Kitchen transformation in Hastings, New Zealand

A kitchen, dining and lounge renovation of a towering Hasting character home in New Zealand. The build tackled their kitchen, dining and lounge area.

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Tired of the poor functionality of their kitchen layout, Kerry and her husband sought help with renovating the entire space.

Excited to update their kitchen, this couple started out by browsing the internet for how they might do it themselves. For hours they researched across a handful of websites for tips and tricks, but it eventually became clear that getting professional help was the best decision. With experts doing the job, they could have the project finished quickly, to the highest quality, and with project management that would minimise costs.
On that decision, they contacted Refresh Renovations for assistance and soon met with Sophia Roydhouse-Ross and Mike Ross, their local Renovation Specialists, to begin the process.
“Our main objective was to create a more functional and modernised kitchen while decorating the dining and lounge at the same time”, says Kerry.

The Property

In the initial consultation, Sophia and Mike viewed the beautiful character home. Ceilings were 2.7 metres high and the living space had plenty of natural light coming in from white painted french doors and windows.
They wanted to make sure these classic features weren’t lost in the renovation. So when developing the concept with their design team, the Renovation Specialists focused on creating a flow that would draw attention to the original features. As a result, a new floor plan was established.
Instead of keeping the kitchen bar which was dividing the kitchen from the dining room, it would be knocked down and replaced with an island counter sitting lengthwise down the kitchen. The doorway which led to the kitchen would also be moved and filled with a cavity slider to offer separation and enhance the experience of entering the living space.
Together, these changes entirely opened up the combined kitchen and dining room, re-established it as a spacious environment, and accentuated the house’s original fixtures.
“The end result has been amazing”, enthuses Kerry. “It gave us the impression of a larger area than we previously had and so much more storage space.”

The Project Details

Sophia, Mike, and the Refresh Renovations team managed everything in the project apart from the flooring. Along with the main focus of tearing down the existing kitchen and replacing it with new cabinetry, they moved the kitchen doorway, inserted a cavity slider, plastered/painted the walls, and installed downlights throughout the living space.
Previous to their work, the walls had been newly re-insulated. So it was important that wall linings were only removed where necessary. In addition to this requirement, the construction crew needed to adapt their working process in consideration of the clients' living situation.
At the time, both Kerry and her husband were at home recovering from back injuries and surgery. To make sure they felt comfortable throughout construction, the tradesmen worked carefully to be respectful of the couple’s space and needs.
“Sophia and Mike had been fantastic to deal with and their team of workmen a pleasure to do business with”, concludes Kerry. “Nothing was an issue and the help for my husband and I was greatly appreciated.”
Unexpectedly, this situation also came with an advantage. As the clients were often home, the fireplace was also constantly stoked, which helped the plaster and paint to dry quickly, despite it being the middle of a rainy Winter.

The Kitchen

Since using the renovated kitchen, Kerry has mentioned her love for the updated counterspace.
“The island is my favourite part, giving us easy access to cutlery and crockery and serving space; as neither of us has good backs and the lack of bending has been brilliant.”
Using a brand new product from the cabinetry company, the kitchen has been completely modernised just as the couple wanted. Featuring beautiful grain detailing across the panelling and a white stone bench top, the subdued tones combine perfectly to compliment the age of the bungalow.

A New Ambition

Since completion of their renovation, the couple have decided to do more with the Refresh Renovations team. Next up: a new ensuite, walk-in-wardrobe, and workshop.
With plans already being drawn up by an architect from the renovation team, Sophia and Mike plan to get started on the next project in the new year.