consent,<br />
Building Consent and/or Land<br />
Division Consent. All renovation work<br />
must be carried out in accordance<br />
with the Building Code of Australia. If<br />
you’re unsure of whether or not your<br />
project will require approval, it’s best<br />
to check with an expert.<br />
Projects commonly requiring<br />
consent include:<br />
• Demolition<br />
• Subdivision<br />
• Construction<br />
• Earthworks<br />
• Land-use changes<br />
• Home extensions<br />
• Home additions<br />
• Interior/exterior structural work<br />
• Heritage-listed building renovations<br />
• Land divisions<br />
• Renovations that effect boundary<br />
lines<br />
• Renovations that influence fire<br />
safety<br />
• Renovations that may affect your<br />
home’s energy efficiency<br />
UNITED KINGDOM<br />
It’s important to be thorough when<br />
it comes to meeting your local<br />
Planning Permission requirements,<br />
as different areas may have different<br />
requirements. Contacting your<br />
Local Planning Authority (LPA) is<br />
recommended, as they can advise you<br />
on the approval process which will be<br />
relevant to your project. Your project<br />
may require Planning Permission and/<br />
or Building Regulations Approval.<br />
Alternatively, you may need to obtain<br />
a lawful development certificate.<br />
Projects commonly requiring<br />
Planning Permission and/or Building<br />
Regulations Approval include:<br />
• Listed-building renovations<br />
• Extensions/additions<br />
• Construction work<br />
• Plumbing<br />
• Door and window replacements<br />
• Roof covering replacements<br />
• Building use changes<br />
UNITED STATES<br />
In the United States, building<br />
regulations depend on your State, and<br />
in some cases, city or county zones<br />
may have different permit regulations,<br />
so it’s important to discuss<br />
your plans with a local renovation<br />
consultant or a licensed contractor.<br />
You should generally contact your<br />
local Development Services Planner<br />
who will advise you on your zoning<br />
and future land use category. It is also<br />
important to understand your flood<br />
plain designation, which identifies any<br />
flood hazard areas.<br />
In the US, you generally will need<br />
to apply for individual permits for<br />
each service. This might include a<br />
building permit, an electrical permit,<br />
a plumbing permit, a gas permit or<br />
even a lawn sprinkler permit. Once<br />
your renovation is complete, it’s<br />
important to keep copies of these<br />
permits for insurance purposes.<br />
Generally, you won’t need a permit if<br />
you are completing minor work (tiling,<br />
new cabinets, counters, etc) within<br />
your home. It is when the changes<br />
within your home require structural,<br />
electrical, gas or plumbing work that<br />
a permit will be required. It’s always<br />
best to check with a local renovation<br />
specialist, as carrying out work without<br />
the proper consents can lead to<br />
penalties, fines and unfinished work.<br />
If your home is heritage-listed or is<br />
located within a conservation area,<br />
you will need to apply for permission<br />
to carry out changes on the house.<br />
For further guidance, please consult<br />
your local specialist or Development<br />
Services Planner.<br />
THE BOTTOM LINE<br />
Applications should be filled out by<br />
someone who thoroughly understands<br />
your project, your region’s building<br />
regulations and has experience in<br />
completing any applications relevant<br />
to your region. Until you have the<br />
relevant consents, you generally won’t<br />
be able to begin any renovation work.<br />
As regulations within different states<br />
and countries vary, your first step<br />
should always be to seek advice from<br />
a trusted renovation/landscaping<br />
consultant or to get in touch with your<br />
local council for more information.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
7
Kitchen layout<br />
Items related to a specific task area should be placed within arm’s reach.<br />
Ideally, you want to think about creating a triangle between the sink, stove<br />
and fridge. This easily connects your kitchen work spaces - resulting in a<br />
functional kitchen layout.<br />
Resene<br />
Shuttle<br />
Grey<br />
Resene<br />
Pink<br />
Lady<br />
Blum New Zealand<br />
8 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
Today, a functional kitchen is determined by the workflow - the<br />
proximity and sequence of the key work stations or zones make<br />
cooking a delight and easy for more than one chef.<br />
SOCIALISING ZONE<br />
• Kitchen islands provide a central<br />
location to socialise while you cook<br />
• Bi-fold windows can be used to<br />
connect the indoor kitchen space to<br />
outdoor entertaining spaces<br />
CONSUMABLES ZONE<br />
• Store groceries, including fridge<br />
items and frozen edibles<br />
• An ideal space for your pantry<br />
• Focus on layers of easy to access<br />
storage<br />
NON-CONSUMABLES ZONE<br />
• Dinnerware and cutlery<br />
• Glass and serveware<br />
• Containers and lids for food storage<br />
PREPARATION ZONE<br />
• Preparation implements for slicing,<br />
dicing, mashing and mixing<br />
• Store mixing bowls, knives, boards<br />
and other preparation appliances<br />
• Oils, spices and herbs should be<br />
stored in fit-for-purpose drawers<br />
CLEANING ZONE<br />
• Keep cleaning products close to the<br />
sink and dishwasher<br />
• Rubbish bins should also be kept in<br />
this area<br />
• For ultimate functionality, you<br />
might want to opt for a scullery<br />
COOKING ZONE<br />
• Keep your most used cooking<br />
products, utensils, pots and pans<br />
around the stovetop and oven(s)<br />
• Focus on below-the-waist drawers<br />
- a great place to store your baking<br />
essentials<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
9
★ ★<br />
New Zealanders<br />
Zealanders • • by<br />
Voted<br />
Voted<br />
20<strong>22</strong> ★<br />
• 20<strong>22</strong><br />
★<br />
★<br />
★<br />
★<br />
Tiling Stores<br />
TO<br />
YOURS
HOW TO<br />
Make the most of a<br />
compact kitchen<br />
Our top tips to create the perfect bijou kitchen combine planning<br />
and design with practicality and discipline to ensure that every<br />
aspect works in harmony to deliver a solution that matches both<br />
your taste and your lifestyle.<br />
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR WORKSPACE<br />
Even a compact kitchen can offer functional<br />
space – it’s just a case of creating it. A slim island<br />
can usually be accommodated, but if not then a<br />
butcher’s block will give you an area for preparation.<br />
If space is very limited, it’s imperative to be<br />
disciplined in keeping workspaces clutter-free and<br />
to consider gadgets such as a boiling-water tap<br />
which may enable you to dispense with a kettle.<br />
CHOOSE COLOUR CAREFULLY<br />
Most designers will recommend white for small<br />
areas. A compact kitchen is no different, although<br />
neutral shades are also a possibility. Large<br />
expanses of dark colour have a tendency to shrink<br />
spaces but they should not be dismissed altogether.<br />
Accenting with a darker colour can enhance the<br />
feeling of depth and spaciousness.<br />
SLIM DOWN YOUR APPLIANCES<br />
Appliances invariably require significant space<br />
allocation in any kitchen but smaller slimline<br />
models are available, as are combination solutions<br />
such as a washer-dryers. Integrating appliances<br />
can also benefit not only the overall design but also<br />
the overall spatial perception.<br />
Photography: Eric Li<br />
Project by: Refresh Renovations, Auckland,<br />
New Zealand – Saleem Bhikoo<br />
IDENTIFY THE BEST LAYOUT<br />
Above everything, the layout that you settle on will<br />
have the biggest impact on the feeling of space. As<br />
well as considering all of the components – such as<br />
furniture, appliances and storage – it’s important<br />
to think about the flow of the space; as you will be<br />
using the kitchen for a variety of purposes.<br />
LET THE LIGHT FLOOD IN<br />
A compact kitchen can easily be dark, so allow<br />
in as much natural light as possible. That might<br />
mean replacing an existing window with a larger alternative<br />
or adding a roof light. If neither of these<br />
options is feasible, another approach might be to<br />
install an internal window in order to ‘borrow’ light<br />
from another room.<br />
PUT IT AWAY<br />
Storage is a key consideration when designing a<br />
compact kitchen. Visible clutter combined with<br />
exposed pots, pans and utensils can all shrink<br />
the space. From recessed shelving and bespoke<br />
cupboards to elegant hanging rails, there are<br />
a multitude of options for storage even in the<br />
smallest of spaces.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
11
Kitchen surfaces<br />
From top to bottom — cabinets, benchtops, splashbacks, and flooring<br />
— selecting the optimal materials for your kitchen surfaces ensures<br />
the heart of the home is both stylish and functional.<br />
Whether making lunch boxes or meal prepping for<br />
the week, hosting friends for drinks and canapes<br />
or serving up a three course meal, robust surfaces<br />
in your kitchen are an absolute must. Ultimately<br />
though, the right choice is dependent on your<br />
household’s lifestyle.<br />
EASY TO CLEAN AND RESILIENT<br />
If your kitchen is a high-traffic space that earns<br />
the title ‘hub of the home’ then easy-to-clean and<br />
durable surfaces will be a top priority. Groutless<br />
tiling for splashbacks, non-porous and seamless<br />
benchtop materials such as Corian or stainless<br />
steel, and durable, oil-based paint that can<br />
withstand a bit of scrubbing, will quickly become<br />
your kitchen must haves. Selecting these types of<br />
materials means you won’t be walking on eggshells<br />
trying to keep your kitchen pristine. Instead, your<br />
focus can be on your next culinary masterpiece.<br />
HIGH-END AND LUXURIOUS<br />
Granite and marble are long-standing icons of<br />
the luxury category, but they’re better off in<br />
kitchens that don’t see a lot of heavy-duty action,<br />
or in homes where owners aren’t afraid of some<br />
maintenance. Granite stands up to most of the<br />
typical tasks found in the kitchen — hot pots and<br />
pans, surface cracks, and staining with proper<br />
sealants — but is still susceptible to chips and dings<br />
which you’ll have to address by polishing. Regular<br />
sealing is recommended to prevent damage and<br />
to maintain the elegant appearance of marble and<br />
granite.<br />
GREAT ALL-AROUNDERS<br />
They may sound outdated, but don’t overlook vinyl,<br />
laminate, and acrylic panelling. These materials<br />
have advanced in leaps and bounds in the past few<br />
decades and are now not only viable, but popular<br />
options to get a high-end look at a wallet-friendly<br />
price. Furthermore, many boast qualities such as<br />
scratch and heat resistance. Vinyls and laminates<br />
are incredibly versatile. They come in a variety<br />
of styles to suit any kitchen design from modern<br />
farmhouse to industrial chic and can be used for<br />
benchtops, flooring, and cabinetry.<br />
Ready to renovate your kitchen? Speak with the<br />
experts about the best kitchen surfaces and the latest<br />
materials available that will suit your lifestyle.<br />
12 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
HOW TO<br />
Solve unequal<br />
water pressure<br />
If taking a shower tends to be more of an unpredictable event than a comforting<br />
way to rinse away the day, your home may have unequal water pressure.<br />
Experienced plumber Hayden Lim has some advice on resolving this problem.<br />
Q<br />
What is an unequal water<br />
pressure system?<br />
Q<br />
What is the best way to identify<br />
unequal water pressure?<br />
A<br />
Q<br />
A<br />
An unequal water pressure system is when<br />
your cold water pressure is higher than<br />
your hot water pressure.<br />
What causes unequal water<br />
pressure?<br />
It is caused by a low-pressure hot water<br />
cylinder being installed in the house to<br />
deliver hot water. You will typically find this<br />
type of system in the majority of houses<br />
built before the 2000s.<br />
A<br />
The easiest way for a homeowner to<br />
identify whether or not they have unequal<br />
water pressure is to turn on a hot tap and<br />
a cold tap and compare the differences<br />
in water pressure. If the cold pressure is<br />
much greater than the hot pressure, then<br />
they more than likely have a low-pressure<br />
hot water cylinder installed and have an<br />
unequal water system. Also, the homeowner<br />
may have noticed that their shower is<br />
very temperamental and hard to adjust to a<br />
comfortable temperature or it fluctuates a<br />
lot; that is also a sign that it is an unequal<br />
pressure system.<br />
Q<br />
How long does it take to replace<br />
a hot water cylinder?<br />
A<br />
In most situations, a hot water cylinder<br />
upgrade can easily be completed in one day.<br />
Q<br />
How can unequal water pressure<br />
be solved?<br />
A<br />
The best way to solve the problem would<br />
be to replace the old low-pressure hot<br />
water cylinder and upgrade it to a mains<br />
pressure hot water cylinder. This will give<br />
you an equal pressure system which means<br />
the cold and hot water pressure is the same<br />
and you will find it a lot easier to mix the<br />
water and have a comfortable shower.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
13
The practical guide to renovating<br />
A TASTE<br />
OF COLOUR<br />
If it’s one thing you can be sure of, trends never stand<br />
still. We asked the Resene experts to give us a taste of<br />
what’s trending for this season.<br />
PAINTS Resene<br />
1. COLOUR COMBOS. Pairing colours is where it’s at.<br />
Warm greys paired with tan, camel, terracotta and brownblacks,<br />
for instance. “The combination of black on tan or<br />
tan on black is a smart choice,” says interior designer and<br />
colour consultant Debbie Abercrombie. “Also, keep an eye<br />
out for ochres and colours of cracked earth. The key is<br />
seeing colour in combination. Colours isolated are often<br />
not the wow we are looking for. It is how we combine them.”<br />
2. MAXIMALISM. Forget minimalism and its<br />
constraints. Make a move towards maximalism – one of<br />
the hottest styles in interior design. A blend of historical<br />
design and colours, layers and textures, and mixed artwork<br />
allows the maximalist to create an interior that not only<br />
melds the patina of time with contemporary decor but<br />
creates an interior that is vastly unique. “Maximalism<br />
allows you to let your imagination loose” says Rebecca<br />
Long, Resene Colour Expert. “The key here is to connect<br />
the dots and play close attention to design elements, such<br />
as repetition and shape, to build your scheme.”<br />
3. GROUNDED NEUTRALS. Earthier, honest<br />
neutrals are right on trend. Choose a colour palette<br />
of earthy browns, tans, warm greys and greens – and<br />
especially terracotta. “Terracotta is making a comeback<br />
and it isn't just limited to pots,” says Rebecca. “Pair colours<br />
such as Resene Entourage and Resene Desperado with<br />
classic timber stains such as Resene Pitch Black and<br />
Resene Natural.”<br />
82<br />
14 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong><br />
ISSUE 031
IMAGE Melanie Jenkins<br />
IMAGE Melanie Jenkins<br />
LIVING SPACES<br />
LIVING SPACES<br />
RESENE RESENE SOOTHE SOOTHE<br />
RESENE RESENE AVALANCHE<br />
RESENE RESENE ALABASTER ALABASTER<br />
83<br />
83<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
15
The importance of<br />
waterproofing<br />
PURPOSE<br />
Waterproofing is the process of sealing wet<br />
environments so moisture doesn’t creep into areas<br />
where it doesn’t belong. This keeps your home<br />
dry, reduces humidity, and prevents costly water<br />
damage. Mould growth, structural corrosion, and<br />
pests are other more detrimental issues that could<br />
arise without proper waterproofing.<br />
METHODS<br />
Whether extensive preparation is completed prior<br />
to building your bathroom or corrective work is<br />
needed after the fact, waterproofing should always<br />
be left to qualified professionals.<br />
Before<br />
Waterproofing wasn’t always a requirement, but<br />
now, most local councils have strict building<br />
regulations in place to ensure proper waterproofing<br />
during any renovation project that involves a<br />
wet area. This is commonly done by prepping the<br />
space with a coating or membrane that creates a<br />
water-tight barrier. Contractors can then easily<br />
apply tile, concrete, timber or a variety of other<br />
bathroom fit-out materials over the waterproofing.<br />
Some sealants even have antibacterial properties<br />
for an extra layer of protection against the growth<br />
of mould and mildew.<br />
After<br />
Even the best waterproofing practices may need to<br />
be repaired from time to time. Depending on the<br />
severity of the issue, a waterproofing professional<br />
may be able to fix a leak in the waterproofing with<br />
caulking or additional sealant without having to<br />
initiate an invasive repair. But if the leak is serious<br />
and has gone undetected for an extended period,<br />
remedial work may be necessary to completely<br />
re-waterproof your bathroom.<br />
BENEFITS<br />
Inhibiting the growth of mould and mildew is a<br />
significant benefit of waterproofing as these fungi<br />
carry health risks with prolonged exposure. Aside<br />
from the benefits we’ve already discussed, you’ll<br />
be happy to know that it can also increase your<br />
property value and broaden your range of design<br />
options.<br />
Investing in professional waterproofers shows<br />
potential buyers that your property is well cared<br />
for and that risk for potential damage and issues<br />
with the bathroom in the future is low. And, waterproofing<br />
your entire bathroom during a renovation<br />
allows you to transform what was once a dated and<br />
claustrophobic capsule shower into a spacious and<br />
chic fully tiled wetroom!<br />
16 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
Top tips for planning a<br />
laundry renovation<br />
Planning and forethought are the keys to creating a<br />
laundry that looks good and works hard every day<br />
of the week.<br />
LAUNDRY ESSENTIALS<br />
Clever storage devices will help you make the most<br />
out of your laundry.<br />
Location<br />
If you’re building or renovating and have the luxury<br />
of deciding where your laundry will go, try to choose<br />
a ground floor room with direct outdoor access.<br />
Flooring<br />
A laundry floor should be durable, easy to clean and,<br />
importantly, non-slip and waterproof. It should also<br />
slope to a waste hole for drainage. Vinyl flooring or<br />
ceramic tiles are both great options and available in<br />
a wide variety of colours, patterns and finishes.<br />
Ventilation<br />
Since laundries generate a lot of moisture, choosing<br />
