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A Stunning Coastal Design Upgrade

Getting Started

Overlooking the Tamaki Strait with Waiheke in the distance, Lesley and Michael’s four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is situated high in the hills amongst palms, ferns, and other native plants. But that breezy coastal feeling was stopped dead in its tracks the minute you approached the home.

A bulky, circular, almost Art Deco-esque overhang loomed over the entranceway and diminished the otherwise attractive kerbside appeal. Inside, the main bathroom, ensuite, and laundry needed an update as well.

Ready to make some changes, the couple reached out to Refresh Renovations to get a fresh set of eyes on their interior. When Renovation Consultant Kim Reiche visited their property, Lesley and Michael also queried possible alterations for their home’s exterior.

Straightforward Design Concepts and Cost Estimates

There was minimal back and forth during the concept and costing phases. Lesley and Michael’s project was design-led; they had a look in mind and achieving it was more important than the cost. Kim presented them with concept designs for the bathrooms and laundry, together with exterior upgrades. Had they wanted to make any alterations, this is the ideal point in the Refresh process to do so, but the couple approved both the designs and the estimate and were happy to move forward with construction.

Undertaking Construction

The council wasn’t the only challenge the project was faced with. Kim’s team had to work around Auckland’s multiple COVID-related restrictions while the site was under construction, which delayed the finish date by nine weeks. Throughout the disrupted schedule, Kim maintained transparent communication with Kate and Sheryl and did an excellent job keeping things moving when she could, and well organised when she couldn’t.

Breezy Bathrooms and a Simple Laundry Space

The ensuite and main bathroom have the same overall design with a few varying elements. Oversized stack bond tiles run from floor to ceiling and envelop the whole main bathroom, a simple pane of glass separating the shower and bathtub from the vanity makes the space feel like a spa-style wetroom. An aqua vessel basin, the only pop of colour used in the predominantly white bathroom, is an elegant focal point.

In the ensuite, the walk-in shower is roomier now that it doesn’t have to share floor space with a bathtub. The dual chrome showerhead evokes feelings of an outdoor shower, enhancing the subtle beachy aspects of the design.

The new laundry room is well-appointed and practical. There’s enough space under the bench to comfortably fit both the washing machine and dryer which is often preferable to a stacked configuration. A deep tub and lots of cabinet space round out the simple laundry area, all concealed by an exposed sliding door with the same beadboard pattern as the bathroom doors.

Enhanced Streetfront Appeal

When approaching Lesley and Michael’s home, you’re now greeted by a generous gable-ceilinged extension with a roof that blends readily with the existing Spanish tiles. Under the cover of the overhang and with privacy provided by the aluminium shutters, you can take in the stunning vistas of the bay. The resort style appearance of the extension evokes an ambience of tropical surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Kim is proud of this renovation and the entranceway in particular. The extension has totally transformed the way the property presents to the street. Improvements for the interior are just as impactful with the stunning tiled bathrooms and highly functional laundry. Now, thanks to Kim, her talents, and those of her team, Lesley and Michael have a complete home that looks beautiful both inside and out.

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