Modern Bathroom Upgrade for a Family Home In Orewa

Project Overview

The owners of this Orewa home wanted to refresh their tired bathroom and give their daughter a clean, modern space to use every day. Their old bathroom looked dated and no longer matched the rest of the house's style. Since this is their long-term home, they also wanted the renovation to add value for the future.

The scope was clear: replace all the fixtures and fittings, maintain the existing layout, and introduce a simple yet modern design. The total budget range was between $30,000 and $50,000. The final cost totalled $43,000, which included fixtures and fittings. Remove budget

The project was completed in 6 weeks. The Refresh team managed the entire process, from planning and design through to sourcing products, organising trades, and delivering the final finish.

Design & Planning

The design stage focused on creating a space that was both stylish and practical for daily use. The clients wanted a modern bathroom for their daughter, but they did not want to go overboard with luxury finishes. They had already chosen the colours and style they liked, modern but simple.

The Refresh team helped refine these choices, guiding the clients through fixture and fitting selections. With clear budget expectations and a well-structured plan, the project was set up for success.

Project Execution

Flooring Discovery

During the removal of the old flooring, water damage was found underneath. This could have caused delays and extra cost, but because the Refresh team had already allocated a contingency in the budget, it was managed smoothly. Repairs were carried out, and the project was still finished on time and within budget.

New Fixtures and Fittings

The bathroom was entirely stripped and replaced with new, modern fixtures. This included:

• A new shower with a glass screen.
• A modern vanity with plenty of storage.
• A fresh toilet.
• Stylish tiling, with feature tiles behind the vanity and in the shower niche.

Heating and Comfort

The clients also wanted a touch of comfort. Underfloor heating was installed to keep the bathroom warm, especially during colder months.

Painting and Finishing

The walls and ceiling were plastered and painted in Resene Allabaster, a soft white colour that made the room look brighter. Together with the tiles, the paint tied everything in and gave the bathroom a fresh and elegant look.

Challenges Overcome

Every renovation comes with surprises. In this case, the unexpected water damage under the flooring could have caused stress. But because the Refresh team had planned for such situations, the repair fit within the contingency budget. The problem was fixed quickly, and the timeline stayed on track.

Products & Suppliers

All finishes were chosen to be durable and long-lasting. Key suppliers included:

• Resene – Allabaster paint.
• Robertsons – Elementi, Heirloom, and Atlantis products.
• Tile Depot – Tiles, including the statement tiles in the niche and behind the vanity.

These trusted suppliers ensured that the bathroom had high-quality finishes without exceeding the budget.

Client Experience

The clients were very clear about their needs from the start. They wanted the project to begin straight away, and they trusted the Refresh team to manage everything. They were pleased with how smoothly the process went.

They felt secure knowing that the budget was followed and the project was managed effectively. They also appreciated that the team was open and provided clear updates throughout.

Final Result

The finished bathroom is both simple and striking. The feature tiles behind the vanity and in the shower niche became the standout design elements, adding personality to the space without making it feel too busy.

The bathroom is now fresh, modern, and ideally suited to the client’s daughter. It also adds long-term value to the home, ensuring the investment will pay off in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Orewa project demonstrates how an outdated bathroom can be transformed into a fresh and functional space with the right design and planning. Even with a minor issue in the flooring, the Refresh team still completed the job on time, stayed within budget, and produced a great-looking result.

Whether you’re looking to update a family bathroom, create a modern ensuite, or add value to your property, Refresh Renovations can guide you through the process from start to finish.