or creating a well-ventilated room with plenty<br />
of natural light is important to help minimise the<br />
risk of dampness and mildew. It may also be worth<br />
installing an extractor fan and ensuring the walls<br />
are painted with mould-resistant paint.<br />
Lighting<br />
Leave room for plenty of windows in your design<br />
and ensure a good lighting plan is in place. Layered<br />
lighting will provide you with an easy to use space<br />
- with overhead lighting and cabinet lighting being<br />
the priorities.<br />
Washing machine<br />
When it comes to appliances, it pays to think big.<br />
Most families produce a lot of laundry and it’s<br />
more economical to do one large load rather than<br />
several smaller washes.<br />
Tumble dryer<br />
Even those committed to line-drying their laundry<br />
may want a tumble dryer for wet days or emergencies<br />
– remember that these should be vented to the<br />
outside wherever possible.<br />
Double sink<br />
A generously proportioned double sink is a wise<br />
investment and will give you plenty of space for<br />
hand washing, soaking and bleaching.<br />
LAUNDRY ORGANISATION<br />
Items can build up quickly in the laundry, so it’s<br />
important to have great storage solutions in place.<br />
Storage<br />
Kitchen style cupboards and drawers look smart<br />
and are an easy way to get organised, but you’ll<br />
need a variety of sizes to house everything appropriately.<br />
For example, deep, tall cupboards will<br />
be needed for storing brooms, mops and vacuum<br />
cleaners. Shallow cupboards may work well for<br />
detergents and other cleaning products and won’t<br />
gobble up floor space.<br />
Labelled clothes baskets<br />
Individual baskets for white clothing, dark clothing<br />
and hand-washable items is a great way to keep<br />
things organised and prevents clothing from<br />
getting accidentally damaged.<br />
Child-proofing<br />
If you have young children or pets in the house,<br />
include a lockable cupboard or add a childproof<br />
lock to at least one cabinet where you can store<br />
bleaches and other toxic products.<br />
Laundry cabinet<br />
If you can’t spare an entire room for your laundry,<br />
consider stacking the washing machine and dryer<br />
(or choose one appliance that can perform both<br />
functions) and house them behind cupboard doors.<br />
This not only looks more elegant but will minimise<br />
the noise of the machines too.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
17
EDGY, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL<br />
Stage Boss is glazed porcelain tile reimagined as pressed<br />
metal plate. A unique collaboration between Diesel Living and<br />
Iris Ceramica, world leaders in fashion and ceramic design.<br />
At just $124.90m 2 , Stage Boss is available in two colours in a<br />
300x600mm format and is suitable for both floors and walls,<br />
exclusively available at Tile Depot.<br />
www.tiledepot.co.nz<br />
18 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING 19
20<strong>21</strong><br />
People’s Choice<br />
Awards<br />
Closing another year of outstanding<br />
property transformations, Refresh<br />
Renovations and Zones Landscaping<br />
asked people worldwide to vote for<br />
their favourites. Now, the results are in,<br />
and the winning projects are ready for<br />
you to explore.<br />
20 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
24<br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
27<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
33<br />
FULL HOUSE RENOVATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
36<br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
39<br />
EXTENSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
43<br />
OUTDOOR PROJECTS<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
<strong>21</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Sara Tansy<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Lia Boersma<br />
Bathing in art deco blue<br />
Blue is the new black in the modernisation of this 1920s<br />
villa’s bathroom and water closet; the result is a modern<br />
design with a splash of classic Art Deco elegance.<br />
In both rooms, black and white floor tiles pair perfectly with<br />
deep blue dados and panelled wall detailing. And in the main<br />
bathroom, the vanity has been powder coated in the same<br />
blue and features an oval above counter basin along with<br />
copper tapware that matches the rest of the room’s fittings.<br />
A spacious shower and freestanding bathtub complete the<br />
space, offering the benefits of modern facilities without<br />
taking away from the interior’s distinctive character.<br />
Renovation consultant: Lia Boersma, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Challenges: Hidden flooring damage<br />
Key materials: Copper tapware, black and white<br />
floor tiles<br />
Suppliers used: PlaceMakers, Mitre 10, Resene<br />
Key features: Deep blue panelled wall detailing<br />
and dados<br />
<strong>22</strong> RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Abigail Harman<br />
Refresh Renovations, Perth, AUS – Michelle and Jason Zielinski<br />
Modernising the classic<br />
farmhouse bathroom<br />
A salvaged cast iron pedestal sink influenced the design of<br />
this Art Deco/farmhouse style bathroom renovation in Perth.<br />
Patterned floor tiles and a repurposed barn-style door have<br />
been used to establish a distinct character for the home’s<br />
bathroom. However, style didn’t come at the expense of<br />
functionality; integral to the bathroom redesign was a<br />
mobility-friendly layout. This was achieved with a spacious<br />
walk-in shower and bespoke vanity, creating a highly practical<br />
yet stylish new bathroom.<br />
Renovation consultants: Michelle and Jason<br />
Zielinski, Refresh Renovations<br />
Location: Perth, Australia<br />
Cost: $24,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 7 weeks<br />
Challenges: Ensuring the design was mobilityfriendly<br />
Key materials: Restored products sourced from<br />
salvage yards<br />
Key features: Cast iron pedestal sink and a<br />
bespoke vanity<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
23
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Adam Schlooz<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland Central, NZ – Corey Rambhai<br />
Showcasing industrial chic<br />
There was no devil to be found in the details of this<br />
bathroom renovation, just pure luxury. From golden brass<br />
tapware and fittings to the custom-built vanity and black<br />
stone bathtub, the reconstruction of this master ensuite<br />
resulted in a stylish, modern space.<br />
Soft grey wall tiles provide a minimalist background that<br />
enhances further sophisticated details, including matte black<br />
finishings, organic shaping, and recessed downlights.<br />
The ensuite is one of several rooms transformed in this<br />
beautiful Remuera home. Yet, while each room has been<br />
renovated with a refined, classic style, the master ensuite<br />
has the most notably elegant feel of them all.<br />
Renovation consultant: Corey Rambhai, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Remuera, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $95,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 13 weeks<br />
Key materials: Matte black finishings and<br />
golden brass tapware and fittings<br />
Suppliers used: SWP Interiors<br />
Key features: Black stone bathtub and<br />
custom-built vanity<br />
Style: Modern and elegant<br />
24 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Helen Gwyther<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Mark Morrison<br />
Designed for the<br />
passionate baker<br />
As any keen baker knows, a well-designed kitchen is the<br />
icing on the cake. So when it came to transforming this<br />
Wellington townhouse, the Refresh Renovations Wellington<br />
team ensured the space was ‘fit for purpose’ and suited this<br />
budding masterchef’s lifestyle.<br />
Bench space, storage, and light were the key ingredients for<br />
the success of this kitchen renovation. The Refresh team<br />
executed the complete transformation with new cabinetry,<br />
a tiled splashback, natural look flooring, fresh paint, and<br />
plumbing and electrical upgrades throughout.<br />
Renovation consultant: Mark Morrison, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $59,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 4 weeks<br />
Key materials: Bevelled 100x200mm tiles<br />
Suppliers used: Resene, ACE Kitchens and<br />
Laminates, Devon & Patterson Flooring<br />
Key features: Tiled splashback, white cabinetry<br />
and silver fixtures<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
25
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Mandy Foster<br />
Refresh Renovations, Waikato, NZ – Mandy and Lawrie Foster<br />
Creating space with<br />
Scandinavian style<br />
Stylish and modern, this open-plan kitchen was designed<br />
with socialising in mind. Previously closed off from the rest<br />
of the home, the dividing wall has been demolished, making<br />
way for a much larger kitchen layout.<br />
The redesigned kitchen now allows the homeowners to<br />
easily cook together and enjoy using it as a multi-purpose<br />
kitchen and dining space.<br />
Luxury vinyl flooring and a white tiled splashback give this<br />
kitchen a modern functional aesthetic, while pendant lighting<br />
and black accents add a touch of on-trend Scandinavian style.<br />
Renovation consultants: Mandy and Lawrie<br />
Foster, Refresh Renovations<br />
BEFORE<br />
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $79,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 14 weeks<br />
Challenges: Shifting the hot water cylinder and<br />
associated solar panel system<br />
Key materials: Luxury vinyl flooring<br />
Key features: Waterfall benchtops and black<br />
tapware<br />
26 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BIGGEST<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Elfrem Chan<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, AUS – Leigh McDonald<br />
Capturing timeless elegance<br />
This award-winning kitchen renovation proves that dreams<br />
do come true. Spacious and stylish, the sophisticated transformation<br />
of this Melbourne kitchen has ensured the room<br />
really is the heart of the home. But the pièce de résistance is<br />
the butler’s pantry, a long-time dream for the homeowners.<br />
All completed to a luxurious finish; overhead storage makes<br />
it easy to keep this kitchen free of clutter, while LED strip<br />
lighting illuminates the engineered quartz benchtops and<br />
splashbacks. With its well-designed layout and elegant<br />
colour palette, it’s clear to see the careful craftsmanship<br />
that’s gone into this beautiful kitchen.<br />
Renovation consultant: Leigh McDonald,<br />
Refresh Renovations<br />
BEFORE<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $52,000 AUD<br />
Challenges: Renovating during early days of<br />
COVID-19 pandemic<br />
Key materials: Engineered quartz benchtops<br />
and splashbacks<br />
Suppliers used: Lavistone<br />
Key features: Elegant colour palette with gold<br />
accents<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
27
From<br />
foundation<br />
to fence line,<br />
we’ll get it<br />
sorted.<br />
Get the whole job done with<br />
Mitre 10. We supply and deliver to<br />
site, sort out any special orders,<br />
and help make the whole job go<br />
as smoothly as possible. We might<br />
even sort the coffee too.<br />
mitre10.co.nz/trade
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BIGGEST<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Kevin Bills<br />
Refresh Renovations, Manawatu, NZ – Wayne Gordon<br />
Upgrading a quintessential<br />
NZ beach house<br />
The transformation of this 1940s New Zealand beach<br />
house blends the practicality of modern design with the<br />
relaxed feel of coastal living. Originally dark and outdated,<br />
the renovated interior is bright, airy, and spacious. An<br />
improved layout, urban fixtures, and a fresh colour scheme<br />
have lifted the beach house into the <strong>21</strong>st century.<br />
However, there’s more to this upgraded beach house<br />
than its newfound style. The home’s functional elements<br />
have also been thoroughly improved, creating a more<br />
comfortable living environment. Improvements include a<br />
new hot water system, heat transfer system, insulation, and<br />
double-glazed windows.<br />
Renovation consultant: Wayne Gordon, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Manawatu, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $130,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 weeks<br />
Challenges: COVID-19 pushed the construction<br />
timeline back<br />
Key materials: Light timber flooring<br />
Suppliers used: Mitre 10, GIB<br />
Key features: The kitchen’s subway tiled splashback<br />
and under-cabinet LED lighting<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
29
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
FULL HOUSE<br />
RENOVATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Holly Lynch<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland Central, NZ – Kim Reiche<br />
Introducing modern comfort<br />
This home was renovated using modern design principles to<br />
open up the main living areas, improve temperature control,<br />
and enhance light throughout.<br />
Removing the wall dividing the kitchen and lounge was<br />
an integral part of this transformation, making way for a<br />
spacious open-plan living area. However, the installation of<br />
larger double-glazed windows and bifold doors has also made<br />
a significant difference to the feel of the home. Abundant light<br />
can filter through, and warmth is better retained.<br />
Extensive work on the kitchen, main bathroom, master suite,<br />
and outdoor areas completes the renovation, establishing an<br />
elegant home with modern comforts.<br />
Renovation consultant: Kim Reiche, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $235,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 9 weeks<br />
Key materials: Double-glazed windows, black<br />
tiling, wood-textured vinyl flooring<br />
Suppliers used: Showerwell Home Products<br />
Key features: Floor-to-ceiling windows<br />
30 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
FULL HOUSE<br />
RENOVATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Adam Schlooz<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland Central, NZ – Corey Rambhai<br />
A standout bungalow revival<br />
This 1930s bungalow had maintained a great amount of its<br />
original charm over the decades. However, a few areas had<br />
become dated in style and functionality: the main bathroom,<br />
kitchen, and back deck. These spaces became the core focus<br />
of this renovation and have been renewed with contemporary<br />
style.<br />
The kitchen now boasts ample cabinetry, deep green<br />
splashback tiling, and a large bi-fold window opening out to<br />
the new deck. The upgraded bathroom continues this earthy<br />
colour scheme with a woven copper feature wall and washed<br />
blue splashback tiling. And as for the back deck, the decking<br />
has been extended and modernised with a louvre roof,<br />
creating a beautiful area for outdoor entertaining.<br />
Renovation consultant: Corey Rambhai, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $<strong>22</strong>5,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 24 weeks<br />
Key materials: Vibrant wall tiling<br />
Suppliers used: Resene, JAG Kitchens<br />
Key features: The louvre roof with grooved soffit<br />
panels and LED downlights<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
31
Sara Tansy<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Jeff Clark<br />
Urban renewal transforms<br />
century-old heritage home<br />
When designing a new look for this 120-year-old home, the<br />
owners wanted to maintain elements of its original build and<br />
introduce a more contemporary style to contrast. This creative<br />
direction is most noticeable from the outside looking in. From<br />
the street, the property appears as the charming cottage it had<br />
been for over a century. All the while, from the backyard, the<br />
home stands as a stunning example of urban design.<br />
The renovated interior continues the urban style, using<br />
materials such as polished concrete, engineered stone, and<br />
exposed timber to establish a sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a<br />
natural colour scheme that has suitably been carried into the<br />
backyard’s hardscaping, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow.<br />
Renovation consultant: Jeff Clark, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $4<strong>32</strong>,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 28 weeks<br />
Challenges: Navigating heritage building codes<br />
Key materials: Polished concrete flooring, engineered<br />
stone benchtops, concrete slab paving<br />
Key features: Cottage-style frontage and<br />
urbanised rear exterior, complete with a contemporary<br />
backyard<br />
BEFORE<br />
<strong>32</strong> RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BIGGEST<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
FULL HOUSE<br />
RENOVATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Owners Rose and Dean are thrilled with the effortless blending<br />
of their home’s interior design and alfresco entertaining space:<br />
“Our favourite feature has to be the floor<br />
to ceiling windows and doors, creating a<br />
seamless transition inside to out.”<br />
From the front, the modest facade, originally built in the<br />
early 1990s, gives no indication of the extensive transformation<br />
that has taken place behind it, nor how much space<br />
it holds within the four walls. All of the home’s charming<br />
character remains, much to the delight of the Wellington<br />
City Council which deemed the property ‘historically<br />
significant’. Upon entering Rose and Dean’s home, it’s clear<br />
that every inch of the renewed space has been imbued with<br />
their personality, Project manager Melissa Mentz notes that<br />
“Dean and Rose had great taste and design flair, so they<br />
made it easy to make the place look amazing.” By the looks<br />
of the smart details throughout, it’d be hard to disagree.<br />
The entire renovation ended up being an impressive<br />
balancing act of old and new, inside and out, natural and<br />
inorganic, which called for extensive planning on Renovation<br />
Consultant Jeff Clark’s part. “We went through two formal<br />
concepts for Dean and Rose,” he explains. “During this<br />
process, one of the options fell away and we pursued the<br />
other with vigour.” It’s clear that the design they chose is a<br />
true winner and worthy of both People’s Choice Award titles<br />
it has claimed.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
33
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Elfrem Chan<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, AUS – Leigh McDonald<br />
Garage transformation into<br />
spacious modern home<br />
What was an underused double garage has become a<br />
