All Things Bold and Bright: Kitchen Renovation in Parkvale, Tauranga

Built over 50 years ago, the owners of this Tauranga home had entertained the idea of renovating but the property was in such dire need of work, demolishing the house seemed a better option. Then along came COVID.

A lockdown, followed by seasonal storms, gave homeowners, Tim and Lynaire time to rethink. Having approached local Renovation Consultant, Sharon Giblett a few years earlier, they considered her recommendations and, after working through the options, decided to renovate their home’s exterior, main living area, and kitchen.

“Tim & Lynaire had been uncertain what to do with their house for some time. They had been burned from some previous experiences with trades and were wary, so we simply talked them through the process step by step, keeping them well informed and allowing them to gain confidence along the way.” - Sharon Giblett, Renovation Consultant, Tauranga

Moving out to move in

The many moving parts required to bring this 50-year-old home into the modern age meant Tim and Lynaire moved out of their property during the renovation. Sharon kept a tight rein on the scheduling of the project, which required some weekend work, to ensure it was completed on time.

The project began with a deep clean prior to any work taking place. Asbestos had been detected under the layers of vinyl flooring so this had to be removed. Sharon and her team also arranged for the chimney breast and fireplace to be removed, which meant repair and infill work was needed on the tiled roof and concrete flooring.

Once all of the demolition work had been completed, the first of the challenges arose. Cracks were forming in the ceiling during the repair work, due to its fragility, so before the plasterer and painter began, a variation to reline the ceiling had to be considered. This added some complications because Sharon had been trying to keep the existing scotia, a unique feature to this era of house. A solution was found with the installation of another piece of timber around the edge of the GIB, bordering the scotia to bridge the gap left between the two materials to achieve a look in keeping with the home.

Budgeting for variations

This wasn’t the only variation that Sharon needed to manage during the renovation. Wallpaper needed to be stripped and additional unforeseen work involved in removing the chimney breast and fireplace came to the fore as well.

Although Tim and Lynaire had provided a healthy budget for the project, it was set in stone, so Sharon worked with the duo on the scope of work, discussing where savings could be made. Sharon reviewed choices of products and fittings, suggested window inserts rather than complete replacements, provided more affordable kitchen solutions, and offered alternative floor coverings.

A Complete Transformation

The complete transformation Sharon and her team have been able to deliver on Tim and Lynaire’s home is proof you don’t need an unlimited budget to achieve remarkable results.

The extension of the wall between the lounge and kitchen created space for a wall oven and microwave, while the use of floor to ceiling cabinetry reduced areas for dust and grease to gather. A pull-out pantry and on-bench cupboard has meant space well-utilised, while a feature glass splashback has added interest and a vibrant pop of colour.

New framing and lining has been installed where the chimney breast and fireplace once stood, while repairs to the concrete floor and new mortar have been finished in a texture to match the existing pattern of the foundation. New wallpapered lounge walls also boast a textured finish that complements the colour palette in the kitchen and nook.

Functional elements were required to achieve a modern finish, including the rewiring of lighting and powerpoints, the relocation of the wall hung TV, and installation of recessed flushboxes.

Achieving Indoor-Outdoor Flow 

This renovation didn’t just focus on interior upgrades; the home’s exterior got some TLC as well. Aluminium window inserts installed in the lounge and kitchen alongside fully hinged bifold doors from the lounge to the rear deck give Tim and Lynaire the ability to open one door while providing quick access to the outdoor area and garden. 

The front door steps and porch, once repaired, were painted with non-skid paint, while a full preparation and repaint of the window timbers, trims, walls, and ceilings provided a fresh canvas.

However, the piece-de-resistance was most certainly the new front door, hung to swing the opposite way and provide better access into the kitchen. Painted in a stunning and vibrant Colombo Street red by Dulux, it closed the door on an exceptional home renovation project delivered under the expert eye of Tauranga renovation expert, Sharon Giblett.

‍“This renovation has given a complete new lease of life to the renovated spaces in this tired 50 year old house. There were some bold design choices made by Tim and Lynaire. A favourite is the bright red front door which matches the complimentary glass splashback in the kitchen, both of which create a feeling of drama when entering the house.” - Sharon Giblett, Renovation Consultant, Refresh Renovations Tauranga

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

Get in touch for a free consultation with Sharon Giblett, your local Tauranga Renovation Consultant.