Home renovation advice
When it comes to home renovations, the Refresh team has done (and seen) it all! We’re more than happy to share our experience and expertise – and you’ll find loads of helpful articles, photos, videos and more on our website.
If you’re interested in a specific renovation topic, select from the categories below. You’re also welcome to ask in person about your potential renovation. If you’d like to talk with one of our friendly team members, please get in touch.
Show advice for: Kitchen | Bathroom | Extend | Open-plan | Flow | Loft | Re-clad | Warm up | Outdoor | Renovations |
Stay money savvy
Is it a good time to buy a house? It’s a question I hear often and for first home buyers, it’s an especially big life stage decision.
How well can KiwiSaver provide for both a first home and retirement?
Just how well does saving two or three per cent of your income help? If you withdraw to buy your first home, how will that impact on your retirement goal?
Buying and renovating an investment property
Finding your perfect home at the right price can be difficult. Often you are paying for the time, effort and money someone else has spent on a house.
Examine your money personality
Finding financial decision-making fraught with stress? Examine your money personality.
Interior Design: Getting it right
When is the best time to engage an interior designer? And what exactly does an interior designer do? Donna White, an Auckland-based interior designer and recent finalist in the Dulux Colour Awards answers these questions and more…
Choosing the right colour for your home
Tips, tricks and great advice for choosing colour for your home from Renovate magazine’s very own interior design expert.
Good lighting design requires careful consideration early on
Good lighting has the power to enhance your interiors – Renovate’s interior design expert Donna White explains how.
Tips on choosing art
In addition to colour and wallpaper, art can take centre stage when decorating your walls. Renovate’s interior design expert explains how.
Planning an outdoor room
Renovate’s interior design expert Donna White applies her design principles to her garden and plans the outdoor room of her dreams.
Are you looking to renovate your bathroom?
Renovate’s interior design expert Donna White takes a refreshing look at designing bathrooms.
Beat bugs with bug juice from Resene
Resene has a handy new product into store called Bug Juice. It’s new into the country but has been used for over 20 years in America. It kills crawling and flying insects on contact with treated surfaces inside or outside
Kitchen mixers options and styles
It is certainly true that kitchens see a lot of action. Over a few years, those simple knocks and bumps of everyday living can take the shine off the look of the room. It is not surprising therefore, to understand how much of a difference a new kitchen mixer can make to the look and feel of the heart of your home.
Media room planning tips
Advances in technology and lower costs mean an environment dedicated to enjoying in-home entertainment is no longer something you only see in the movies. If the space is there, all that’s required is careful planning, professional advice and a little imagination.
Choosing the right outdoor lighting
Turn your outdoor area into a safe and welcoming night-time wonderland with carefully chosen lighting.
Guide to making your floor a feature to be proud of
A fabulous floor can add style and value to your home. Here’s our guide to making your floor a feature to be proud of.
Outdoor cooking options
From portable gas fired smokers to inbuilt al fresco kitchens – the list of outdoor cooking options is as long as a hot summer’s night, and choosing a cooker is about as subjective as picking art.