beautiful place to call home. This self-contained unit<br />
was designed for modern living, built with ample storage,<br />
practical features, and a minimalist interior style.<br />
In the main living area, timber flooring, crisp white walls,<br />
recessed lighting, and a new A/C system combine for a<br />
comfortable atmosphere. The bedroom is accessible from<br />
this open-plan space through a sliding door – a simple yet<br />
effective option for maximising floor area. And as for the<br />
bathroom, a spacious shower with a matte black rainfall<br />
showerhead gives this self-contained unit a touch of luxury.<br />
Renovation consultant: Leigh McDonald,<br />
Refresh Renovations<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $67,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 8 weeks<br />
Challenges: Restrictions due to COVID-19<br />
Key materials: Timber flooring and grey carpet<br />
Suppliers used: Saniflo, Sanifloor, Choices<br />
Flooring, Burdens Bathrooms<br />
Key features: Recessed lighting, new A/C<br />
system, rainfall shower<br />
34 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Elfrem Chan<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, AUS – Paul Cree<br />
Shed conversion to<br />
sophisticated event space<br />
Originally used as a stable, this shed has been converted<br />
into a multi-purpose entertainment space to be used for<br />
events and parties.<br />
There’s nothing ordinary about the renovated shed; large<br />
sliding doors make for an inviting entrance, while corrugated<br />
steel cladding, timber ceiling panels, and black steel<br />
frames establish the perfect blank canvas for any occasion.<br />
When the doors are closed, LED downlights provide plenty<br />
of light, as do the large industrial pendant lights. And<br />
no matter the season, this converted shed will retain a<br />
comfortable temperature as the walls and ceiling have been<br />
fully insulated.<br />
Renovation consultant: Paul Cree, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $75,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Key materials: Aluminium doors, corrugated<br />
steel cladding and exposed timber ceiling panels<br />
Key features: Large sliding doors, LED downlights<br />
and industrial pendant lighting<br />
Style: Industrial-chic<br />
BEFORE<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
35
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
OPEN PLAN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Holly Lynch<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland Central, NZ – Kim Reiche<br />
A compact yet comfortable<br />
self-contained unit<br />
The 10-week renovation of this double garage has<br />
created a compact yet comfortable home established with<br />
high-quality, modern materials. Luxury vinyl flooring,<br />
recessed lighting, and a cool-toned colour palette achieve<br />
a contemporary atmosphere throughout. And to maximise<br />
the available floor space, an open-plan layout allows for a<br />
spacious kitchen and lounge.<br />
In addition to the main living areas, the self-contained unit<br />
features a laundry, bathroom, and double bedroom with<br />
a built-in wardrobe. Designed carefully for comfort, the<br />
interior of this self-contained unit certainly feels and looks<br />
more like a home than a sleepout.<br />
Renovation consultant: Kim Reiche, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $164,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Challenges: Firewall between the house and<br />
sleep-out<br />
Key materials: Luxury vinyl flooring<br />
Suppliers used: Mitre 10, GIB, Resene<br />
Key features: A cool-toned colour palette<br />
Style: Modern<br />
BEFORE<br />
36 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
OPEN PLAN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Sara Tansy<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Lia Boersma<br />
Introducing a 1940s kitchen<br />
to contemporary design<br />
The kitchen of this 1940s Wellington home has been modernised<br />
with an open-plan layout that makes much better<br />
use of the space available. This layout alteration has allowed<br />
plenty of natural light to fill the room and ultimately created<br />
a more sociable living area.<br />
Consistent with Scandinavian design principles, the kitchen<br />
features light timber flooring, a white colour palette, and<br />
subtle nods to nature. Custom-built cabinetry provides<br />
ample storage space, a valuable inclusion for avoiding benchtop<br />
clutter. And for a touch of unique character, hexagonal<br />
splashback tiling blends seamlessly into the kitchen.<br />
Renovation consultant: Lia Boersma, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Project duration: 9 weeks<br />
Challenges: Tight timeframe<br />
Key materials: Matai timber flooring<br />
Suppliers used: PlaceMakers, Resene<br />
Key features: Custom-built cabinetry and<br />
hexagonal splashback tiling<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
37
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
OPEN PLAN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Frank Schwere<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland Central, NZ – Dave Georgetti<br />
Positioned for entertaining<br />
The transformation of this kitchen has seen it become an<br />
entertainer’s dream. Although the kitchen had always shared<br />
an open-plan layout with the adjoining dining room, its<br />
positioning didn’t get the best out of the home’s floor plan.<br />
In solution, the original layout has been flipped, repositioning<br />
the kitchen at the room’s opposite end.<br />
The renovated kitchen now looks onto the back deck,<br />
which can be accessed through wide sliding doors, allowing<br />
for excellent indoor-outdoor flow. Sleek and practical,<br />
the kitchen has been redesigned with an industrial style.<br />
Notable features include the grey engineered stone benchtop<br />
and handleless modern white cabinetry.<br />
Renovation consultant: Dave Georgetti, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $100,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 weeks<br />
Challenges: A lot of framing and foundation work<br />
Key materials: Grey engineered stone benchtop<br />
Key features: Handleless modern white cabinetry<br />
Style: Industrial contemporary<br />
38 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
EXTENSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Andrew Burford<br />
Refresh Renovations, Gold Coast, AUS – Martin Peirone<br />
Two-storey house extension<br />
captures scenic surrounds<br />
The owner of this Gold Coast property wanted to extend the<br />
back of the home to create more space for enjoying views of<br />
the neighbouring Coomera River.<br />
The renovation involved replacing the existing second-storey<br />
deck with a larger, modern deck, extending the roof<br />
above, and forming a new room below. All additions were<br />
maximised to the council’s size limits and designed to blend<br />
seamlessly with the home’s exterior.<br />
Built from low maintenance Knotwood, the new deck is<br />
wrapped in a glass balustrade that enhances the river<br />
views. Meanwhile, wide sliding doors allow full sight of the<br />
beautiful vista from the room below.<br />
Renovation consultant: Martin Peirone, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Gold Coast, Australia<br />
Cost: $110,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Challenges: Getting council permission<br />
Key materials: Knotwood decking<br />
Key features: Glass balustrade<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
39
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
INTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
TBC<br />
Refresh Renovations, Surrey and Hampshire, UK – Kelley Malcher<br />
Luxurious improvements for<br />
a countryside home<br />
To achieve their dream open-plan kitchen, the homeowners<br />
of this Surrey property decided to extend their house. This<br />
additional floor area is now home to a high-gloss kitchen<br />
that features quartz benchtops and practical storage solutions.<br />
With the dining room and lounge sharing the openplan<br />
layout, the main living areas have become significantly<br />
more sociable. But they’ve also become more luxurious.<br />
New underfloor heating provides optimal comfort during<br />
cold Surrey winters. All the while, large bi-fold doors leading<br />
out to the home’s garden allow plenty of natural light to fill<br />
the spacious, contemporary interior.<br />
Renovation consultant: Kelley Malcher, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Surrey, United Kingdom<br />
Cost: £160,000 GBP<br />
Project duration: 20 weeks<br />
Key materials: Wood effect porcelain flooring,<br />
high-gloss kitchen cabinets, quartz benchtops<br />
Suppliers used: Porcelanosa, Bosch, Thibaut<br />
Key features: Underfloor heating<br />
40 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
A CUT ABOVE THE REST.<br />
The dynamic and inviting Beton Hexagonal tiles are made in Italy, from<br />
full body porcelain mosaic. Suitable for floors and walls it is available<br />
in a mix of three finishes, matt, glossy and fabric. The ultimate design<br />
trend: it is perfect for any residential and commercial area, following<br />
the latest colour trends into Scandinavian style.<br />
www.tiledepot.co.nz
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
EXTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
TBC<br />
Refresh Renovations, Surrey and Hampshire, UK – Kelley Malcher<br />
An outdoor oasis with<br />
Mediterranean flair<br />
Following an extensive interior renovation, this home<br />
received a significant outdoor transformation to complete<br />
the property’s revival.<br />
A combination of traditional and contemporary design<br />
elements have gone into the new front fence and sliding<br />
electric gates, resulting in a sophisticated style that’s cohesive<br />
with the home’s exterior build. Materials used include<br />
silicone rendered blocks and pillars, anthracite powder-coated<br />
steel framing, and handcrafted wooden slates.<br />
Meanwhile, a Mediterranean-inspired elevated patio,<br />
complete with outdoor lighting and speakers, now provides<br />
the perfect setting for summer nights at the back of the<br />
house. Large luxurious steps complete this installation and<br />
lead down to the manicured lawn.<br />
Renovation consultant: Kelley Malcher, Refresh<br />
Renovations<br />
Location: Surrey, United Kingdom<br />
Cost: £150,000 GBP<br />
Project duration: 16 weeks<br />
Key materials: Porcelain tiles<br />
Key features: Elevated patio<br />
42 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
LANDSCAPE<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Scott Espie<br />
Zones Landscaping, Auckland Central, NZ – Kate Ryan<br />
A low-maintenance design<br />
for the urban minimalist<br />
While there’s much to admire about this urban backyard, the<br />
warm-toned decking with floating stairs captures the most<br />
attention. Crafted with sections of timber running in different<br />
directions and LED lighting underneath the stairs, the deck<br />
offers an ultimate space for entertaining and relaxing.<br />
Artificial turf creates a clean contrast against the deck<br />
and is complemented by minimal surrounding greenery.<br />
Together, the turf and plants establish a low-maintenance<br />
landscape, though it wouldn’t be assumed. And in completing<br />
the backyard, an aluminium lightbox sculpture with a<br />
customised laser-cut design separates the dining area from<br />
the lawn. It’s a subtle addition that makes for a beautiful<br />
conversation piece.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Kate Ryan, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $69,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 8 weeks<br />
Key materials: Warm-toned decking, artificial turf<br />
Suppliers used: Pacific Outdoor Solutions<br />
Key features: Lightbox sculpture and floating steps<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
43
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
LANDSCAPE<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Dominique Birley<br />
Zones Landscaping, Tauranga, New Zealand – Nichola Vague<br />
A multi-level retreat,<br />
complete with a fire pit<br />
overlooking the sea<br />
This backyard has transformed into a coastal oasis through<br />
visionary design, high-quality materials, organically shaped<br />
structures, and abundant subtropical planting.<br />
Using red-brown Kwila timber, an expansive deck has been<br />
established in a series of terraced platforms - some with a<br />
slight swivel and others with staggered placement.<br />
This installation has significantly transformed the backyard,<br />
making the most of the sloping landscape and providing a<br />
walkway down to the new curved seating area complete with<br />
a statement fire pit.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Nichola Vague, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $60,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 weeks<br />
Key materials: Red-brown Kwila timber, smooth<br />
concrete, subtropical planting<br />
Key features: The curved wood seating and<br />
statement fire pit<br />
44 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
LANDSCAPE<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Dominique Birley<br />
Zones Landscaping, Tauranga, NZ – Nichola Vague<br />
Escaping into the subtropical<br />
This backyard – once small and empty – has become a subtropical<br />
haven. While the planting is remarkable, a standout<br />
feature of the overall landscape is the paved walkway that<br />
runs down the narrow side of the house.<br />
Though the yard is limited in size, using light coloured<br />
pavers was a strategic design decision to create the illusion<br />
of more space.<br />
A wide variety of vibrant plants have been carefully selected<br />
and placed to establish the backyard’s lush surrounding<br />
backdrop. And to complete the landscape, a new gas<br />
fireplace has been installed on the existing deck, providing a<br />
centrepiece for outdoor entertaining.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Nichola Vague, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $60,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 3 weeks<br />
Key materials: Pavers and subtropical planting<br />
Key features: The paved walkway and gas fireplace<br />
Best decision: Using light coloured pavers to<br />
create the illusion of more space<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
45
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
OUTDOOR<br />
LIVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
DECKING &<br />
PAVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Scott Espie<br />
Zones Landscaping, North Shore, NZ – Matt and Boyd Gillespie<br />
An elegant transformation<br />
for outdoor entertaining<br />
Bespoke decking and louvre roofing combine to deliver an<br />
impressive outdoor area for entertaining in this backyard.<br />
Carefully designed for the sloping site, the installation<br />
features two main levels. The lower level has been finished<br />
off with artificial turf and a glass balustrade for the owners’<br />
dogs to enjoy, while the upper is built for outdoor dining and<br />
boasts a PPC louvre roof.<br />
When asked about the final result, one of the owners<br />
shared, “I really have to credit the Zones design process. By<br />
taking the time to design and go through all the options, it<br />
produced a great outcome that many other builders would<br />
have put in the ‘too hard’ basket.”<br />
Landscaping consultants: Matt and Boyd<br />
Gillespie, Zones Landscaping<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $60,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 4 weeks<br />
Key materials: Decking and artificial turf<br />
Suppliers used: Outdure, Pacific Outdoor Solutions<br />
Key features: Louvre roof and glass balustrade<br />
46 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
DECKING &<br />
PAVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Dominique Birley<br />
Zones Landscaping, Tauranga, NZ – Nichola Vague<br />
Modern design makes<br />
a bigger splash<br />
This contemporary home had an established elegance that<br />
the owners wanted to bring into the landscape. For its revival,<br />
the backyard was upgraded with a modern, family-sized<br />
swimming pool, glass fencing, minimalist planting, and a<br />
large deck for entertaining.<br />
White quartzite coping stones frame the pool, contrasting<br />
beautifully against the adjoining deck. And keeping in line<br />
with this modern material scheme, the pool interior features<br />
a cool-grey colour which enhances reflections of the sky and<br />
surrounding rural nature.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Nichola Vague, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $150,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 weeks<br />
Key materials: Vitex hardwood flooring and<br />
white quartzite coping stones<br />
Suppliers used: Barrier Reef Pools, Naked Fresh<br />
Water System<br />
Key features: Swimming pool and glass fencing<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
47
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
OUTDOOR<br />
LIVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
DECKING &<br />
PAVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Dominique Birley<br />
Zones Landscaping, Tauranga, NZ – Nichola Vague<br />
Enhancing a waterfront<br />
property with tropical flair<br />
When redesigning the landscape of this waterfront<br />
property, it was essential to capture the essence of the coastal<br />
surroundings. In its complete makeover, the landscape was<br />
reconstructed with expansive decking, a concrete patio, fresh<br />
lawn, artificial turf, and a variety of dark green and burgundy<br />
coloured plants, which all combined for an elegant finish.<br />
Adding just a little more luxury, the homeowners had slatted<br />
timber fencing, block planters, and smooth pavers placed<br />
strategically throughout the landscape to create a guided<br />
flow. And for entertainment, lighting fixtures were installed<br />
to enhance the established garden and create a beautiful<br />
evening experience.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Nichola Vague, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $150,000 NZD<br />
Key materials: Decking, a concrete patio,<br />
artificial turf, decorative timber fencing<br />
Suppliers used: Del Tutto Pools<br />
Key features: The expansive deck and hardscaping<br />
for guided paths<br />
Best decision: Building a recessed pit to hide the<br />
swimming pool cove<br />
48 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
OUTDOOR<br />
LIVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Leah Huang<br />
Zones Landscaping, Waikato, NZ – Leah Huang<br />
Nestled in native bush<br />
Incorporating an ‘unusable’ gully into this property’s<br />
landscape design posed a unique challenge. But through<br />
creative thinking, the gully was strategically transformed<br />
into a private walkway.<br />
The construction process involved building a track down to the<br />
gully, through the native bush, and closing it with a large deck.<br />
