A charming kitchen makeover in Massey, Auckland

Ready for a change

Cooking is a passion for semi-retired homeowner Debra. But the tired kitchen in her Massey home had begun to turn that love into labour. The layout was cramped, the storage limited, and the appliances and cabinetry showed signs of age. Debra wanted to take back her kitchen, transforming it into a functional space that she could enjoy again; a space with modern features and an intuitive layout. 

This project wasn’t something she was prepared to DIY, so Debra contacted her local Auckland Renovation Consultant who would guide her through the entire renovation process. The Renovation Consultant met with Debra to discuss the project; in particular her goals and budget. 

Coming up with ideas

Debra wanted her kitchen renovation to include an improved layout, a modern design, and the replacement of cold, cracked tile flooring but, apart from that, she hadn’t nailed down specifics. Being semi-retired, she was concerned about how to achieve everything without over-investing. 

Taking all of this on board, the Renovation Consultant produced concept designs illustrating the proposed kitchen layout including such details as fitting selections and flooring materials. Debra was happy with the plans and the $20,000 estimate. 

Expert planning pays off

With plans signed off and the estimate approved, the project was ready to commence; Debra’s only remaining concern was the timeline. She wasn’t in a rush but, considering the kitchen is often the heart of the home and thus a high-traffic area, she wanted the renovation completed on time. The Renovation Consultant worked diligently to coordinate the contractors’ schedules and delivery of material from Placemakers and Resene to optimise time spent on site. 

When Debra said she wanted to get rid of the tile flooring, her Renovation Consultant anticipated there to be timber floorboards underneath, as that would be consistent with the rest of the home. Unfortunately, during the early planning stages, they discovered a particle board subfloor. Installing new timber is expensive and was outside of Debra’s budget. The Renovation Consultant recommended an alternative; a vinyl plank system that mimics the look of high-end tile at a fraction of the cost. Debra was happy to take this suggestion and relieved that the Renovation Consultant had executed her due diligence prior to construction which saved her a big headache and a costly surprise later on.     

Thanks to her Renovation Consultant's foresight with the flooring and expert planning during the build, Debra’s kitchen was finished within the estimated three weeks and to the quoted budget of $20,000.

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An excellent outcome

Debra’s new kitchen looks fantastic. Her original kitchen was saturated with dark tones — black, timber, and terracotta — which made the space feel smaller than it was. Now, the neutral colour palette enhances the reconfigured layout and brings an inviting airiness to the kitchen. The new benchtops made from engineered stone in a gunmetal grey colour, complement the stainless steel appliances, carrying a feeling of continuity throughout the design.

Functionality was a priority during this renovation and the updated layout has achieved that. Debra now has ample bench space and storage which will make her culinary endeavours more enjoyable than ever. Details like under-cabinet lighting, a subway-tiled splashback with black grout, and matte black finishings, have given Debra a truly bespoke design.

Final thoughts

Going with the Renovation Consultant’s alternative flooring suggestion proved to be a smart decision, both financially and design-wise. The COREtec flooring is a durable, low maintenance, and cost-effective material that will last Debra years to come. Ultimately, Debra wanted a high-quality finish that offered maximum value for her money, and her Renovation Consultant delivered just that.

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

Get in touch for a free consultation with your local Renovation Consultant.