A Stylish Kitchen Renovation and Clever Conversion in Rongotai, Wellington

This pre-World War II weatherboard wonder in Wellington was too small for an expanding family. But, converting a workshop into a much-needed bedroom and bathroom, along with modernising the kitchen and living room, transformed this home in the capital and created the space the family craved.

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Seeking Space

Pratik loved the Rongotai location of his Wellington home, but with just three bedrooms and one bathroom available, his family was feeling cramped. Rather than looking to buy bigger, Pratik decided to contact his local Refresh Renovation Consultant Mark Morrison to discuss options for an extension and renovation.
Pratik had heard about Refresh’s expertise via word of mouth and was keen to take advantage of a free consultation to see what was possible. He also had ideas for renovations in mind, including the kitchen and laundry areas.

Expert Advice

Mark arranged a meeting with Pratik to see the space and fully comprehend his goals for the renovation. With both his immediate and extended families to accommodate, an additional bedroom and bathroom was high on Pratik’s priority list. Mark had plans drawn up for converting a downstairs workshop into a new bedroom including en suite and walk-in wardrobe, a clever re-imagining of underutilised space. He also had a designer plan a new kitchen, plus upgrades to the laundry and lounge, as well as new decking to expand living areas for the family.
Pratik was thrilled with the proposals. Once he was comfortable with the final design and budget the transformation could begin, with Mark overseeing the project right through to delivery.

Stress-free Project Management

The downstairs conversion combined with extensive renovations upstairs meant that a raft of tradespeople was required on site. Using his established network of suppliers and trusted professionals, from tilers, plumbers and builders, to plasterers, kitchen designers, painters, and more, Mark was able to schedule every stage of the renovation, saving Pratik countless hours of work.
During the renovation the team discovered that an existing retaining wall lacked compliance, so a specialist engineer was engaged to solve the issue. This setback affected both the schedule and budget, but Pratik appreciated that it was a crucial issue to resolve.
Mark took care of all paperwork required for council consent for the new additions and ensured every aspect of the renovation was code compliant. He was also the single point of contact for Pratik throughout the whole project, which made for effective and frequent communication.

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Functional Family Space
Mark and his team also transformed the hardworking family kitchen, living, and laundry areas with modern updates.
The all-white kitchen now features cupboards to the ceiling, a beautiful textured tile backsplash, and minimalist hardware to keep lines clean and contemporary, while a butler’s pantry keeps small appliances out of sight while providing ample storage for items in constant use. Generously sized windows provide ample natural light and a stunning outlook. Ranch sliders from the dining area provide ready access to the expansive new deck, in itself a beautifully sheltered spot for enjoying the distant sea views.
Downstairs, the new bathroom features a rolling glass shower door, back to wall toilet, and a mirrored cabinet. Pratik wanted to continue the light, bright, and white feel from the kitchen to create a feeling of space, and the tile from the kitchen backsplash was also carried through to the bathroom, providing overall cohesion of the interior finishes. New carpet and paint were the final pieces of the renovation.

Final Thoughts

With a light and bright kitchen, revamped living spaces, a generous deck to enjoy, plus a new bedroom and en suite, Pratik’s home now has more than enough space to accommodate his family.
The downstairs bedroom with its walk-in wardrobe plus en suite provides plenty of space as a master bedroom retreat or separate room for extended family.
The kitchen renovation was a huge upgrade, transforming the space into a functional and modern hub.
Pratik is thrilled with the outcome, and the additional room means extended family can continue to live with him. “With so many renovations and additions, it was a long journey for Pratik, but he is really pleased with the result,” says Mark. A much-loved older home has now been repurposed, to the delight of the whole family.