Floating amongst the forestry, the deck brings new meaning<br />
to ‘outdoor living’. And to enhance this nature retreat further,<br />
more native trees were planted around the gully as part of<br />
its restoration; Kahikatea, kowhai, pukatea, kawakawa, and<br />
kanuka were among the homeowner’s favourites.<br />
Meanwhile, back at the house, a new deck and louvre roofing<br />
extend the main living areas outside, providing a modern,<br />
sheltered entertaining space to relax no matter the season.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Leah Huang, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $80,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 4 weeks<br />
Key materials: Decking and paving, louvre roof<br />
system<br />
Key features: The native forest walkway<br />
Best decision: Gully restoration<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
49
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
SHADE &<br />
PRIVACY OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Judd Stratful<br />
Zones Landscaping, Tauranga, NZ – Judd Stratful<br />
A private and peaceful<br />
outdoor sanctuary<br />
The owners of this Auckland property wanted to expand their<br />
outdoor living area while bringing more depth and dimension<br />
to the landscape. The backyard was redesigned to capture this<br />
vision, incorporating a raised planter bed that runs along the<br />
back fence, permeable paving, and a water feature.<br />
Together, these additions have completely enhanced the<br />
backyard’s atmosphere; now, it feels bigger yet more<br />
enclosed – like a sanctuary. The new paving established<br />
a significantly larger entertaining area for the owners to<br />
enjoy. All the while, Ficus Tuffy trees planted along the<br />
raised garden bed create a growing privacy screen between<br />
the property and its neighbours.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Judd Stratful, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $40,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 3 weeks<br />
Key materials: Permeable paving<br />
Key features: Water feature, raised garden bed<br />
Best decision: Creating a privacy screen with trees<br />
50 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
BIGGEST OUTDOOR<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Zones Landscaping, Auckland Central, NZ – Rose Bridge<br />
Modernising with urban<br />
pathways, terraced decking<br />
and vibrant gardens<br />
BEFORE<br />
Before its transformation, this sloping landscape was vastly<br />
underused. The homeowner wanted to make better use of<br />
the land by integrating defined pathways and incorporating<br />
more greenery for a tranquil atmosphere.<br />
As a result, the property’s entire landscape has been<br />
modernised with urban style. In the front, staggered rows<br />
of smooth bluestone pavers lead down to the front porch,<br />
which is wrapped in a new timber balustrade. And leading to<br />
the backyard, a set of stairs and three landing decks provide<br />
a walkway that’s framed by planter beds with lush flaxes.<br />
Landscaping consultant: Rose Bridge, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $157,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 8 weeks<br />
Key materials: Bluestone pavers and Kwila<br />
decking<br />
Key features: Staggered pavers and terraced<br />
planter beds<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
51
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
BIGGEST OUTDOOR<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Zones Landscaping, Waitakere, NZ – Matthew Wilkinson<br />
Complete revival for<br />
suburban front yard<br />
This front yard was redesigned to be more low-maintenance,<br />
provide greater privacy, and complement the home’s<br />
modern exterior. The transformation involved clearing<br />
out overgrown trees and shrubs, building a new fence,<br />
resurfacing the courtyard with artificial lawn, installing<br />
stepping pavers, and creating a raised macrocarpa<br />
vegetable garden.<br />
The new fence has made a significant difference to the feel<br />
of the outdoor living area, creating an enclosed sanctuary<br />
to relax. All the while, the artificial lawn contrasts<br />
beautifully against the existing deck, establishing a sleek<br />
look that’s cohesive with the home’s modern style.<br />
BEFORE<br />
Landscaping consultant: Matthew Wilkinson,<br />
Zones Landscaping<br />
Location: Waitakere, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $23,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 5 weeks<br />
Key materials: Fencing, pavers and artificial lawn<br />
Key features: The raised veggie garden<br />
Top trend: Artificial turf<br />
52 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
ZONES LANDSCAPING<br />
BIGGEST OUTDOOR<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Scott Espie<br />
Zones Landscaping, Auckland Central, NZ – Thelma Meyer<br />
The height of sophistication<br />
Before its renewal, this property lacked the comfortable<br />
outdoor living areas typical of contemporary homes. The<br />
owners wanted to upgrade the exterior to create beautiful<br />
spaces for socialising and relaxing; they needed to be<br />
functional no matter the weather and tasteful in design.<br />
As a result, the home’s exterior has been revamped with<br />
elegant tiling, two spacious decks, a louvre roof, and<br />
a matching pergola. There are now several spaces for<br />
entertaining, divided subtly by strategically placed pillars<br />
and a brand new outdoor fireplace.<br />
Ultimately, this transformation has enhanced the home’s<br />
functionality and style, delivering a luxurious outdoor living<br />
area that blends seamlessly with the house.<br />
BEFORE<br />
Landscaping consultant: Thelma Meyer, Zones<br />
Landscaping<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $153,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 7 weeks<br />
Key materials: Tiling and decking<br />
Suppliers used: Outdure, Resene<br />
Key features: Louvre roof, pergola, outdoor<br />
fireplace<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
53
20<strong>22</strong><br />
People’s Choice<br />
Awards<br />
Closing another year of outstanding<br />
property transformations, Refresh<br />
Renovations and Zones Landscaping<br />
asked people worldwide to vote for<br />
their favourites. Now, the results are in,<br />
and the winning projects are ready for<br />
you to explore.<br />
54 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
58 61 64<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
EXTENSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
67<br />
INTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
71<br />
EXTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
84<br />
WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
55
20<strong>21</strong><br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, Australia - Leigh McDonald<br />
More spacious after an<br />
open-plan renovation<br />
Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Frankston North,<br />
this post-war home is only a stone's throw away from the<br />
bustling city of Melbourne.<br />
Once cramped and outdated, the kitchen’s interior<br />
has been entirely revamped with an open-plan layout,<br />
extension, and modern design. These changes created a<br />
spacious environment with a modern, stylish interior and<br />
improved functionality.<br />
Dark cabinetry stands out beautifully in contrast to the<br />
grey tiled floor and white walls. Featuring gleaming white<br />
countertops, pendant lighting, and new appliances, the<br />
renovated kitchen has become a much more welcoming<br />
place to enjoy cooking.<br />
Renovation consultant: Leigh McDonald<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $110,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 2 months<br />
Challenges: Demolition of concrete and<br />
load-bearing walls<br />
Interesting Aspects: Sun tunnel and skylight<br />
installation<br />
56 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Napier, NZ - Sophia Roydhouse & Mike Ross<br />
Maximising sunlight and<br />
modernising interiors<br />
Originally Julia and Steve wanted to upgrade their 20-yearold<br />
kitchen that had seen better days. However, during their<br />
initial consultation with Sophia and Mike, they were asked<br />
if they’d considered removing the dividing wall between the<br />
kitchen and dining room.<br />
The final concept plan involved removing the dining wall,<br />
upgrading the kitchen, redesigning the two living rooms, and<br />
giving the main bathroom a makeover too.<br />
The kitchen now boasts an understated, timeless design<br />
that makes the most of the room available with an improved<br />
layout. All-white cabinetry and benchtops entirely brighten<br />
up the space, and the large kitchen island/breakfast bar<br />
makes a stunning centrepiece that welcomes socialising.<br />
Renovation consultants: Sophia Roydhouse &<br />
Mike Ross<br />
Location: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $180,000<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Challenges: Discovering rotting timber in the<br />
bathroom<br />
Interesting Aspects: Grey, marbled tiles used<br />
floor to ceiling in the updated bathroom<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
57
20<strong>21</strong><br />
KITCHEN<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Nick Leko<br />
Airy beach house with<br />
a sophisticated look<br />
A home can be renovated but you can't build a view. Big<br />
changes were made to this beachfront property so that it<br />
could be more livable for the long term.<br />
Due to its coastal frontage, the project required both<br />
building consent and resource consent. Luckily, Fraser<br />
and Mel didn’t have to deal with the council because Nick<br />
managed the entire project from start to finish — one of the<br />
many perks of professional project management.<br />
The property’s extension houses the new kitchen and dining<br />
area. A colour palette of contrasting neutrals works well to<br />
balance the airy beach house with a sophisticated look –<br />
though it’s not distracting from the stunning coastal view.<br />
Renovation consultant: Nick Leko<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $850,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 months<br />
Challenges: A sub-standard slab<br />
Interesting Aspects: The adjoining shower<br />
and bath maximised the small space<br />
58 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, Australia - Leigh McDonald<br />
A contemporary bathroom<br />
and laundry design<br />
From bog-standard to sleek and modern, this property's<br />
bathroom and laundry room underwent a surprising<br />
transformation.<br />
Greg, the owner of this Endeavour Hills home, approached<br />
local Renovation Partner Leigh McDonald to redesign the<br />
property’s bathroom and laundry. His vision was to create<br />
modern interiors that would be more practical to use.<br />
The overall impression of the renovated bathroom is now of<br />
clean edges and calming tones. The glass shower is sleek and<br />
features dual shower heads along with a convenient recessed<br />
shelf for bathroom essentials. The back to wall bathtub has a<br />
luxe look and saves space with its rounded corner. The new<br />
layout neatly incorporates a toilet next to the floating vanity,<br />
which includes two deep drawers for plentiful storage.<br />
Renovation consultants: Leigh McDonald<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $40,000<br />
Project duration: 24 days<br />
Interesting Aspects: A black tiled splashback<br />
and waterfall kitchen island<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
59
20<strong>21</strong><br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland, NZ - Dominic Hollands<br />
Breathing new life into a<br />
mid-century home<br />
Front extensions and internal reconfigurations transform this<br />
Kelston home into a stunning new-age property.<br />
Key goals for this project were to maximise the living space<br />
and create a property fit for modern family living. Five<br />
months later, Charlie and their family now have a beautiful<br />
new home that meets every requirement.<br />
The en-suite continues the pattern of hardwood floors by<br />
including timber-look tiling in the double shower. The tiling<br />
is complemented nicely by the slick black fittings to tie<br />
everything together.<br />
As for the spacious single bedroom, the new room is framed<br />
by dark grey curtains and features a large double wardrobe,<br />
offering plentiful storage.<br />
Renovation consultant: Dominic Hollands<br />
Location: West Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $310,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 months<br />
Challenges: Location of the stormwater outlet<br />
Interesting Aspects: Concealed laundry, openplan<br />
kitchen, and blue splashback tiles<br />
60 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
BATHROOM<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, Australia - Leigh McDonald<br />
A bright and<br />
beautiful bathroom<br />
The homeowners’ two kids were growing up. So they wanted<br />
to invest in creating a stylish space with high-end fixtures<br />
and fittings.<br />
It was a complete renovation that involved plumbing,<br />
electrical work, and waterproofing. Leigh and his renovation<br />
team were highly professional during the construction<br />
process and utilised their well-established skills to put care<br />
into each detail.<br />
From floor to ceiling, the new bathroom has transformed<br />
into a proper urban retreat. But while the fixtures are<br />
notably lavish, the product choices and placement has been<br />
perfectly planned to keep the atmosphere feeling down to<br />
earth.<br />
Renovation consultant: Leigh McDonald<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $20,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 30 days<br />
Challenges: Christmas-time supplier delays<br />
Interesting Aspects: Contemporary design<br />
and black fittings<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
61
20<strong>21</strong><br />
EXTENSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, London. UK - Asif Hameed<br />
House renovation and<br />
loft conversion<br />
This home renovation added an extra 2 bedrooms to the<br />
Edwardian mid-terrace.<br />
Along with adding bedrooms to the property, this loft conversion<br />
allowed for the addition of a gorgeous shower room, kept<br />
light and airy with the introduction of skylights, light coloured<br />
wall tiling and a minimalistic modern suite.<br />
The homeowners choose a classic modern style for the kitchen<br />
renovation, with minimalistic cabinetry and high shine chrome<br />
finishing on the fixtures, including the boxed in American<br />
style fridge-freezer. Solid wood worktops compliment the oak<br />
flooring throughout the rest of this open plan area creating a<br />
visual cure throughout the house to tie in all the rooms, along<br />
with the popular LED spotlights throughout the property.<br />
Renovation consultant: Asif Hameed<br />
Location: South London, United Kingdom<br />
Cost: £180,000 GBP<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Challenges: Location of the stormwater outlet<br />
Interesting Aspects: Concealed laundry, openplan<br />
kitchen, and blue splashback tiles<br />
62 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
EXTENSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Steve Wang<br />
<strong>Renovate</strong>d villa provides<br />
inspiration for open-plan living<br />
The property certainly had good bones, but it was tired<br />
inside and out, and time had come to do something about it.<br />
With a reconfigured layout for open-plan living, extended<br />
space for a larger kitchen, a new bathroom, and fresh<br />
interiors, this Island Bay home is a sight to behold.<br />
The kitchen is particularly stunning. Gone are the pale<br />
lemon walls, limited storage, and confined space. The new<br />
kitchen has been entirely opened up and refreshed with<br />
a crisp white colour scheme, handleless cabinets, and a<br />
beautiful central island.<br />
Both bathrooms have dark wood flooring, matte black<br />
floating vanities, and circular mirrors with LED lighting, all<br />
of which combine to create an elegant atmosphere.<br />
Renovation consultant: Steve Wang<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $400,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 2<strong>32</strong> days<br />
Challenges: Christmas-time supplier delays<br />
Interesting Aspects: A circular LED backlit<br />
mirror and floor-to-ceiling grey tiling<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
63
20<strong>21</strong><br />
EXTENSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Nick Leko<br />
Full coastal home<br />
renovation and extension<br />
Looking towards the future, Fraser and Mel contacted<br />
Renovation Partner Nick Leko to help them give their<br />
beloved home a second wind. Their main goals were to<br />
modernise the 1960s beach house and create more space for<br />
their growing boys.<br />
The entire home received upgraded interiors, including all<br />
bedrooms, bathrooms, the laundry, living room, and garage.<br />
By creating more space and renovating the existing space,<br />
Nick and his team have improved this family home tremendously.<br />
The result is a spectacular coastal property that’s<br />
retained the style of its original structure. The interiors still<br />
feature the same pitched ceilings, but they’ve become significantly<br />
more sophisticated and functional. Exterior upgrades<br />
such as the beautiful new deck seamlessly extend the living<br />
areas outdoors, making the most of the ocean views.<br />
Renovation consultant: Nick Leko<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $850,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 months<br />
Challenges: A sub-standard slab<br />
Interesting Aspects: The adjoining shower<br />
and bath maximised the small space<br />
64 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
INTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland, NZ - Dominic Hollands<br />
A bungalow replenished<br />
with modern facilities<br />
Tucked away in Titirangi, this 1920s bungalow is full of<br />
character. But despite its charm, the interiors had aged poorly<br />
over the years. It was ready for renovation.<br />
In the early stages, Refresh found issues with the bungalow’s<br />
existing structure. The timber framing was not meeting<br />
code requirement and needed structural changes.<br />
Great attention was paid to both functionality and design<br />
throughout the bungalow to ensure necessary upgrades<br />
were made to modernise the property while retaining its<br />
character.<br />
After a thorough renovation, this bungalow has been<br />
replenished with modern facilities and an eclectic design<br />
that fantastically draws out its original character.<br />
Renovation consultant: Dominic Hollands<br />
Location: West Auckland, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $120,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 3 months<br />
Challenges: A sub-standard slab<br />
Interesting Aspects: The adjoining shower<br />
