Maximising Sunlight and Modernising Interiors in Havelock North

​​Beginning the Refresh Journey

Life was busy enough for these working professionals without the stress of organising a renovation, which is why they sought expert assistance with managing their project. Homeowners Julia and Steve reached out to local Renovation Partners Sophia Roydhouse-Ross and Mike Ross to lead their entire renovation, leaving them time to focus on their work and personal lives.
Originally Julia and Steve wanted to upgrade their 20-year-old kitchen that had seen better days. However, during their initial consultation with Sophia and Mike, they were asked if they’d considered removing the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room. Mike pointed out, “that is where all your views and sun is.” Julia and Steve hadn’t thought about making significant structural changes to their property, but when they realised what a difference it would make to the amount of sunlight filtering in, they decided to expand the project’s scope. 
The final concept plan involved removing the dining wall, upgrading the kitchen, redesigning the two living rooms, and giving the main bathroom a makeover too.

Costing and Timeline

Julia and Steve did not have any strict timelines to adhere to, as long as the project began swiftly after finalising the plans. In total, this renovation took a quick 35 and a half weeks to complete. The homeowners were thrilled with their experience and impressed by the hassle-free renovation.
The estimated cost of the final concept came in at $180,000. Sophia and Mike worked diligently to ensure this budget was followed throughout the project. However, a couple of variations during construction pushed the final price out slightly further. Materials used include villa board from GIB, paint from Resene, and bathware from Robertson Bathware.

A Dreamy Kitchen and Dining Room

The kitchen now boasts an understated, timeless design that makes the most of the room available with an improved layout. All-white cabinetry and benchtops entirely brighten up the space, and the large kitchen island/breakfast bar makes a stunning centrepiece that welcomes socialising.
A tiled splashback in shades of terracotta gently warms up the crisp colour scheme, adding a beautiful touch of Tuscan style that pairs well with the engineered timber flooring. Meanwhile, a subtle glass splashback has been used elsewhere for unnoticeable wall protection that allows the terracotta tiles to become the focal point. And to complete the transformation, a five-burner gas hob and all new stainless steel appliances provide excellent functional upgrades.
Now that the dividing wall has been removed from the main living areas, the dining room seamlessly joins the kitchen, sharing the sunlight that pours through. The warm-toned timber flooring continues from the kitchen into the dining room, amplifying the warmth and creating a cohesive design. 

Soothing Colour Schemes for Relaxed Living

Both lounges have received fresh colour schemes that entirely transform their atmospheres.
The same flooring used in the kitchen and dining room has been continued into one of the lounges. In this room, the timber’s light-toned colouring combines beautifully with the surrounding white walls, creating a soothing space to retreat and relax.
While the second lounge has also received an updated design, its colour palette features soft navy blue paint (called ‘Time after Time’ by Resene) instead of white walls. This muted colour establishes a cosy feel, further enhanced by the new window seat built in front of the lounge’s large bay window. And for a final upgrade, the previously decorative archway to this room was straightened out to maintain the home’s new modern style.

The Contemporary Bathroom

The process of modernising the bathroom wasn’t simple. A linen cupboard adjacent to the room was removed to expand the bathroom’s space. And during demolition, Sophia and Mike’s renovation team came across a great deal of rotting timber that had spread due to poor repair of a previous leak. The issue, however, was resolved quickly and adequately before the team continued with the bathroom’s transformation.
Results are stunning. The bathroom features a sleek bathtub, a new toilet, and a large walk-in shower, which is undeniably the focal point. The shower is built with a floor-to-ceiling glass panel, dual showerheads, and underfloor heating that allows the floor to dry quickly after use. A recessed shelf and heated towel rail make further practical additions and blend in smoothly with the room’s large grey tiles.
However, the new floating vanity is another notable addition. Built with red-toned timber, the cabinets bring warmth to the bathroom atmosphere. All the while, the rounded basin, overhead lighting, and large circular mirror establish an elegant look.

Plans for Another Project

Julia and Steve are thrilled with their home’s renovation — so much so, they’re now planning to renovate their master bedroom and ensuite, along with converting their spa room into an office!  
This project was ultimately stress-free for the homeowners, allowing them to continue on with their busy work lives while Sophia and Mike brought their renovation dreams to life. 

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