Elegant Farmhouse Bathroom Revamp with Personalised Touches

Project Overview

This bathroom renovation took place on a lifestyle property in Waimauku. The goal was to transform an old, outdated guest bathroom into a fresh, beautiful, and functional space for the homeowner’s family, grandchildren, and frequent guests. The homeowner also hosts music concerts at her home, so she wanted the bathroom to feel welcoming and easy to use. At the same time, it needed to match the unique style and character of the house.

Major Challenges

A delay happened because the wallpaper was shipped from Australia, which pushed the schedule back by one week. Although the delay was slight, it underscored the importance of considering shipping times when sourcing materials from overseas. Despite these minor issues, the team maintained close contact with the homeowner and still completed the project on time, as planned.

Design Highlights

The standout feature of this bathroom is the custom benchtop, crafted from macrocarpa wood sourced from a tree that fell on the homeowner’s property. This special detail added deep personal meaning and gave the bathroom a unique look. It also helped connect the natural feel of the land outside with the style and design inside the home.

Paired with brushed brass ABI fittings, the design strikes a perfect balance between rustic and refined. A Reece freestanding bath anchors the layout with elegance, while the custom vanity and wallpapered feature wall add warmth and personality. The homeowner’s favourite element was the wallpaper, selected during a fun and collaborative showroom visit with Renovation Consultant Amber.

The layout was planned to include an outside door, allowing guests to go straight into the bathroom during events or large family gatherings. This smart feature made the space more functional for visitors while still maintaining its stylish and well-designed appearance.

Project Execution

The project was delivered over eight weeks, managed by the Refresh Renovations NZ team from concept to completion. Amber guided the client through showroom visits and product selections, while Bronson oversaw all onsite project management.

A whole team of contractors, including builders, plumbers, electricians, painters, tilers, and cabinetmakers, was coordinated to execute the vision. Careful planning ensured that each trade moved seamlessly through the project phases, meeting the client’s needs at every step.

Although the homeowner initially did not provide a fixed budget, the team estimated and scoped the work to land at $60,000, including high-end fittings and custom features. The homeowner was happy with the final figure, especially given the quality and personalisation achieved.

The final inspection confirmed every detail had been completed to a high standard, with the macrocarpa vanity, brushed brass finishes, and luxury fittings giving the space a polished, designer feel.

Client Feedback

The client had a fantastic experience throughout the project. Despite having a family background in trades, she specifically chose to engage professionals for this renovation.

She thoroughly enjoyed the selection process and appreciated the team’s guidance on products that strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The result was precisely what she had hoped for. That’s not it. She’s already planning to engage the team again for an upcoming kitchen renovation.

The project has been featured on her Instagram reels and received glowing praise from friends and family who have seen the transformation in person.

Final Thoughts

The bathroom renovation is a pitch-perfect example of how thoughtful design and personal touches can transform a standard space into something truly special.

Delivered on time and budget, the project not only elevated the home’s guest experience but also strengthened the homeowner’s trust in the Refresh Renovations New Zealand process.

If you're ready to refresh your bathroom with timeless design and personalised flair, get in touch with our team today.