Complete Interior Transformation in Tauranga

Project Overview

This Tauranga renovation, led by Project Manager Sharon Giblett and the team at Refresh Renovations New Zealand, delivered a complete interior transformation that earned it a contender for Biggest Transformation of the Year and Kitchen of the Year.

After nearly two decades in their home, the owners were ready for a significant refresh. The house had become dark, dated, and worn. The kitchen was no longer functional, the bathrooms needed modernisation, and the overall aesthetic lacked brightness and flow. With a desire to upgrade not just function, but the feel of their home, the clients partnered with Refresh Renovations for a full interior upgrade across the kitchen, bathroom, ensuite, flooring, living areas, and more.

The brief included a reimagined kitchen and dining area, a fresh living space layout, and extensive bathrooms and storage updates. In addition, installing heat pumps, improved WIFI, and an attic access ladder added functional comfort to the redesign.

Major Challenges

Like many large-scale renovations, this project had its fair share of logistical challenges. The biggest hurdle was managing drying times and product fault issues that, if not handled proactively, can cause serious scheduling conflicts. 

To stay on track, the Refresh Renovations team frequently updated the build timeline and ensured strong coordination between trades. In some instances, trades even worked weekends to maintain momentum.

The result? The renovation was kept on track and delivered a week ahead of schedule, an impressive feat given the project scale.

Design Highlights

The transformation was dramatic. What was once a brown-toned and dim interior is now filled with natural light, crisp finishes, and modern touches. The heart of the home, the kitchen, now features bar cabinetry in the dining area, elegant Resene Half Concrete wall paint, and glossy white subway tiles from Tile Depot that balances form and function.

A standout innovation was the inclusion of a carousel cabinet system in the kitchen’s lower cabinetry. This system required some tweaking during installation, but now provides smooth, easy access to stored items, a small upgrade with a major functional impact. The kitchen was further elevated with a Hansgrohe pull-out spray mixer and Puremix water filtration system.

The contrast between old and new is striking in the bathrooms. Enhancements like heated towel rails, mirrored demister cabinets, white gloss vanities with silver accents, premium Hansgrohe mixers, and high-quality fittings from Mico and Designer Homeware complete the luxurious feel.

New Wi-Fi-controlled heat pumps also add to the convenience of modern living. They allow homeowners to control temperature settings from their smartphones, ensuring both comfort and energy efficiency.

Project Execution

With no need for council consent, the team could focus immediately on executing the design vision. Trades were coordinated seamlessly from kitchen and wardrobe installers to painters, plumbers, electricians, and tilers.

Refresh Renovations took care of every step, including installing an attic ladder in the garage before the build began. This foresight allowed the clients to securely store their belongings out of the way, making the build process more efficient and stress-free for everyone involved.

The homeowners initially considered living in the property during the renovation, but after planning discussions, they agreed to vacate temporarily, allowing trades to work faster and more effectively.

Final Thoughts

This Tauranga home underwent a true transformation. More than just a renovation, this completely reinstated how the space feels, functions, and supports the homeowners’ lifestyle. The result is visually stunning and packed with thoughtful features that will serve the owners for years to come.

If you're considering a full-home renovation or want to upgrade specific rooms with professional support from start to finish, contact Project Manager Sharon Giblett and the Refresh Renovations team to get started.