A Stunning Home Renovation in Ngaio, Wellington

Ready to buy – and renovate!

When we say that Refresh Renovations are here to help, we mean it – even if you don’t actually own a home yet! Kathryn and her partner were seriously considering purchasing a 1960s home in Ngaio, Wellington, and while they saw masses of potential, they wanted some input from the experts before they made a final offer. Kathryn contacted her local Renovation Consultant Jenelle Winstanley and Project Manager Mark Morrison for advice and to see if there were any potential renovation roadblocks. Jenelle was more than happy to walk Kathryn through the renovation process so she had a full understanding of what to expect if she bought the home, and how the Refresh team could deliver a successful – and stress-free! – renovation.

The 1960s timber and weatherboard home boasted fantastic views and had beautiful natural light, but would urgently need new roofing, followed by a top-to-toe overhaul to modernise the home. Once Kathryn had the reassurance from Refresh about what was possible, she made a successful offer on the home and dove straight into the renovation journey with Jenelle and Mark there every step of the way. 

Design and Detail

Kathryn had grand plans to transform the dated design into a bright, open home with features and fixtures that reflected her personality, as well as investing in insulation, roofing, weatherboard, and windows. Jenelle’s designer created a concept that included a brand-new kitchen, laundry, and bathroom, and new decking. Window sashes were also updated and a new skylight added. The design also pushed out exterior and internal walls to increase space in the master bedroom and main bathroom. White paint throughout the home would team beautifully with warm wood tones from the bamboo flooring, while in the kitchen large format European tiling would grace the floors.

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Major Works Begin

With a fantastic and functional design locked in, the exciting demolition and build could begin. This was a major renovation - from exterior cladding, decking, and roofing to entirely new kitchen and bathroom installations – so there were many moving parts and schedules for Jenelle and Mark to manage. Mark’s experience as a project manager shone through, as he not only managed multiple tradespeople, but also a timeline affected by overseas shipping delays.

Once demolition and removal were complete, the house received toasty new insulation and wall framing, new glazing and doors, and electrical and plumbing work, plus an amazing feature skylight that would create an incredibly light and bright kitchen and dining space. With the base work complete, a new kitchen, bathroom and laundry could be installed, new paint throughout, and beautiful flooring using both European tile and bamboo.

Outside, new roofing was completed, as well as exterior cladding, and the installation of bi-fold doors that led to a fabulous new deck and created fantastic indoor-outdoor flow – perfect for entertaining.

Incredible Transformation

Kathryn’s home underwent an incredible transformation. Warm, welcoming, and light filled, it has modern elements while still retaining character and never feels cookie cutter. The communal spaces are an incredible example of open plan living, with a seamless flow from kitchen to dining to living, with the whole space drenched in light from skylights above and beautiful large format windows throughout. Wooden cupboards and white tile are the perfect neutral combo in the kitchen, creating continuity with the bamboo flooring and white paint throughout the rest of the space. 

The bathroom is a far cry from typical white on white, with a mid-century modern inspired vanity bench in wood, terrazzo style tile flooring, a soft pink hue on the wall and a vessel sink with gold tap set in front of a stunning trio of windows. The laundry also uses wooden cupboards and white square tile to make the room clean and contemporary, with a handy sink and built-in washer and dryer combo.

Outside, everything has been refreshed, the roof and existing skylight is now watertight, and a new deck allows for relaxing and entertaining. 

Final Words

Jenelle expertly guided Kathryn through the entire renovation process from pre-purchase advice through to final delivery. The result is a show stopping home with clean lines and neutral tones, that still feels full of warmth and personality. Jenelle is thrilled with the result. “The home has so many amazing elements, and the windows and skylights add amazing light and warmth to the space. I love the well-designed kitchen that takes advantage of the amazing views!” 

Suppliers used in this project were sourced from Refresh’s preferred partners; GIB, Mitre10, Placemakers, Resene, Robertson and Tile Depot.

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

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