Kitchen Renovation in Havelock North, Hawkes Bay: An Extraordinary Transformation with Custom Finishes

Hawke's Bay Kitchen Design: Time for a Makeover

John and Shirley were new owners of a gorgeous property nestled into the Te Mata hills of Havelock North. Stylish, spacious, and with a beautiful outlook, the home had everything they wanted – except for the kitchen. The design and materials felt dated, and it certainly wasn’t an inspiring space for Shirley who had left behind a beautiful kitchen in her previous home, So Shirley contacted her local Refresh Consultant, Sophia Roydhouse-Ross, to arrange a free consultation.

The pair were soon discussing exciting options for a total kitchen renovation. Sophia listened to everything Shirley wanted and took the time to explain the Refresh Renovation process. Refresh offers a total renovation service from design through to final delivery, making renovating straightforward and stress-free. With an experienced Renovation Consultant as the dedicated project manager, every detail is taken care of, from council consent to on-site scheduling. This type of wrap-around service and expertise was exactly what Shirley wanted, so the pair moved forward to begin detailed planning.

Expert Kitchen Renovation Advice

To achieve a look that better suited the rest of Shirley’s home, Sophia recommended a total removal of the old kitchen. The renovated kitchen would be limited to the same footprint as the existing space; however, a new design would make it feel much more open and inviting. Plus, reframing the pantry area would make it bigger, an added bonus.

Sophia also noticed that the existing glass doors incorporated cedar timber along the bottom. By removing this and making the doors fully glass, more light would be let into the room, and the cedar would not clash with new timber floors. Shirley loved the idea of a lighter and a more modern look, so this work was added to the renovation plan.

The Beginning of a Kitchen Transformation in Napier

Sophia had detailed designs and costings prepared for Shirley so that she knew exactly what to expect before any work began. With the plans and budget approved, the transformation could get underway.

As a Refresh Consultant, Sophia had an extensive network of local suppliers and professionals she trusted to deliver top-quality results, and she was able to quickly match the right people to the job. Under Sophia’s expert project management, Shirley’s old kitchen was removed – including floor tiling, an awkward breakfast bar, and old cabinets – and the space became a hive of activity with electricians, plumbers, painters, tilers, plasterers, and more bringing the new kitchen to life. 

The Stunning Kitchen Reveal!

Shirley’s kitchen space was completely transformed into a light, bright, and open space that honours both form and function. The cabinetry, tiled backsplash, and benchtop are all in white, which contrasts beautifully with the rich timber flooring. Sleek gunmetal tapware, under cupboard LED lighting, and stylish pendant lighting ensure a chic, modern feel while the Shaker style cupboards offer a nod to country living.

Special attention was given to custom storage solutions, with the new cabinetry featuring a specialised spice drawer, cabinets for storing platters, and pull-out shelving for heavy appliances that simultaneously utilised awkward corner cupboard space. By spending time ensuring the design included all the details that mattered to Shirley, the new kitchen is fabulously functional without any increase in floor area.

The old benchtop/breakfast bar has given way to a beautiful island benchtop that still incorporates bench seating but in a much more open and attractive way. And with the cedar panelling removed from the bi-fold doors, light floods into the kitchen making it feel warm and bright. 

Final Thoughts

Shirley’s kitchen was completely reimagined, transforming the dated and closed design into a light, bright, and airy hub. Shaker style cabinets give a subtle nod to the country location, while subway tile, sleek appliances and tapware, and pendant lighting keep things feeling stylish and modern. 

Sophia is thrilled with the outcome. “This renovation went exactly to plan, and the result is stunning. Replacing the cedar with clear glass on the French doors elongated the space and lets in so much light – and most importantly, Shirley loves the new space.”  

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