and bath maximised the small space<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
65
20<strong>21</strong><br />
INTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland, NZ - Dave Georgetti<br />
Innovative design<br />
for a smart house<br />
This extensive interior renovation leaves nothing to be<br />
desired, providing a contemporary design and smart tech<br />
upgrades throughout the home.<br />
Stephen, the owner of this early 2000s Point Chevalier<br />
home, felt the property was dated and in need of major<br />
renewal.<br />
Construction involved upgrading the kitchen, creating a<br />
scullery, reconfiguring all three bathrooms with updated<br />
interiors, installing a fitted workshop and laundry in the<br />
garage, and repainting throughout the entire home.<br />
As requested, this renovation integrated high-tech<br />
installations to improve overall functionality. The drawers<br />
and upper cabinets in the kitchen are powered by electric<br />
Servo-drive motors, allowing them to open and close with a<br />
simple touch.<br />
Renovation consultant: Dave Georgetti<br />
Location: Auckland Central, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $200,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 5 months<br />
Interesting Aspects: A frameless walk-in<br />
shower and beauty station<br />
66 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
INTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Mark Morrison<br />
Elegant, modern, and<br />
sophisticated<br />
During the initial consultation, the homeowners pointed out<br />
several spaces that needed updating. Mark helped the homeowners<br />
explore each room and every finer detail before<br />
developing the concepts and detailed drawings, leading to<br />
the beautiful transformation.<br />
One of the most beautiful aspects of the renovation; the<br />
modern kitchen works wonders to carry a sumptuous feel<br />
throughout the home.<br />
From the kitchen, you move into an open-plan living area.<br />
New double glazed windows (almost ceiling to floor) bring<br />
light and a sense of openness to the lounge. Pairing chic,<br />
light grey curtains with the window extension, the room<br />
gained a lush, glamorous feel.<br />
Working to Refresh Renovations’ world-renowned process,<br />
Mark transformed this 70's weatherboard house into a<br />
timeless and modern home.<br />
Renovation consultant: Mark Morrison<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $500,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Interesting Aspects: Modern countertop,<br />
classic cabinetry<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
67
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20<strong>21</strong><br />
EXTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, AUS - Paul Cree<br />
Bringing the homeowner's<br />
flair to life<br />
As an architect and designer himself, Peter had a particular<br />
vision in mind for his home. Because he is often situated<br />
overseas, Refresh Renovations was a fantastic option for<br />
Peter, as the entire process was to be managed from start to<br />
finish.<br />
Peter’s architectural drawings also included the installation<br />
of eye-catching orange panels for the feature walls in the<br />
garden. The addition of a statement sculpture in the form of<br />
a bronze horse helped create a contemporary outdoor space<br />
that would be sure to pique the interest of any guests.<br />
Despite the challenges, Paul managed the budget and<br />
construction team to ensure there was as little disruption as<br />
possible and that the final product was exactly as Peter had<br />
dreamed it.<br />
Renovation consultant: Paul Cree<br />
Location: Melbourne, Australia<br />
Cost: $700,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 12 months<br />
Interesting Aspects: Modern lighting,<br />
warm timber and no-handle cabinetry<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
69
20<strong>21</strong><br />
EXTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Sydney, AUS – Scott and Narelle Randell<br />
Upgraded entrance<br />
and outdoor area<br />
Marcia, the homeowner, dreamed of a luxurious but<br />
warming entrance to welcome friends and family into her<br />
home.<br />
The concept involved upgrading the driveway, exterior<br />
painting, soft landscaping, new fencing, and installing a<br />
beautiful ekodeck. Together, these changes would vibrantly<br />
revamp the entrance, modernise the entire exterior, and<br />
improve functionality.<br />
Surrounding the staircase on either side is a stone garden,<br />
where lush trees spring from the ground, adding colour and<br />
atmosphere to the property.<br />
Elegant black fencing now replaces the old white fencing.<br />
Running along the back and front of the house, these<br />
instalments have re-established the upstairs balconies as<br />
great spaces for entertaining guests.<br />
Renovation consultant: Narelle and Scott Randell<br />
Location: Sydney, Australia<br />
Interesting Aspects: Ekodeck - a fantastic<br />
solution that uses 90% reclaimed and recycled<br />
decking materials.<br />
70 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
EXTERIOR<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Gold Coast, Australia - Martin Peirone<br />
An outdoor pool landscape<br />
Hoping to balance their busy lifestyle with a serene outdoor<br />
living area, homeowner Louisa and her family contacted<br />
their local Refresh Renovations Specialist Martin Peirone.<br />
While there were many aspects to this project, the main<br />
focus was the outdoor lounge. Martin worked with an<br />
engineer to remove the original patio roof and replace it<br />
with a larger cantilevered roof.<br />
Around the pool area; Martin’s team removed and upgraded<br />
part of the pool’s fencing, installed new pool coping and<br />
added in an outdoor shower.<br />
“The whole process of renovating the outdoor space of<br />
our home was easy”, tells Louisa in a 5-star review. “From<br />
the initial meeting with Martin outlining the process, to<br />
meetings with Paul to make sure those ideas were possible<br />
and sensible; the communication was fuss-free and straightforward.<br />
The job was completed to a high standard and<br />
almost exactly on time (cannot control the weather!). Highly<br />
recommended and I will use them again.”<br />
Renovation consultant: Martin Peirone<br />
Location: Gold Coast, Australia<br />
Cost: $100,000 AUD<br />
Project duration: 6 weeks<br />
Interesting Aspects: The clients, who lived in<br />
Canada, were able to access project updates<br />
using Refresh's customer portal.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
71
20<strong>21</strong><br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, London. UK - Asif Hameed<br />
House renovation and<br />
loft conversion<br />
Along with adding bedroom to the property, this loft<br />
conversion allowed for the addition of a gorgeous shower<br />
room, kept light and airy with the introduction of skylights,<br />
light coloured wall tiling and a minimalistic modern suite.<br />
Incidentally, when opening up the ceilings in one of the<br />
bedrooms to fit the spotlights, it was discovered that there<br />
was a large cavity above the existing ceiling, and the Refresh<br />
Renovation Team, with the agreement of the homeowner,<br />
decided to raise the ceiling by a couple of feet gaining extra<br />
ceiling height and create a much more spacious feeling<br />
room.<br />
The homeowners choose a classic modern style for the<br />
kitchen renovation, with minimalistic cabinetry and high<br />
shine chrome finishing on the fixtures, including the boxed<br />
in American style fridge-freezer.<br />
Renovation consultant: Asif Hameed<br />
Location: South London, United Kingdom<br />
Cost: £180,000 GBP<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Challenges: Location of the stormwater outlet<br />
Interesting Aspects: Concealed laundry, openplan<br />
kitchen, and blue splashback tiles<br />
72 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Steve Wang<br />
A contemporary makeover to<br />
reflect the new owner's style<br />
Katie and Tom had purchased their Papakowhai house for its<br />
potential. A tired 1970s four-bedroom home, the property had<br />
great structural bones. Katie and Tom just needed to bring<br />
it into the <strong>21</strong>st century. They knew they needed specialist<br />
support, so they sent an enquiry to local Renovation Partner,<br />
Steve Wang.<br />
While the main home itself is impressive, perhaps the pièce<br />
de résistance of this renovation is the converted garage.<br />
Contemporary cedar cladding on the former garage’s exterior<br />
makes an eye-catching feature. And inside, the simple<br />
interior design has allowed for a laundry unit, spacious<br />
cupboards, a bed, and an office space. Ultimately, this garage<br />
has transformed into a comfortable multi-purpose space that<br />
can be used as an additional bedroom, living area, office, or<br />
laundry room – whatever it needs to be.<br />
Renovation consultant: Steve Wang<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Project duration: 1 Year<br />
Challenges: Undersized framing and ceiling<br />
joists, and a hidden bathtub.<br />
Interesting Aspects: Open-plan kitchen with a<br />
spectacular tiled splashback.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
73
20<strong>21</strong><br />
CONVERSION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Hawkes Bay, NZ - Sophia Roydhouse and Mike Ross<br />
Converting a basement into<br />
a self-contained apartment<br />
Rachel planned to convert the basement of her property<br />
into a separate flat for her mother; it would become a home<br />
with everything Diana needed. Before the renovation, the<br />
basement was used for storage and didn't have any plumbing<br />
or heating.<br />
Despite the challenges of Napier’s floods and COVID-19<br />
delays, Sophia and Mike managed to smoothly orchestrate<br />
the entire renovation, transforming the basement into a<br />
beautiful self-contained apartment through modern design<br />
and functional upgrades.<br />
Diana is overjoyed with her new apartment. More than<br />
just a self-contained unit, the property feels like home.<br />
The interiors are elegant, practical, and provide room for<br />
each of her collected items. The results have left a lasting<br />
impression on Diana.<br />
Renovation consultant: Sophia Roydhouse<br />
and Mike Ross<br />
Location: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $<strong>22</strong>0,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Challenges: Napier flooding, COVID-19 shipping<br />
delays, and council consent requirements.<br />
74 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
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20<strong>21</strong><br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
OPEN PLAN<br />
LIVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Mark Morrison<br />
An eclectic kitchen revival<br />
Ie’u, the owner of this 1970s Tawa home, previously worked<br />
with Mark Morrison from Refresh Renovations on a<br />
bathroom renovation. So when the time came to renovate<br />
again, there was no doubt about who to call.<br />
The phenomenal rimu floors running throughout the<br />
kitchen and lounge received a clear matte Loba floor<br />
coating. The finish allows the wood’s stunning natural<br />
grains to be appreciated while staying sealed and protected.<br />
Installing sleek french doors in the open-plan living area<br />
takes full advantage of the home’s neighbouring Redwood<br />
Bush Reserve. The kitchen and lounge can now completely<br />
open up to the porch for expansive indoor/outdoor living.<br />
The kitchen confidently showcases a blend of contemporary<br />
and industrial design. Elegant white cabinetry runs along<br />
the room’s length, making the most of the available space.<br />
Meanwhile, the glossy, white tiled splashback offers subtle<br />
textural contrast.<br />
Renovation consultant: Mark Morrison<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $200,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Interesting Aspects: Cedar cladding and a<br />
built-in bookshelf.<br />
76 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
OPEN PLAN<br />
LIVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Steve Wang<br />
<strong>Renovate</strong>d villa is opened up<br />
Polly had heard about Refresh Renovations through a friend<br />
who had previously worked with local Renovation Partner<br />
Steve Wang to renovate their own home. So, when it came<br />
time to renovate her single-storey villa in Island Bay, she knew<br />
who to contact.<br />
With a reconfigured layout for open-plan living, extended<br />
space for a larger kitchen, a new bathroom, and fresh<br />
interiors, this Island Bay home is a sight to behold.<br />
French doors now open from the kitchen and dining area<br />
onto the new deck, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow and<br />
establishing a comfortable space for outdoor living. Large<br />
windows allow plentiful natural light to filter inside, creating<br />
a sun trap for brighter interiors.<br />
Gone is the tired, run-down property with wasted backyard<br />
space, and in its place is a beautifully renovated villa with<br />
improved functionality that Polly can call home.<br />
Renovation consultant: Steve Wang<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $400,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 2<strong>32</strong> days<br />
Challenges: Christmas-time supplier delays<br />
Interesting Aspects: A circular LED backlit<br />
mirror and floor-to-ceiling grey tiling<br />
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20<strong>21</strong><br />
OPEN PLAN<br />
LIVING OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ - Nick Leko<br />
Beach front property<br />
becomes more livable<br />
Nestled between the Kapiti Coast and Wellington City lies<br />
the idyllic seaside town of Plimmerton, where homeowners<br />
Fraser and Mel live with their three teenage boys. Their<br />
beachfront property was ideally located close to their<br />
parents, so they weren’t keen on moving anytime soon. But<br />
their 1960s home was making it hard to stay.<br />
The property’s extension houses the new kitchen and dining<br />
area. A colour palette of contrasting neutrals works well to<br />
balance the airy beach house with a sophisticated look –<br />
though it’s not distracting from the stunning coastal view.<br />
White overhead cabinetry, walls, and timber beams make the<br />
room feel large and open. Meanwhile, unique marbled black<br />
and brown benchtops tie in well with the black splashback<br />
and exposed timber cabinets and flooring. The extension<br />
received all new appliances and, for a finishing touch, a trio<br />
of crystal pendant lights as an opulent embellishment.<br />
Renovation consultant: Nick Leko<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $850,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 12 months<br />
Challenges: A sub-standard slab<br />
Interesting Aspects: The adjoining shower<br />
and bath maximised the small space<br />
78 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
BIGGEST<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Auckland, NZ - Lawrie & Mandy Foster<br />
<strong>Renovate</strong>d to modernise<br />
its dated interiors<br />
After purchasing this 1980s property in 2020, homeowner<br />
Iain sought professional assistance with undertaking a<br />
necessary renovation.<br />
No longer looks stuck in the 80s; this property has undergone<br />
a fantastic transformation. The new open-plan layout<br />
creates a spacious main living area that’s filled with natural<br />
light. And the kitchen, which previously had no view of the<br />
neighbouring lake, now looks out to the stunning scenery.<br />
Iain had a wonderful experience working with Lawrie<br />
and Mandy and is equally thrilled with the results. “I am<br />
absolutely blown away with the entire project. The kitchen is<br />
by far truly amazing,” he says.<br />
“I would highly recommend Refresh Renovations, especially<br />
Mandy, Lawrie and their team” – Iain, the homeowner.<br />
Renovation consultant: Lawrie & Mandy Foster<br />
Location: Waikato, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $110,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 weeks<br />
Interesting Aspects: Dumawall tiling in<br />
concrete and marble-look textures<br />
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79
20<strong>21</strong><br />
BIGGEST<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Hawkes Bay, NZ - Sophia Roydhouse and Mike Ross<br />
A new place to call home<br />
Before the renovation, the basement was used for storage<br />
and didn't have any plumbing or heating. The area was cold,<br />
damp, and dark, making Diana apprehensive about moving<br />
in; she even nicknamed it ‘the dungeon’. However, as soon as<br />
Sophia and Mike visited, they saw its potential. It was just a<br />
matter of capturing it through the right design.<br />
Maximising sunlight was essential to ‘de-dungeon-ify’<br />
Diana’s self-contained apartment. Thus, the windows and<br />
glass sliding doors have been built as large as possible<br />
to capture the sun without compromising the property’s<br />
structure.<br />
As an innovative improvement, the slatting underneath the<br />
upstairs balcony has been painted white to reflect all light<br />
downward and into the lower level. This change truly enhances<br />
the amount of light the apartment receives. And with<br />
semi-sheer curtains decorating the interiors, Diana can still<br />
maintain privacy while allowing the sun to filter through.<br />
Renovation consultant: Sophia Roydhouse<br />
and Mike Ross<br />
Location: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $<strong>22</strong>0,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Challenges: Napier flooding, COVID-19 shipping<br />
delays, and council consent requirements.<br />
80 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
BIGGEST<br />
TRANSFORMATION<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Mark Morrison<br />
Elegant, modern, and<br />
sophisticated<br />
Longing for a more modern and sleek home, these homeowners<br />
pondered undertaking an entire home renovation.<br />
With a few ideas in mind, they reached out to their local<br />
Renovation Specialist, Mark Morrison, to develop a feasible<br />
concept.<br />
One of the most beautiful aspects of the renovation; the<br />
modern kitchen works wonders to carry a sumptuous feel<br />
throughout the home.<br />
The new addition of a gleaming white kitchen island<br />
has become one of the home’s most exciting features. In<br />
contrast, the surrounding floorboards were polished to a<br />
sparkling finish, with warm hints of caramel, cinnamon, and<br />
maple. Perfectly matched wooden cabinetry adds depth to<br />
this colour scheme which has undoubtedly created a warm<br />
ambience in the kitchen - one that will not fail to position<br />
the kitchen as the hub of the home.<br />
Renovation consultant: Mark Morrison<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $500,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Interesting Aspects: Modern countertop,<br />
