Grey Lynn Villa Renovation Brings New Life to a Family Home

Project Overview

This Grey Lynn villa had been home to the same family for many years. The clients had raised their two sons here, but with the boys now finished with school, they decided it was finally time to invest in the property. While the home held plenty of memories, it hadn’t seen much updating. Apart from adding a pool to the back section years ago, no major renovations had been carried out.

The family’s goal was simple: breathe new life into the house while maintaining its character. The renovation covered three main areas: the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen, but quickly expanded to include a new roof, guttering, complete exterior painting, and new flooring throughout. This made it not only a makeover of key rooms but also a chance to give the whole villa a fresh lease of life.

Design & Planning

The clients hadn’t done much renovating before, so they were keen to rely on a trusted professional.

The family’s primary concern was getting the design right. They weren’t overly focused on budget from the start, but they wanted to make sure every detail was carefully planned to make the most of their small villa. Once the project began, they realised it made sense to spend a little more and tick off a few extra upgrades, ensuring they wouldn’t need to revisit these areas later.

Timing was another critical consideration. The family had a holiday planned in India for January 2025, and they wanted the work to start immediately after their return. This gave the Refresh Renovation team a precise start date and a practical timeline to work towards.

Project Execution

The team managed everything from design and project management to coordinating all the trades. Key tasks included:

Bathroom & Laundry: To overcome the challenge of tight spaces, clever design solutions were introduced. A bespoke floating vanity, oversized tiles, and tall shower glass created a sense of openness. These choices made the rooms feel larger and more modern, while remaining practical for daily use.

Kitchen: In the kitchen, innovative storage solutions were a must. Pull-out fittings were installed to access tricky corner spaces, making the small area highly functional without sacrificing style.

Additional Works: Beyond the original plan, the renovation expanded to include a new roof, new guttering, exterior painting, and fresh flooring throughout the villa. This extra work ensured the home was protected, refreshed, and cohesive inside and out.

Trades involved included a builder, plumber, electrician, plasterer/painter, kitchen joiner, roofer, and gasfitter. Together, they carried out the complete renovation while carefully coordinating around the fact that the family continued to live in the home during the works.

Challenges Overcome

Working on a small villa came with its own set of challenges. The limited space meant every detail had to be carefully considered. The design team excelled here, making the most of every square metre with clever solutions that opened up the rooms and improved functionality.

Another challenge was that the clients continued living in the home throughout the renovation. While this didn’t slow down the team, it did make the project feel longer for the family. Open communication and precise scheduling ensured that disruptions were kept to a minimum, allowing the family to feel supported throughout the process.

Client Experience

The client appreciated the one-stop-shop approach, with design, project management, and trades all coordinated through Refresh Renovations. For them, this meant far less stress and a smooth, guided process.

Although the renovation initially focused on the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen, the family recognised the value in expanding the scope to include the roof, guttering, painting, and flooring. They were pleased to complete more items in one go, avoiding future disruptions and ensuring a better long-term outcome.

Final Thoughts

This Grey Lynn renovation highlights how even small homes can be transformed with smart design and thoughtful planning. By prioritising quality, making practical design choices, and expanding the project to include essential updates, the family achieved a stylish, functional, and comfortable home.

With the Refresh Renovations team NZ managing the process from start to finish, the clients could relax knowing every detail was in safe hands.