A Complete Home Renovation Merging Timeless Character with Contemporary Living in Mount Eden

Project Overview

A classic traditional four-bedroom villa in Mount Eden received a full makeover, led by Project Manager Corey Rambhai and the expert team at Refresh Renovations, Onehunga. Originally over a century old, the owners first reached out for some simple interior updates as they considered putting the home on the market.

Following a detailed design and feasibility review, the project expanded into a full renovation, reviving the villa’s original character while seamlessly incorporating modern living.

The renovation spanned both the interior and exterior of the home, including formal and informal living and dining areas, the relocation of the kitchen, and the transformation of the main bathroom, relocated into an existing bedroom. The formal living room was also reconfigured, with its footprint redesigned to create a front bay bedroom. Additional upgrades included two bathrooms, a dedicated pool bathroom, laundry, new flooring, and outdoor decking with a retractable roof.

To enhance comfort and functionality, the home was fitted with central heating and air conditioning, increased storage solutions, repurposed fireplaces with gas heating, custom window treatments, and a full interior design scheme. Every element was carefully considered to preserve the villa’s original charm while introducing modern convenience, resulting in a beautifully balanced, market-ready property that resonated with prospective buyers.

Challenges and Solutions

The team developed a clear vision and structured plan from the outset, but as with many large-scale renovations, a few challenges emerged along the way. One significant hurdle was the volcanic soil unique to Mount Eden. When excavating for the new deck and bathroom foundation, the team had to take extra care to ensure the work was completed safely and effectively.

Given the villa’s 100-year-old structure, the design also required thoughtful adjustments to integrate seamlessly with the existing framework. Rather than viewing these challenges as setbacks, the Refresh team approached them as opportunities—refining the layout to improve flow, functionality, and overall spatial connectivity.

Design Highlights

The finished home is a seamless blend of classic charm and contemporary style. One standout feature is the large window positioned at the end of the hallway, allowing natural light to flood in while offering a clear view into the kitchen and dining space, which extends to the exterior. This thoughtful detail not only enhances visual connection but also brightens the hallway, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

To enhance the indoor-outdoor connection, the rear living area was opened up with a new deck and a retractable roof system, seamlessly extending the home's functional footprint for year-round enjoyment. The existing fence was also replaced with a sleek glass pool fence, providing a modern, unobtrusive barrier that complements the updated outdoor space while maintaining clear sightlines. The result is a cohesive, light-filled environment that blends heritage character with contemporary living.

Inside, the interior design embraces a harmonious balance of natural textures and timeless elegance, prioritizing both beauty and long-lasting durability. The newly renovated bathrooms and kitchen showcase stylish fixtures and a neutral, contemporary color palette, while Resene’s interior and exterior paints unify the spaces with subtle sophistication.

All finishes, including bathware, tiles, and paints, were sourced from trusted suppliers such as Robertson Bathware, The Tile Depot, Resene, Mitre10, and GIB.

Project Execution

Refresh Renovations managed the project from initial concept to completion, including:

• Concept design and feasibility
• Quantity surveying and working drawings
• Council consent and RFI management
• Specific project management and interior design

The project brought together a skilled team of trades and professionals, including an architect, engineer, interior designer, and a dedicated building crew. Over the course of 12 months, the renovation carefully balanced the restoration of the villa’s ornate heritage features with the performance, comfort, and efficiency expected in modern living.

Client Outcome

The renovation not only enhanced the home’s appearance but also significantly improved its design and functionality. While the owners had originally been considering selling, the transformation was so successful that they began to reconsider, now seeing the home’s potential to meet their short to long-term needs.

The owners were thrilled with how the Refresh team brought their vision to life, turning their ideas into a beautifully executed reality. They valued the high standard of workmanship and the seamless process from start to finish. The team remained well-organised throughout, ensuring the project stayed on track and progressed as planned.

They also felt fully supported along the way and were especially grateful they didn’t have to manage the complexities of the renovation themselves.

Final Thoughts

The completed Mount Eden villa renovation showcases how creating a clear vision and thoughtful planning, combined with skilled execution, can transform a historic home into a contemporary living space, while honouring and preserving its original charm.

Project Manager Corey Rambhai and the Refresh Renovations Onehunga team delivered a home that honours its heritage while meeting the needs of modern living.

Whether you're preparing a property for sale or simply want to enhance your lifestyle, Refresh Renovations provides the expertise to guide your project from vision to reality.