classic cabinetry<br />
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20<strong>21</strong><br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
WHOLE HOUSE<br />
RENOVATION OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
BRONZE<br />
Refresh Renovations, Melbourne, AUS - Leigh McDonald<br />
Complete house renovation<br />
Apart from arranging the installation of solar panels, David<br />
and his family asked Refresh to take care of every aspect<br />
of their home renovation design and build. Following the<br />
Refresh process, Leigh provided the family with design<br />
options, an all-inclusive quote, a project duration estimate<br />
and feasibility assessments.<br />
An important aspect of this project was the family’s request<br />
for a roof replacement. Originally a flat roof, they wanted<br />
their new roof to be pitched with scissor trusses. Working<br />
with Colorbond Basalt, Leigh’s team carried out the roofing<br />
project to the homeowners’ specifications.<br />
Outside, luxurious elements have been combined to provide<br />
year-round outdoor entertainment spaces. Leigh’s team<br />
carried out external rendering, installed stacked brick<br />
feature wall tiling from Decor Stone, upgraded the garage<br />
with a new roller door, built new decks leading out from all<br />
of the home’s entry points and constructed a new high-end<br />
barbeque area.<br />
Renovation consultant: Sophia Roydhouse<br />
and Mike Ross<br />
Location: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $<strong>22</strong>0,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Challenges: Napier flooding, COVID-19 shipping<br />
delays, and council consent requirements.<br />
82 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
20<strong>21</strong><br />
WHOLE HOUSE<br />
RENOVATION OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
SILVER<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Mark Morrison<br />
Elegant, modern, and<br />
sophisticated<br />
Although the depth and complexity of this project came with<br />
a price tag, the outcome was priceless; a warm, open space<br />
for the family to relax and entertain.<br />
The initial budget was estimated at a few hundred thousand<br />
dollars. However, with some unexpected challenges thrown<br />
in, such as subsoil drainage failure and leaking walls, the<br />
property underwent significant restorations.<br />
Despite these setbacks, Mark saw the renovation completed<br />
within the expected timeline. Refresh Renovations have<br />
years of industry experience and utilise a world-renowned<br />
system - so setbacks like these are handled in an efficient,<br />
professional manner.<br />
Backed by years of expertise, Mark knew exactly how to tie<br />
the desire for modernness with the homeowner’s personality<br />
into this space. The beauty brought to the home can really<br />
be felt in the warmth vibrating within this spacious area.<br />
Renovation consultant: Mark Morrison<br />
Location: Wellington, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $500,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 6 months<br />
Interesting Aspects: Modern countertop,<br />
classic cabinetry<br />
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20<strong>21</strong><br />
WHOLE HOUSE<br />
RENOVATION OF<br />
THE YEAR<br />
REFRESH RENOVATIONS<br />
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS<br />
GOLD<br />
Refresh Renovations, Hawkes Bay, NZ - Sophia Roydhouse and Mike Ross<br />
Maximising sunlight and<br />
modernising interiors<br />
Originally Julia and Steve wanted to upgrade their 20-yearold<br />
kitchen that had seen better days. However, during their<br />
initial consultation with Sophia and Mike, they were asked<br />
if they’d considered removing the dividing wall between the<br />
kitchen and dining room. Mike pointed out, “that is where all<br />
your views and sun is.”<br />
The final concept plan involved removing the dining wall,<br />
upgrading the kitchen, redesigning the two living rooms, and<br />
giving the main bathroom a makeover too.<br />
Now that the dividing wall has been removed from the main<br />
living areas, the dining room seamlessly joins the kitchen,<br />
sharing the sunlight that pours through. The warm-toned<br />
timber flooring continues from the kitchen into the dining<br />
room, amplifying the warmth and creating a cohesive design.<br />
Renovation consultant: Sophia Roydhouse<br />
and Mike Ross<br />
Location: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand<br />
Cost: $180,000 NZD<br />
Project duration: 10 weeks<br />
Challenges: Discovering rotting timber in the<br />
bathroom.<br />
84 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
Creating a roof terrace<br />
There’s something magical about a roof terrace.<br />
Maybe it’s the elusiveness of them or that the<br />
hidden element makes them like a secret penthouse<br />
sanctuary. Whatever it is, roof terraces certainly<br />
give a property the ‘wow-factor’.<br />
Not just a chic hangout, roof terraces can also<br />
increase the value of your property, improve<br />
insulation, and reduce outside noise from entering<br />
your home. If you’ve come across a property and<br />
the space for a roof terrace has caught your eye,<br />
there are a few things to consider before getting<br />
started. After all, a well-planned renovation will<br />
save you time, money, and stress in the long run.<br />
FUNCTIONALITY<br />
Logistical factors such as waterproofing, roof<br />
access, and proper drainage may not be the most<br />
glamorous aspects of building a roof terrace, but<br />
they are essential. Protecting the main structure of<br />
your home, as well as ensuring your roof terrace<br />
has longevity, are just some of the reasons why<br />
these factors are important to consider.<br />
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE<br />
Regulations exist for a reason; don’t disregard<br />
them. There may be height restrictions to consider,<br />
load-bearing capacity problems to solve, and safety<br />
requirements that need to be put in place by your<br />
local council to ensure the safe enjoyment of your<br />
roof terrace.<br />
AESTHETIC<br />
After taking care of the technicalities, it’s time for<br />
the best part! What style will your outdoor living<br />
space take? A minimalist dreamscape with sleek<br />
water features and sophisticated seating surrounding<br />
a built-in fire pit? A cottage-chic garden with<br />
cosy cushions and an abundance of charming<br />
flowers? The sky’s the limit of what you can do!<br />
If you’re in the planning stages of transforming<br />
your roof terrace, why not enlist the help from a<br />
professional so you can focus on the fun things,<br />
while they deploy their expertise behind the scenes<br />
to bring your vision to life.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
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Is open-plan right<br />
for you?<br />
It’s definitely trendy... but will an open-plan<br />
layout suit your lifestyle?<br />
Is open-plan<br />
right for you?<br />
It’s definitely trendy... but will an open-plan<br />
layout suit your lifestyle?<br />
Thanks to the plethora of home renovation programmes<br />
that populate our various TV channels<br />
and the lifestyle magazines that fill our newsagents’<br />
shelves, the concept of open-plan living is high on<br />
everyone’s agenda. But despite the impression given<br />
on the small screen, it’s often not as simple as it<br />
seems, especially if you’re hoping to knock down<br />
walls and move services around. If you’re keen<br />
to rethink your internal space this spring, you’ll<br />
need a combination of sensitivity, creativity and<br />
meticulous planning.<br />
WILL IT SUIT THE STYLE OF YOUR HOME?<br />
The first consideration is suitability. Open-plan<br />
is all very well, but it’s definitely more suited to<br />
certain styles of properties. Barn conversions and<br />
contemporary houses can accommodate open-plan<br />
spaces brilliantly, but character cottages and period<br />
properties are imbued with a different personality,<br />
so it’s vital to ensure that your plans won’t damage<br />
the spirit of the original building. That said, it’s still<br />
possible to rethink the internal space of an older<br />
house to give it a modern flow that better suits<br />
today’s lifestyle requirements. Terraced houses, for<br />
example, are ideal for open-plan living, while country<br />
cottages major on cosy, self-contained rooms.<br />
It’s also worth remembering that restoring an older<br />
home to its former configuration can be expensive,<br />
if not impossible; so it’s advisable to stop, pause<br />
and to think carefully before proceeding.<br />
86 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
WHY OPEN-PLAN?<br />
Once you’ve established that your property is suitable<br />
for open-plan, ask yourself why you’re doing<br />
it. What are the objectives for the update? Are you<br />
hoping to create space, increase the amount of<br />
natural daylight, build a closer connection with the<br />
garden or simply enable the whole family to spend<br />
more time together?<br />
It’s questionable as to whether rethinking your<br />
internal space will automatically add value, but<br />
there’s no doubt that improving your quality of<br />
life is the perfect motivation for refreshing your<br />
configuration. In extreme circumstances, it may<br />
be preferable to move rather than attempt to force<br />
the existing space to deliver what you’re hoping for,<br />
but in the majority of cases, it can be possible to<br />
realise your dream within the existing structure.<br />
WILL YOU NEED MULTIPURPOSE SPACES?<br />
Raised areas, bi-fold doors and furniture such<br />
as bookcases and storage solutions can all help<br />
to create different areas for different activities<br />
without compromising the open-plan philosophy.<br />
Colour schemes can have a huge impact on the<br />
look and feel of an open-plan space. Neutral tones<br />
provide the opportunity for splashes of colour in<br />
cushions and artwork, while a strong feature wall<br />
can help to define a specific zone.<br />
The type of flooring you select will also have a significant<br />
effect. Hard flooring is practical but can<br />
also be noisy. Rugs are excellent for softening but<br />
aren’t practical in areas used for food preparation<br />
or dining, and they can present a trip hazard<br />
for young and old alike, so think carefully about<br />
the floor you would like to lay. Dimmer switches<br />
and concealed lighting are clever ways of subtly<br />
illuminating the space, while the colour and style<br />
of your internal doors will also contribute to the<br />
overall effect. Wooden doors can become a feature<br />
of the space, while painted doors tend to recede<br />
into the background.<br />
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SAFETY?<br />
One area of an open-plan renovation that must be<br />
considered is fire safety. A downstairs space that<br />
includes an open kitchen presents a greater fire risk,<br />
so the standard advice is that all first-floor bedroom<br />
windows must be egress windows to ensure they<br />
act as escape routes. It’s vital not only to fit smoke<br />
alarms throughout the ground floor and the upstairs<br />
landing but also to test them regularly.<br />
WHAT WILL YOUR IDEAL LAYOUT LOOK<br />
LIKE?<br />
The design phase should also include some<br />
visualisation of the end result. Where will you want<br />
to eat? What about the outlook? What will be the<br />
focus when you’re relaxing on the sofa? How will<br />
you move around the space? How far will the dining<br />
table be from the kitchen area? How quiet will<br />
the space be? Will you be able to hear the television<br />
or stereo when the dishwasher is running or the<br />
children are playing? Ultimately, open-plan is about<br />
making different rooms work together rather than<br />
creating one cavernous space, and that’s where the<br />
real design skill comes in.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
87
FLIRTING<br />
WITH<br />
CONCRETE<br />
COLOUR IN<br />
THE BATHROOM<br />
Handcrafted in New Zealand, Elementi BARE<br />
concrete basins combine warm pastel colours<br />
with the naturally harsh elements of concrete to<br />
create a distinctive focal point in any bathroom.<br />
sales@robertson.co.nz
HOW TO<br />
Create indoor<br />
outdoor flow<br />
Having coordinated indoor-outdoor flow in your home will make<br />
it easier to entertain, and creates a spacious chill-out space for<br />
you and your loved ones. Here are some ideas on how to set up<br />
your ideal indoor-outdoor haven.<br />
GO GREEN INSIDE<br />
Featuring green hues inside your home automatically<br />
connects the interior to the garden and to<br />
nature. There’s a host of green options to choose<br />
from, including painted or wallpapered feature<br />
walls and carpets or pot plants strategically<br />
dotted around the home. Alternatively, you could<br />
add more delicate accents such as cushions,<br />
green-patterned upholstery or decorative items<br />
and ornaments, like vases.<br />
CREATE FLOOR FLOW<br />
Having your indoor and adjacent outdoor flooring<br />
at the same level, as well as choosing the same<br />
flooring material, can hugely improve flow; as it<br />
creates the illusion that you’re in the same space.<br />
Stone is a robust, natural and eye-pleasing material<br />
that’s perfect for creating a seamless indoor-outdoor<br />
flow. If you have a deck, then timber or<br />
wood-like vinyl inside the kitchen and lounge will<br />
add continuity.<br />
OPT FOR AN ALL-SEASONS LAYOUT<br />
It’s always a great idea to have a combination<br />
of covered and uncovered outdoor spaces. But<br />
even when it rains and you don’t have a covered<br />
entertainment area outside, you can still connect<br />
to your garden by reworking the interior layout.<br />
Instead of having the dining table in the kitchen far<br />
away from the garden, shift it into a spot with an<br />
outdoor view within the living room or lounge.<br />
OPEN IT UP<br />
The problem with many of the more established<br />
abodes is that their backs connect to the garden<br />
only via teeny windows – or a windowless wall. The<br />
result: zero indoor-outdoor flow. This situation is<br />
easily remedied by installing or replacing smaller<br />
windows with larger ones – or, to really open up<br />
the space and allow an influx of light as well as<br />
easy access, consider sliding or French doors.<br />
TAKE YOUR HOME OUTSIDE<br />
Another way to improve indoor-outdoor flow<br />
and make your alfresco dining experience more<br />
user-friendly is by simply taking your kitchen<br />
outside. Outdoor kitchens are becoming all the<br />
rage; as are outdoor ovens, fridges, rotisseries and<br />
other culinary appliances.<br />
GO FOR WOVEN FURNITURE<br />
Woven furniture looks the part both inside a<br />
home and in the garden, so dotting a few tables<br />
and chairs both inside and out will connect the<br />
two spaces. Opt for modern synthetic rattan and<br />
wicker furniture – not only does it look ‘real’, but<br />
it’s also weatherproof and easy to keep clean.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
89
Image: Melanie Jenkins<br />
Paints: Resene<br />
A TASTE<br />
OF COLOUR<br />
If it’s one thing you can be sure of, trends never<br />
stand still. We asked the Resene experts to give<br />
us a taste of what’s trending for this season.<br />
1. COLOUR COMBOS<br />
Pairing colours is where it’s at. Warm greys paired with<br />
tan, camel, terracotta and brown-blacks, for instance.<br />
“The combination of black on tan or tan on black is a<br />
smart choice,” says interior designer and colour consultant<br />
Debbie Abercrombie. “Also, keep an eye out for<br />
ochres and colours of cracked earth. The key is seeing<br />
colour in combination. Colours isolated are often not the<br />
wow we are looking for. It is how we combine them.”<br />
2. MAXIMALISM<br />
Forget minimalism and its constraints. Make a move towards<br />
maximalism – one of the hottest styles in interior<br />
design. A blend of historical design and colours, layers<br />
and textures, and mixed artwork allows the maximalist<br />
to create an interior that not only melds the patina of<br />
time with contemporary decor but creates an interior<br />
that is vastly unique. “Maximalism allows you to let your<br />
imagination loose” says Rebecca Long, Resene Colour<br />
Expert. “The key here is to connect the dots and play<br />
close attention to design elements, such as repetition<br />
and shape, to build your scheme.”<br />
3. GROUNDED NEUTRALS<br />
Earthier, honest neutrals are right on trend. Choose<br />
a colour palette of earthy browns, tans, warm greys<br />
and greens – and especially terracotta. “Terracotta is<br />
making a comeback and it isn’t just limited to pots,” says<br />
Rebecca. “Pair colours such as Resene Entourage and<br />
Resene Desperado with classic timber stains such as<br />
Resene Pitch Black and Resene Natural.”<br />
90 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
RESENE SOOTHE<br />
RESENE AVALANCHE<br />
RESENE ALABASTER<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
91
Want to stay<br />
on the tools?<br />
Easy.<br />
Order online<br />
and we’ll<br />
deliver to site.<br />
Deliveries can make or break a job, so<br />
Mitre 10 Trade make deliveries a priority.<br />
Order online via Trade Hub and have<br />
your materials delivered direct to site.<br />
The right materials, in the right place,<br />
at the right time. Job Done.<br />
mitre10.co.nz/trade<br />
92 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
Creating a roof terrace<br />
There’s something magical about a roof terrace.<br />
Maybe it’s the elusiveness of them or that the<br />
hidden element makes them like a secret penthouse<br />
sanctuary. Whatever it is, roof terraces certainly<br />
give a property the ‘wow-factor’.<br />
Not just a chic hangout, roof terraces can also<br />
increase the value of your property, improve<br />
insulation, and reduce outside noise from entering<br />
your home. If you’ve come across a property and<br />
the space for a roof terrace has caught your eye,<br />
there are a few things to consider before getting<br />
started. After all, a well-planned renovation will<br />
save you time, money, and stress in the long run.<br />
FUNCTIONALITY<br />
Logistical factors such as waterproofing, roof<br />
access, and proper drainage may not be the most<br />
glamorous aspects of building a roof terrace, but<br />
they are essential. Protecting the main structure of<br />
your home, as well as ensuring your roof terrace<br />
has longevity, are just some of the reasons why<br />
these factors are important to consider.<br />
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE<br />
Regulations exist for a reason; don’t disregard<br />
them. There may be height restrictions to consider,<br />
load-bearing capacity problems to solve, and safety<br />
requirements that need to be put in place by your<br />
local council to ensure the safe enjoyment of your<br />
roof terrace.<br />
AESTHETIC<br />
