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 |
How to improve your wardrobe space
From toys and shoes through to handbags and dresses – we accumulate many treasured items that we need to find a home for. That’s why well-designed storage spaces are a necessary feature of New Zealand bedrooms.
Renovate for better health
By considering your family’s health and wellbeing when you renovate your home, you’ll not only be enhancing your home’s environmental performance, you’ll also be investing in the future.
Enhancing the indoor outdoor flow of your home
Windows are a fundamental and uniquely powerful design element of a home. They provide an intimate connection to the surrounding environment, allow light and warmth to stream in and control ventilation. They can also make a bold statement about your style and the way you live.
Lighting advice
Few projects demonstrate the power of lighting as well as this Omanu house in the Bay of Plenty. Lighting is a tool that can set certain moods, add drama and ultimately turn your house into a welcoming home.
Insulation options
Insulate now in readiness for winter and you may well be surprised at how little it costs to insulate your home with the wide range of subsidies that are available.
Home heating options
There are many different heating systems and fuel sources that can keep your home warm, comfortable and healthy all year round. Christian Hoerning, Senior Advisor at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), says you need to consider where you live and the climate of your area.
South East Asian inspired gardens
A 1970s bungalow set on an elevated, hard-to-develop, sloping site in Titirangi is transformed from a higgledy-piggledy overgrown garden, into a tranquil South East Asian inspired garden-room sanctuary.
Bringing the indoors out
Outdoor rooms are a wonderful way of extending your living space. Here is how – with a little bit of planning – you can turn your garden or deck into a luxurious outside lounge.
Insulated garage doors in New Zealand
With internal access garages now standard in newer homes, garages have become an extension of the house and are often used for more than simply a parking space for the family car.
Choosing the right windows and doors for indoor-outdoor flow
Windows and doors play a major role within any home. They provide indoor-outdoor flow, ventilation, light, safety, security, comfort and aesthetic style.
Planning new feature lighting for your home
Feature lighting can be one or more decorative light fixtures that make a statement in your home. It can be a chandelier or pendant, cluster of pendants, wall light or even a floor lamp.
How to achieve the shabby chic look with colour
The shabby chic look is generally conveyed through use of natural wall colourings, distressed furniture, sweet pastel accents, shaggy rugs, exposed or washed timber, antique memories and pretty detailing such as lace, roses and florals.
Do you have a leaky home?
It can be hard coming to terms with a leaky home issue. Learn things to look out for when you discover a small leak in your home.
Prevent your furniture from fading with window film
All year round the sun has a direct impact shining through windows and fading furniture, rugs and artwork, while exposing people inside to unhealthy UV rays.
Benefits of a ventilation system in your home
A high proportion of our homes are damp, leading to high levels of dust mites and mould – both known asthma triggers.
The legal requirements for building a new garage or carport
Regardless of whether a Building Consent is required, the replacement garage or carport must comply with the New Zealand Building Code.