A Classic Ponsonby Villa Gets a Contemporary Upgrade

Project Overview

After living in their traditional 4-bedroom villa for over a decade, the homeowners of this Ponsonby property decided it was time for a change. While parts of the home had been renovated around 15 years ago, including the main bathroom and rear living areas, those updates were no longer meeting the needs of a modern family of four.

The clients, both working professionals with two teenagers, reached out to Refresh Renovations with an initial budget of $100,000 (excluding appliances). Their goal was to modernise key areas of the home and enjoy the renovation before they move on in 5 or so years.

Renovation specialist Maree de Latour led the project through Refresh’s proven process, from early concept designs to the final reveal.

Expanding the Scope

Initially, the clients wanted to explore renovating the en-suite,kitchen, and main bathroom.

During the important initial Scoping & Feasibility stage it was established that the renovation was to include extending the kitchen into the living room space to provide a more expansive area for entertaining. This resulted in the entire kitchen, living & dining area being included in the renovation.

The ensuite renovation was a priority for the clients as the small shower, lack of storage & dark space was affecting their everyday living. In discussion with the owners it was then decided to scale back the bathroom renovation  with the focus on making the bathroom modern and easy to clean.

In the end, the full project cost about $200,000.

Challenges and Smart Solutions

Two significant challenges emerged during the planning and build stages of the renovation. 

Firstly, the original ensuite was not compliant and had never been consented. To bring it up to code, new nogging and framing were installed along with waterproofing and a complete redesign. Council consent was secured for the ensuite’s waterproofing requirements to ensure full compliance. This increased the scope and the budget.

Then in the demolition stage, the team discovered areas of unexpected water damage in both the interior and exterior. It included damage to an external wall and the surrounding paving. Maree worked closely with the homeowners to develop a budget-friendly solution, even giving them the option to carry out some of the exterior work themselves.

Ensuite Transformation

The outdated ensuite, which dated back to the 1970s, underwent a complete transformation. The team redesigned the layout to optimise space utilisation and enhance accessibility. 

A sleek new pocket slider door was installed for better flow. The refreshed space now features all-new fittings, a powerful extraction fan ducted through a high ceiling, a heated towel ladder with a timer, and additional power points for added convenience.

The formerly cramped and outdated room has been transformed into a light-filled, functional, and stylish bathroom that the clients love using every day.

Kitchen and Living Upgrades

In the kitchen, the renovation was about more than just looks; it was about making the space more usable for a family that loves to cook and entertain. 

The kitchen was extended to improve functionality and now includes state-of-the-art appliances from Fisher & Paykel, including a fridge drawer cleverly integrated into the new bar area.

New flooring throughout the kitchen, dining room, and living room brought cohesion and warmth to the space, tying the interior together with a fresh, contemporary feel. Porcelain benchtops were chosen for their durability and elegance, making them ideal for a busy household.

Family Bathroom Refresh

The family bathroom didn’t need a complete makeover. It just needed a few smart updates.

The Refresh Renovation team installed a brand-new shower and vanity, added a fan to keep the air fresh and updated the lighting, and gave the walls a fresh coat of paint.These small changes made the bathroom look modern and easier to use without incurring significant expenses.

Client Experience

This was the first time the homeowners were undertaking a renovation, so they were eager for straightforward advice and assistance with their budget.

The Refresh team explained everything step by step and helped them understand what could be done with the money they had.

They also worked in stages and communicated regularly with the homeowners, so they felt in control without feeling stressed.

Final Thoughts

The renovation gave the home the best of both worlds, preserving its old, classic charm. This renovation provides a home that blends functionality with luxury while incorporating new, modern features that make life easier.

The family now enjoys a home that works better for them today and is also worth more in the future. From renovating an old en-suite to expanding the kitchen and making it more functional, this project demonstrates how the Refresh Renovations team can genuinely transform the way a home feels and functions.

How about fixing up your villa? Contact our team to bring your dream home to life.