After taking care of the technicalities, it’s time for<br />
the best part! What style will your outdoor living<br />
space take? A minimalist dreamscape with sleek<br />
water features and sophisticated seating surrounding<br />
a built-in fire pit? A cottage-chic garden with<br />
cosy cushions and an abundance of charming<br />
flowers? The sky’s the limit of what you can do!<br />
If you’re in the planning stages of transforming<br />
your roof terrace, why not enlist the help from a<br />
professional so you can focus on the fun things,<br />
while they deploy their expertise behind the scenes<br />
to bring your vision to life.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
93
Converting your home<br />
garage to a living space<br />
For most of us, buying a home is a dream come true and, once the boxes are<br />
unpacked, we happily settle into furnishing and embellishing our very own little<br />
haven of comfort and homeliness.<br />
As time goes on, we typically grow in size. Our<br />
needs, wants and desires change and, very often,<br />
our little slice of paradise can’t keep up with our<br />
changing world.<br />
In this age of discard and throw away what we<br />
no longer want, the obvious solution to a house<br />
you’ve outgrown is to sell, move on and take the<br />
happy memories with you. But why not take a step<br />
back and look at what you have and invest some<br />
time and energy into rezoning, repurposing and<br />
reinventing your existing rooms and spaces and<br />
making them work for you? Do you really need a<br />
garage that once housed a car but is now full of<br />
stuff that you might one-day use?<br />
Converting your garage into a liveable room will<br />
not only add value to your home but will also<br />
go a long way toward meeting the demands of<br />
modern-day living. We live in an age where a study,<br />
media room, games room, rumpus room or teenage<br />
retreat are now standard inclusions in the floor<br />
plans of most new builds.<br />
GETTING STARTED<br />
The first step in the process is to decide on the<br />
purpose of the new room. Will it be a bedroom,<br />
study or perhaps a media room? Is there enough<br />
available space to achieve the desired purpose?<br />
You will, firstly, need to make sure the garage is<br />
structurally sound. The foundations will need to be<br />
checked to make sure they can take the increased<br />
load of the wall and room modifications.<br />
Garage walls are typically single brick, so the walls<br />
will need a moisture barrier, which is linked to<br />
a damp proof course. This will then need to be<br />
insulated. A good way to do this is to fit self-insulted<br />
plasterboard on treated batons. Another method<br />
would be to lay some internal blockwork with<br />
appropriate insulation in the cavity.<br />
CEILING HEIGHT<br />
Different regions have different rules surrounding<br />
ceiling height for habitable rooms. If your garage<br />
ceiling is too low, you will need to consider some<br />
ways to meet these height requirements. Raising<br />
the roof is often the best option as the concrete<br />
slab of a garage floor can be both costly and<br />
difficult to remove. The roof is likely to need a<br />
complete upgrade with insulation to make sure it<br />
conforms to building regulations.<br />
RAINWATER DRAINAGE<br />
Quite often the fall of a driveway is on a slant with<br />
rainwater running into a drain at the end of the<br />
driveway and in front of the garage door. This should<br />
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Stuart Kelly<br />
Refresh Renovations, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand – Mike Ross and Sophia Roydhouse-Ross<br />
be addressed during your design process to ensure<br />
rainwater is diverted away from the habitable space.<br />
FLOORING CONSIDERATIONS<br />
The concrete slab of a garage floor is usually not<br />
built to residential standards and is unlikely to<br />
have a damp proof membrane (DPM). This will<br />
need to be added along with insulation. As an<br />
alternative, you could lay a suspended timber floor.<br />
Consult your local renovation specialist for the<br />
most appropriate solution for your garage.<br />
ENERGY EFFICIENCY<br />
All buildings should be energy efficient and conform<br />
to building regulations in terms of windows,<br />
doors, insulation and general airtightness. The<br />
amount of heat that can pass through the glass<br />
and framework is measured as a U-Value (rate of<br />
heat transfer) and should not exceed the stated<br />
requirements. You will need to make sure there is<br />
sufficient ventilation in the room in accordance<br />
with building regulations.<br />
CONSENT<br />
As the garage will no longer house your car, you<br />
will need to check that your house does not have a<br />
restriction on the removal of your garage, as this<br />
impacts parking requirements. Different regions<br />
have different requirements surrounding garage<br />
conversion consents. Check out our article on<br />
“Applying for Consent” for further guidance or<br />
consult your local specialist.<br />
BEFORE<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
95
Sara Tansy<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, New Zealand – Steve Wang<br />
Extending your home<br />
Do you love your location and home but don’t have the space to<br />
accommodate your family’s growing needs? A house extension<br />
could be the perfect solution.<br />
With current house prices making it difficult for<br />
homeowners to purchase just what they need, house<br />
extensions provide families with a way to design<br />
living spaces that perfectly meet their requirements.<br />
Whether you need more lounge space, additional<br />
bedrooms or improved indoor-outdoor flow, clever<br />
renovation projects can usually adapt your home’s<br />
floor plan to suit your lifestyle.<br />
SAME-LEVEL EXTENSIONS<br />
Ground floor extensions are typically more<br />
affordable than converting a loft or excavating<br />
basement space. Smaller renovations may work<br />
out slightly more expensive per square metre than<br />
larger renovations, as many of the overheads (such<br />
as council permits) stay the same. It’s best to get<br />
a fixed price from your builder before the project<br />
starts, to ensure your renovation comes in on<br />
budget. If your budget is tight, focus on the things<br />
you really need and start a list of possible ‘wants’<br />
to add to your home further down the track.<br />
If you are trying to achieve more space through<br />
your extension, an open-plan layout with good<br />
indoor-outdoor flow is a great way of creating<br />
the perception of more space. One of the most<br />
common alterations is the creation of one large<br />
living/dining/kitchen space. Opening up walls<br />
is usually a straightforward process, however,<br />
load-bearing walls may need to be strengthened<br />
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which would incur additional costs. Any electrical or<br />
plumbing points within the wall would also have an<br />
impact on the overall cost. Other considerations might<br />
include insulation, cladding and finishing materials. If<br />
you are looking to simply remove a non-load-bearing<br />
wall between two rooms, you may be able to get this<br />
taken out and tidied within one day.<br />
SECOND STOREY EXTENSIONS<br />
Extending up will save your valuable outdoor area and<br />
unlock any potential district or water views, whilst<br />
providing clearly defined living and sleeping zones<br />
within your home.<br />
It is best to have a renovation builder on board right<br />
from the get-go. A renovation builder will provide the<br />
cost of the exact work to be undertaken based on the<br />
concept drawings and working drawings translated<br />
from your initial ideas. A renovation builder has overall<br />
responsibility to deliver the results on time and within<br />
budget. They will use their knowledge and expertise<br />
to deal with any delays or disruptions and the many<br />
trades and authorities that need to be involved during<br />
the process. Costing a renovation builder into your<br />
budget is highly recommended.<br />
An important aspect of any second storey extension is<br />
choosing stairs that will work within your home. Carpet<br />
wrapped steps are your most cost-effective option<br />
when it comes to stairways. A set of straight stairs<br />
are easiest to build and install and are hence very<br />
affordable. Depending on your space and requirements,<br />
however, a set of turning stairs might be required. If<br />
you choose materials such as hardwood timber or glass<br />
for the steps or the balustrade, this will increase the<br />
cost. Floating steps or curved staircases – in the upper<br />
regions when it comes to price – add a bit of drama and<br />
visual impact. Floor level lighting and art embedded<br />
into the steps add to the wow factor.<br />
BASEMENT EXTENSIONS<br />
If you can’t extend outwards or upwards, there is<br />
another way. You could consider a basement building<br />
extension or basement conversion, using the ground<br />
beneath your house to gain that valuable extra space.<br />
Basement building extensions are becoming increasingly<br />
popular - the prohibitive cost of climbing the housing<br />
ladder means that extending an existing property is an<br />
appealing option for those looking for extra space.<br />
Adding a basement to an existing property requires<br />
extensive excavation but it’s a good option for when<br />
there’s no other way to gain extra space. It’s often<br />
possible to add the cost of an extension on to your<br />
mortgage, especially if you have a good amount of equity<br />
in your property. A basement building extension also<br />
adds value to your house, making it a great opportunity<br />
for homeowners and investors alike.<br />
There are a number of technical considerations when<br />
building or converting a basement. Primarily, this<br />
includes getting permission from your local planning<br />
authority, meeting building regulations and understanding<br />
the type of soil you’re excavating. Once these<br />
necessities are in order, you need to consider natural<br />
light, ventilation, circulation, and waterproofing.<br />
Sara Tansy<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, New Zealand – Nick Leko<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
97
Scott Espie<br />
Zones Landscaping, Auckland Central, NZ – Thelma Meyer<br />
Low maintenance<br />
gardens<br />
Gardening isn’t a labour of love for everyone. Although,<br />
with some thorough planning, you can still have an<br />
attractive landscape that’s easy to care for.<br />
Xeriscaping is a gardening practice that focuses on<br />
selecting plants and materials that are self-sustainable in<br />
your property’s climate. The practice was initially adopted<br />
in dry, arid regions, like those of the Southwest United<br />
States and Australia, where regular water shortages<br />
make it difficult to keep gardens alive. But the principles<br />
of xeriscaping remain effective for all types of climates.<br />
Interested in making your garden more low-maintenance?<br />
Let us introduce you to xeriscaping.<br />
FROM THE GROUND UP<br />
Using the right soil for your home’s climate is vital<br />
when xeriscaping. Clay or a soil-compost mix is ideal<br />
for dry environments due to its high density and sufficient<br />
water retention. And on the other hand, sandy soil<br />
is extremely permeable, making it a great combatant<br />
against soggy roots in a wet climate.<br />
Another aspect to consider is mulch, which comes in<br />
two main varieties; organic, such as bark and wood<br />
(materials that naturally protect the garden from<br />
weeds by inhibiting seed germination) and inorganic,<br />
meaning rock and gravel (excellent complements to<br />
drip irrigation systems).<br />
While mulching helps nurture your plants by reducing<br />
evaporation to maintain moisture levels, a thick layer<br />
can raise the ground temperature, increasing the need<br />
for water. This is counterproductive in a hot climate,<br />
but extra mulch acts as an excellent insulator in a<br />
cooler climate.<br />
Mulch also has a mutually beneficial relationship with<br />
trees commonly used in xeriscapes. While mulch keeps<br />
the soil below moist, an outstretched tree canopy<br />
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protects it from above, keeping the ground shaded<br />
and preventing the mulch from drying out. This is a<br />
great example of why being intentional when planning<br />
your xeriscape is essential. You’re creating an entirely<br />
symbiotic landscape.<br />
PLANT SELECTION<br />
When it comes to choosing plants, xeriscaping is<br />
highly open to interpretation. What’s low-maintenance<br />
in Cumbria, England, will differ entirely from what’s<br />
low-maintenance in Wairarapa, New Zealand. With<br />
that in mind, a good rule of thumb is that native flora<br />
usually thrives without much effort, so check out what’s<br />
native to your region and climate.<br />
Fruits and vegetables aren’t typically ideal for xeriscaping<br />
as they require quite a lot of water, but if you<br />
live in a wet climate, they’ll need far less attention. For<br />
those in dry climates, citrus varieties, olive trees, and<br />
sunchokes are a good start; although they’re known to<br />
thrive in a warm environment, they can also survive a<br />
light frost.<br />
Cacti and succulents are foolproof in mild to hot<br />
climates, but they often don’t make it when it comes to<br />
frost. If your region gets a chill in the fall and winter,<br />
try iris, oregano, and other species of Mediterranean<br />
plants that are both drought tolerant and hardy enough<br />
for a cold spell.<br />
Another resilient shrub to incorporate is the peony.<br />
Once established, peonies require very little care, are<br />
surprisingly rugged, and have been known to flower for<br />
100 years (read more on page 113). Many unexpected<br />
species are wonderful for xeriscaping; you just need to<br />
do some exploring to discover what works in your region.<br />
PLANNING FOR IRRIGATION<br />
Begin by hydrozoning – the practice of grouping plants<br />
that have similar water needs together. Plants that<br />
require the most water should be sheltered from the<br />
sun and planted near a water source, whereas plants<br />
with lesser water requirements can be placed further<br />
away and in sun-exposed areas.<br />
Limiting water use as much as possible is key, but implementing<br />
an external water source may still be necessary.<br />
If required, keep it minimal and use it efficiently; opt for<br />
drip irrigation instead of sprinklers and utilise rainwater<br />
as much as possible instead of tap water.<br />
MINIMAL MAINTENANCE<br />
Though the majority of work will take place in the<br />
planning stages of your xeriscape, you should still expect<br />
a bit of ongoing work. However, it will be a much lighter<br />
load than a traditional garden requires.<br />
As your garden grows, you might find that you need<br />
to adjust your irrigation system’s placement or water<br />
supply. Occasionally, it will be beneficial to prune mature<br />
plants to keep them healthy and looking neat. And about<br />
once a year, you should plan to re-mulch.<br />
Keep all of this in mind, and you’ll have a thriving xeriscape<br />
to enjoy, with minimal effort, for years to come.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
99
Outdoor rooms<br />
What to consider when building<br />
an outdoor room.<br />
The purpose of an outdoor room is to add another<br />
living space to your house without the need to undertake<br />
an indoor building renovation or addition. From<br />
a modest wooden deck through to an outdoor retreat<br />
complete with a kitchen, lounge and audio-visual<br />
system – the only limit is your imagination. So before<br />
you start planning, consider these elements for your<br />
outdoor room.<br />
PURPOSE<br />
How do you plan to use the space? Is it mainly for<br />
cooking or alfresco dining? A dedicated space for<br />
entertaining? Play area for kids or a teenage retreat?<br />
Maybe you want to create a space that’s purely for<br />
privacy and relaxation… If you have a small kitchen<br />
or lounge area, an outdoor room is a hugely valuable<br />
addition – for both lifestyle and resale value.<br />
LAYOUT<br />
Considering your outdoor area and budget, think<br />
about your space and how you will access and use<br />
it. Most outdoor rooms or pergolas are just under<br />
20m2. Draw up a sketch with the various items you<br />
want to include (e.g. table and chairs, barbeque, sun<br />
lounger etc), drawn roughly to scale. Then allow<br />
extra space for traffic flow around those areas. As<br />
a rule of thumb, allow a minimum space of 4m x<br />
4m if you want to fit in a standard 4-seater outdoor<br />
table and chairs. Ideally, you’ll want a north-facing<br />
aspect that catches plenty of sun, that is out of the<br />
wind and has minimal traffic noise. And it should<br />
definitely be a “room with a view.”<br />
Will it be separate from the house – more akin to a<br />
pool-house - or one that’s attached to the house, loggia-style?<br />
When attaching a structure to the home<br />
or in close proximity, consider the architectural style<br />
of the property, the cladding, colours, materials; and<br />
make a conscious decision regarding the structural<br />
elements of the outdoor room. Carrying the design<br />
principles you’ve applied inside your home to the<br />
outside will create a seamless flow and a sense of<br />
connectedness.<br />
SIZE<br />
How big should you go? A good rule of thumb is<br />
to keep it comparable to the rooms inside your<br />
house – your outdoor room should be no bigger<br />
than the largest room in your house. This will keep<br />
it proportionate to the scale of your home – a very<br />
tiny space next to a large home, or vice versa, could<br />
easily feel awkward. You can also use your interior<br />
to help you plan the layout. Remember, you’ll need<br />
enough space to house your furniture, cooking<br />
equipment and to comfortably circulate.<br />
LOUVRES<br />
Louvre roofs are a must-have for homeowners who<br />
want their outdoor rooms to pack some real punch.<br />
These roofs can be opened and shut to adapt to<br />
the weather conditions. They allow for the best<br />
optimising of light and shade. But, while they are<br />
attractive and allow for year-round outdoor living,<br />
they take a bit of investment. Other outdoor roof<br />
options include shade sails, awnings and canter<br />
levered umbrellas.<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
Given that outdoor rooms are either built for<br />
relaxation or entertainment, there’s a vast array<br />
of new technology to ensure you’ll never have to<br />
rouse yourself from that comfy lounger. Louvres<br />
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Scott Espie<br />
Zones Landscaping, Auckland Central, NZ – Kate Ryan<br />
with automated sensors that adjust themselves<br />
according to the weather are just the start. You<br />
can incorporate home automation systems to<br />
