Transforming a Tired Townhouse in Picton, Marlborough

Tending to a Tired Townhouse

Lesley and Martin’s Picton townhouse was stuck in a 1970s time warp – in a shaggy brown carpet, terrible wallpaper, and arched entrances way! It needed a complete makeover. Lesley and Martin were keen on exactly that to make the home suitable for rental or sale, so they got in touch with their local Marlborough Refresh Renovation Consultant Nita Craig for some much-needed help.

Nita arranged a free consultation to meet Lesley and Martin, listen to their renovation goals, and explain how Refresh could make the renovation experience straightforward and stress-free. The full makeover Lesley and Martin desired would involve multiple suppliers and contractors, which many homeowners find time consuming and stressful to schedule. As an experienced Renovation Consultant, Nita affirmed that she would provide end-to-end project management and be their single point of contact throughout the renovation. Since Lesley and Martin lived out of town, this was exactly the type of service they needed. 

Expert Advice

Lesley, Martin and Nita began the concept and design process to bring the dated dwelling into the 2020s. Initially Lesley and Martin were focused on an interior renovation, giving particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom, but they were also concerned about the steep stairway, as well as awkward bathroom access through the single toilet space. Nita had her team work on a 3D concept to redesign these areas and significantly improve the layout. Impressed by the suggestions, Lesley and Martin were happy to increase their budget to provide for them. They also decided at this stage to repaint the exterior of the home and remove a front feature wall to make off-street parking easier. 

Saying goodbye to the Seventies

Once Lesley and Martin were completely happy with the detailed designs and budget, the demolition and build began. The thorough renovation involved multiple trades including plumbers, plasterers, and painters, tilers, builders, flooring specialists, and electricians. For Lesley and Martin, living hundreds of kilometres away, it was brilliant to have Nita’s on-the-spot oversight, yet be able to keep up-to-date with all progress via the online customer portal. Nita also managed the council consent process for the change in the stairs to ensure the new layout was code-compliant.

Outside, the old-fashioned block feature wall was removed, and fresh paint transformed the exterior. Inside, the kitchen and bathroom were gutted, and every room of the house had new flooring, paint, lighting, and stylish drapes.

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A Fresh and Modern Look

In just over two months, Nita and her team delivered a beautiful new interior– light, bright, and modern. In place of the dull wood-look kitchen is a wonderful new design with modern appliances, white cupboards, an island breakfast bar, and a gorgeous, tiled feature backsplash in soft sea-green. Vinyl plank flooring runs from the kitchen through to the living and dining areas and connects the spaces, while modern curtains with sheers diffuse the light and provide privacy with elegance.

The bathroom’s thoroughly modern makeover, from floor plan to access, utilises the same flooring, and features white fixtures and a spacious glass-walled shower. The redesigned stairs have made access much safer, and modern lighting fixtures and new drapes throughout complete the home’s transformation. 

Final Thoughts

Nita and her team listened to Lesley and Martin's goals for a modern makeover on a budget, and delivered a beautiful renovation that ticks every box. The home’s street appearance is much more attractive, parking is much easier, and inside there’s no trace of the stale Seventies – only a bright, modern home that is ready to sell or rent when the time comes. Nita is thrilled with the outcome. “This was an amazing transformation. I love the splashback in the kitchen that adds texture and personality to the space.”

Suppliers used in this project were sourced from Refresh®’s preferred partner, Mitre 10. Other suppliers were Plumbing World, Guthrie Bowron and Dulux.

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