Fun and Functional Kitchen Renovation in Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt

Time for a New Look

Whether the joinery is dated, the layout is confusing, or there’s simply not enough bench space, a subpar kitchen can be a source of endless frustration for a homeowner. It’s hard to love the ‘hub of the home’ when you can’t stand the flooring, or the cupboards are falling off the hinges! Thankfully, Refresh are here to solve all your kitchen dilemmas – just like they did for Verity. 

When Verity decided she was ready to refresh her Lower Hutt home, she reached out to the experts at Refresh Renovations for tailored advice and met with local Consultant Lia Boersma to learn more about the Refresh process. Lia explained that Refresh deliver simple, stress-free renovations that are on time and on budget and that she would be the single point of contact throughout the renovation. Every element of the renovation – from design and planning through to scheduling and council consent – would be taken care of on her behalf. With an overseas trip on the horizon, this complete end-to-end service sounded ideal, and Verity was happy to welcome Lia on board to transform her ageing kitchen. 

Refresh or Renovate?

Verity initially had in mind a partial renovation of her kitchen. She wanted to explore whether it was feasible to only replace the benches and sink to keep costs down and minimise the work required but she was open to advice and the best long-term solution. After consulting with Lia, it was determined that due to the age of the kitchen it would not be practical to partially renovate and doing so might result in other problems in the future. Lia advised a total kitchen replacement and Verity was happy to move forward with this plan.

Lia worked with her designer to create a concept for the new look, that would largely use the same footprint, but massively modernise the space. Once costing was complete, Verity approved the plans and the budget, and the exciting transformation could begin.

Transformation Underway

Lia project managed the build from start to finish and kept Verity up to date every step of the way. The old kitchen was removed, and in its place modern appliances, fresh flooring, a tiled backsplash, and two-tone joinery was installed. For homeowners who try to manage renovations on their own, sourcing materials and securing trustworthy tradespeople can be extremely time consuming – not to mention the scheduling headaches. But Lia tapped into her existing network of suppliers and professionals she trusted to deliver quality workmanship, and effortlessly managed the workflow to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe. 

Fun and Functional Result

In just a few weeks, Lia was able to transform Verity’s tired and dated 90s kitchen into a fresh and modern hub that not only feels fun, but is functional, too. The two-tone joinery introduces a splash of colour and personality, while the benchtops, upper cabinetry, and ceiling paint all in white keep things looking bright and spacious. 

A single dish drawer offers practicality while being space conscious, and the built-in oven and cabinets that stretch to the ceiling give the space a streamlined look. Vinyl plank flooring helps elongate the space, as does the textured tiled splashback that was extended across the length of one wall, creating a simple and seamless look.

Final Thoughts

Verity’s original 1990s kitchen was completely transformed into a fresh and modern space. Details such as taking the cabinets to the ceiling, extending the splashback, a built-in oven, and minimalist downlights all combine to create a streamlined and sleek look that creates a spacious feel. Two-tone joinery was an opportunity to add personality, while the unique textured tile provides a beautiful statement feature in the space. Lia is thrilled with the result. 

“Verity’s kitchen is looking fun and fresh and is a huge upgrade. I love the tile feature and the streamlined look. We were able to complete the kitchen while Verity was overseas, kept her up to date every step of the way so she didn’t have to worry about a thing, and she came home to a brand-new kitchen that she loves”. 

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

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