control the lighting, heating and cooling, music and<br />
entertainment.<br />
If you choose to, pretty much everything can be<br />
controlled from your smartphone or iPad. Having<br />
your own open-air cinema is now a realistic<br />
option – you could start with a white wall and an<br />
entry-level projector. And think carefully about<br />
lighting, heating and cooling options – you don’t<br />
want to be too hot in summer and too cold in<br />
winter (the point of an outdoor room is to use it<br />
all year round). Think heaters, fans, outdoor fire<br />
pits, concealable sliding doors or shutters.<br />
OUTDOOR KITCHENS<br />
Possibilities start with a glammed up BBQ that can<br />
be built into an outdoor kitchen bench and go on to<br />
include a full kitchen with hot plates, a fridge and<br />
a wine fridge. Wood fires are extremely popular in<br />
outdoor entertaining areas as they provide a heat<br />
source and can extend the seasons.<br />
Outdoor kitchens have come ahead in leaps and<br />
bounds in recent years, with ovens, fridges, sinks<br />
and other appliances all developed for outdoor use.<br />
You can now have the ultimate outdoor kitchen,<br />
down to the last utensil, without having to go back<br />
inside. This requires built-in storage and benchtops,<br />
a sink with hot and cold water, preferably a<br />
dishwasher, and plenty of refrigeration.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING<br />
101
Artificial or real grass?<br />
Weighing up the pros and cons<br />
Vast improvements in the manufacturing and appearance of artificial turf mean<br />
the green grass of home may not be quite what it seems. Determine what your<br />
lawn will be used for, how often it will be used and the maintenance required so<br />
that you can choose the best lawn for your lifestyle.<br />
With shrinking section sizes and the popularity of<br />
low-maintenance gardens growing, backyards are<br />
undergoing a radical change – one that’s seeing<br />
the lawnmower banished and the weekends free to<br />
chill out.<br />
Today’s artificial turf is a far cry from products<br />
originally produced over 50 years ago for<br />
all-weather sports grounds. As Zones Landscaping<br />
Specialist Nigel Ramsden explains, “There have<br />
been great strides in the look and feel of artificial<br />
grass and it’s now almost like the real thing.<br />
That’s given homeowners a lot more confidence<br />
to install it in larger and more visible areas of<br />
their gardens.”<br />
With pros and cons for both synthetic, seeded and<br />
roll-out natural lawns; what do homeowners need<br />
to consider? “Think about what it’s to be used for<br />
- children playing, pets or just to add atmosphere<br />
to the landscape?” — says Nigel.<br />
The size of the space is also a consideration, says<br />
Zones Landscaping’s Tracey Barker. “Properties<br />
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like townhouses and apartments have very<br />
small outdoor areas and often no access for a<br />
lawnmower, so artificial turf is becoming a more<br />
popular choice.” Shade cast by tall buildings can<br />
also make artificial grass a smart option.<br />
WHAT ARE MY NATURAL LAWN OPTIONS?<br />
Establishing a lawn can be done by spreading seed<br />
manually with a seed spreader at a minimal cost.<br />
However, this method can cause the lawn to have<br />
sparse patches and another spreading of seeds may<br />
be required later on. Lawn by hydroseeding starts<br />
out as a combination of water, grass seed, fertiliser<br />
and protective mulch mixed together and sprayed<br />
onto prepared soil.<br />
Although a cheaper option to a ready lawn, the<br />
same amount of ground preparation is required.<br />
A ready lawn is appealing for those who want an<br />
instant quality product rather than waiting for one<br />
to germinate from seed.<br />
WHAT SORT OF PREPARATION IS INVOLVED IN<br />
INSTALLING A READY LAWN?<br />
Most ready lawn suppliers provide pricing by<br />
‘on-site quoting’ due to the uniqueness of each<br />
property. However, there are a couple that have<br />
pricing listed on their websites. In this case, you<br />
will need to know the square meterage (multiply<br />
the length by the width) of your lawn space in<br />
order to calculate the cost of the ready lawn, which<br />
is mostly sold by the square metre.<br />
Taking into account: the house, outbuildings,<br />
decking, gardens and pathways; the average<br />
urban property can take up to an estimated 90<br />
square metres of lawn. Preparation of the site<br />
will depend on its existing state but, at the very<br />
least, perennial weeds will need spraying and will<br />
then need to be left to take effect for about three<br />
weeks. A large part of your cost can be in the<br />
site’s preparation and a challenging terrain may<br />
require machinery to perform the earthworks.<br />
However, it is important that this stage of the<br />
project is done correctly to ensure the ground<br />
levels are correct, including the topsoil so that the<br />
finished product will not be left with patches and<br />
ground depressions.<br />
NATURAL GRASS CAN LAST FOREVER – BUT<br />
WHAT ABOUT ARTIFICIAL TURF?<br />
Expect anything from 15 to 20 years out of your synthetic<br />
lawn. This largely depends on use and care.<br />
How durable will the surface need to be? What’s<br />
the intended use? It’s also important to check the<br />
surface and installation warranties provided.<br />
WHAT ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS?<br />
Natural grass absorbs carbon dioxide and acts as a<br />
filter for rainwater flowing into the groundwater. It<br />
also naturally regenerates. It’s cool on the feet – and<br />
it’s hard to beat the smell of a newly mown lawn.<br />
On the other hand, artificial turf (while often<br />
manufactured using recycled materials) is a<br />
petroleum-based product that is not biodegradable<br />
and will ultimately end up in a landfill. It’s heat<br />
absorbent and can feel hot to touch. On the plus<br />
side, it is permeable.<br />
Opinions are divided: Nigel is finding a growing<br />
number of homeowners are after easy maintenance<br />
whereas, for Tracey, cost is usually the decider.<br />
Leah Huang<br />
Zones Landscaping, Waikato, NZ – Leah Huang<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING 103
Andrew Burford<br />
Refresh Renovations, Gold Coast, AUS – Martin Peirone<br />
Pools and spas<br />
When it comes to transforming your landscape, nothing<br />
has a bigger impact than a pool or spa.<br />
Pools and spas are available in a myriad<br />
of shapes and sizes to suit nearly any<br />
landscape, but there’s a lot more to<br />
consider than these main factors, so<br />
let’s break it down.<br />
INGROUND VS ABOVE GROUND<br />
Inground pools have a longer lifespan<br />
than above ground pools. However,<br />
they are more expensive to build as<br />
excavation is required. With that said,<br />
inground pools are most likely to add<br />
value to your property, making the<br />
initial investment easier for you to<br />
justify. On the other hand, without the<br />
costly excavation, above ground pools<br />
are relatively affordable and quick<br />
to install, making them an excellent<br />
option to get you swimming as soon as<br />
possible.<br />
INDOOR VS OUTDOOR<br />
It’s no secret that building an indoor<br />
pool can run up high costs compared<br />
to an outdoor pool. But choosing<br />
indoor comes with the unique benefits<br />
of guaranteed year-round use and<br />
less day-to-day care than outdoor<br />
pools. They are easy to keep clean,<br />
and maintaining your favoured water<br />
temperature is no problem. On the<br />
other hand, outdoor pools are more<br />
affordable and become the ideal social<br />
hub throughout warmer seasons.<br />
There’s also more room to incorporate<br />
additions for entertainment<br />
and leisure, such as waterfalls, slides,<br />
surrounding landscaping, and even a<br />
nearby cabana.<br />
SIZE<br />
The size you choose for your<br />
swimming pool or spa will largely<br />
depend on the scale of your property.<br />
However, excellent speciality models<br />
are available for smaller properties,<br />
such as plunge pools. Plunge pools<br />
are deep enough to immerse yourself<br />
completely and big enough for built-in<br />
seating, but they don’t take up much<br />
space with an average size of just 2x6<br />
metres. And if a swimming pool isn’t<br />
suitable for your property, you can’t<br />
go wrong with a spa pool. Able to seat<br />
anywhere from 2-10 adults, they are<br />
perfect for socialising or a relaxing<br />
retreat.<br />
MATERIALS<br />
After choosing your pool type and<br />
size, look at the materials. Fibreglass<br />
is a great cost-effective option,<br />
although the manufacturers produce<br />
a limited variety of shapes and sizes.<br />
If you want to customise fibreglass,<br />
that’s when it gets more expensive.<br />
Concrete and vinyl are highly<br />
customisable, but they sit at opposite<br />
ends of the cost spectrum; concrete<br />
requires a fairly hefty initial investment,<br />
whereas vinyl has a significantly<br />
smaller price tag.<br />
STYLE AND COLOUR<br />
It’s best to consider the purpose of<br />
your pool when choosing a style. For<br />
instance, traditional, rectangular lap<br />
pools are generally selected for fitness<br />
purposes. So are resistance swim spas,<br />
which produce a continuous current<br />
to enable swimming for hours without<br />
104 RENOVATE | ISSUE 0<strong>32</strong>
Helen Gwyther<br />
Refresh Renovations, Wellington, NZ – Mark Morrison<br />
Scott Espie<br />
Zones Landscaping, Auckland Central, NZ – Kate Ryan<br />
turning for a lap. However, if you<br />
prefer floating around over fitness,<br />
shift your focus toward relaxing<br />
resort-style designs; think organically<br />
shaped, beach-entry pools. To further<br />
customise your pool, carefully consider<br />
colour options and tiling materials.<br />
The combination of these two elements<br />
can dramatically change a pool’s<br />
appearance. Through clever design,<br />
your swimming pool can capture any<br />
atmosphere you wish, from that of<br />
Aruba’s white-sand beaches to the<br />
South Pacific’s shimmering blue depths<br />
or Morocco’s luxurious riads.<br />
SALTWATER VS CHLORINE<br />
Despite their name, saltwater pools<br />
also contain chlorine – not as much<br />
as used in chlorine pools, but just<br />
enough to aid sanitisation. As a result,<br />
saltwater pools are softer on skin, eyes,<br />
and hair and won’t damage swimsuits.<br />
The lower chlorine levels are also ideal<br />
for non-porous pool materials like vinyl<br />
and fibreglass that naturally inhibit<br />
algae growth. Alternatively, chlorine is<br />
the way to go for pools made of porous<br />
materials like concrete, which need the<br />
extra chemical kick for a clean aquatic<br />
environment. Though chlorine has a<br />
harsher feel, it can treat water in lower<br />
temperatures and is initially cheaper<br />
than salt. Chlorine and saltwater are<br />
equally as popular, but as with all other<br />
decisions regarding your pool, the right<br />
choice depends on your priorities.<br />
SAFETY AND COMFORT<br />
Every municipality will have specific<br />
regulations around pool safety. But<br />
there is one requirement common<br />
around the world: have a secure<br />
barrier around your pool area. You<br />
can’t go wrong with a glass balustrade;<br />
they are highly durable and will blend<br />
into any landscape, from an urban<br />
jungle to a chic resort. Aluminium<br />
fences are a more affordable option.<br />
However, they’re also more visible. So<br />
you might consider customising the<br />
fencing’s colour to suit your property’s<br />
style. And lastly, to make your pool<br />
as comfortable as possible, installing<br />
a heating system is the most useful<br />
addition. Solar covers, solar rings, and<br />
swim-safe solar liquid are cost-effective<br />
ways to harness the sun’s energy<br />
to heat your pool. Although, larger<br />
pools will require a more robust<br />
system such as heat pumps or gas<br />
heaters to effectively warm and cool.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING 105
WATER CONSERVATION<br />
SAVING OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE<br />
DECLINING RESOURCES<br />
AGRICULTURE<br />
Water is the earths most precious resource<br />
and it is estimated by 2025, two-thirds of the<br />
world’s population may face water shortages.<br />
Agriculture irrigation accounts for 70% of<br />
water use worldwide. Unfortunately due to<br />
inefficiencies in the current irrigation systems<br />
a large percentage of water is wasted.<br />
WATER RECYCLING<br />
Approximately 160 litres of water per person,<br />
per day could be recycled in New Zealand.<br />
This water could be used for other purposes<br />
such as irrigation.<br />
PLANT SELECTION<br />
Selecting low-water-use grasses and native<br />
plants combined with a well designed<br />
irrigation system can save as much as 60% of<br />
your current outdoor water use.<br />
97% 2% 1%<br />
OF EARTHS<br />
WATER IS SALT<br />
WATER<br />
OF EARTHS<br />
FRESH WATER<br />
IS IN ICEBERGS<br />
OF EARTHS<br />
WATER IS<br />
FRESH WATER<br />
RAIN BIRD INTELLIGENT IRRIGATION<br />
Rain Bird is the world’s largest<br />
manufacturer of irrigation technology,<br />
leading the industry with innovative<br />
systems designed to conserve water and<br />
maximize efficiency.<br />
One outdated sprinkler system can<br />
waste millions of litres yearly. Through<br />
the use of intelligent irrigation you can<br />
save 1000s of litres per year saving both<br />
water and money.<br />
A rain sensor communicates with your<br />
controller about rainfall levels. If enough<br />
rain has fallen, then the sensor will tell<br />
the timer to skip the next watering cycle.<br />
A well designed Rain Bird irrigation<br />
system can reduce your irrigation<br />
water consumption by as much as<br />
30%<br />
New Zealanders<br />
use approximately<br />
<strong>22</strong>7 LITRES OF<br />
WATER<br />
per person,<br />
per day<br />
ONLY 3% OF<br />
THE WORLDS<br />
WATER IS<br />
DRINKABLE<br />
In New Zealand<br />
the average<br />
monthly cost for<br />
water $452 based<br />
on 200,000 litres<br />
per year<br />
For more information on the<br />
Hydroflow range visit<br />
hydroflow.co.nz or scan the<br />
qr code.
Top tips for watering<br />
your garden<br />
It’s not hard to water your garden, but what may take a little<br />
more finesse, is recognising when your plants have had too<br />
much, or too little, water and how to rectify the situation.<br />
WHEN<br />
When to water plants will change with<br />
the seasons, climates, and plant types,<br />
but, as a general rule of a green thumb,<br />
plants require watering when the soil<br />
beneath is dry. Quite often, the upper<br />
layer of soil will look dry, but those<br />
layers beneath in which the roots are<br />
growing might still be nice and moist.<br />
When it’s not, your plants are thirsty!<br />
Always try to water your garden early<br />
in the morning, as the warmth of the<br />
day will prevent fungal growth in the<br />
soil. Watering in the middle of the day,<br />
especially during the warmer months,<br />
can be damaging to plants as they can<br />
get burnt by the sun.<br />
HOW<br />
As long as your plants are getting an<br />
appropriate water supply, the delivery<br />
doesn’t matter. Irrigation systems are<br />
a great way to maintain the health of<br />
your garden, especially if you are on<br />
a busy schedule, as they give you the<br />
opportunity to water your garden at<br />
optimal times, without having to lift<br />
a finger. They can also provide more<br />
direct watering, which is better for your<br />
plants and water conservation.<br />
Rainwater harvesting systems are<br />
another way to water your garden.<br />
Rainwater tanks are not only a sustainable<br />
practice, they ease the strain on<br />
your wallet by lowering your water bill.<br />
WHAT TO WATCH FOR<br />
Determining whether your plants<br />
are over or underwatered can be<br />
tricky as many of the symptoms are<br />
similar: discolouration, wilting, and<br />
slow growth to name a few. Monitor<br />
the dampness of the soil to know<br />
when your plants need water. A water<br />
metre is a helpful tool to keep track<br />
of how much water your plants are<br />
receiving.<br />
Be especially conscious of potted<br />
plants, as they have a finite amount<br />
of soil to absorb the water and<br />
therefore, are more susceptible to<br />
overwatering.<br />
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING 107
The practical guide to renovating<br />
EMBRACE THE NATURAL<br />
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE<br />
Handcrafted and distinctively designed to<br />
embrace the natural properties of concrete,<br />
creating a focal point in any bathroom.<br />
28<br />
ISSUE 031
ISSN <strong>22</strong>30-5599<br />
Design Director<br />
Barry Bloomfield<br />
Production Manager<br />
Scott Espie<br />
Bathroom<br />
Designer<br />
Editor<br />
Sam Scrimgeour<br />
Franchelle Oughton<br />
Contributors<br />
Anya Kussler, Carol Watson, Clare Chapman, Courteney Searle, Hannah Moulden, Jason<br />
Burgess, Jessica Clifton, Katherine Johnston, Mina Phillips, Nadia Sakey, Patricia Moore,<br />
Persephone Nicholas, Philip Saich, Sara Lowrie, Stephanie Matheson<br />
Advertising & Editorial Enquiries<br />
editor@renovatemagazine.co.nz<br />
Publishing Directors<br />
Jon Bridge, Chris Caiger, Barry Bloomfield<br />
Accounts<br />
Alice Kong - alicek@traffic.net.nz<br />
Cover Photography<br />
Blum<br />
The bathroom - a place we spend<br />
Notice to advertisers<br />
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or statement contained herein. <strong>Renovate</strong> layout, magazine style or reserves ambience, the right take to refuse some any time advertisement for any reason.<br />
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20<strong>22</strong><br />
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THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RENOVATING 109<br />
29
Good reasons to<br />
choose Zones<br />
Great design at fixed prices<br />
A plan that suits your home<br />
Efficient project management<br />
Outdoor living specialists<br />
One point of contact<br />
Zones is a complete design and build landscaping<br />
service and has a proven process for taking<br />
customers from concept to completion.<br />
www.zones.co.nz | 0800 30 10 20<br />
www.zoneslandscaping.com | 1833 684 0283
A practical, inspirational and<br />
thorough guide to creating<br />
your dream home; <strong>Renovate</strong><br />
exists to support you with<br />
every stage of your project.<br />
With a specific focus on kitchens,<br />
bathrooms and indoor-outdoor living<br />
areas, Issue <strong>32</strong> of <strong>Renovate</strong> is a must-have<br />
during the renovation planning process.<br />
Brought to you by the experts behind<br />
Refresh Renovations and Zones<br />
Landscaping, this issue is packed to<br />
the brim with beautiful home and<br />
garden ideas.<br />
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