Modern Kitchen and Bathroom Transformation in St Marys Bay

Project Overview

With plans to relocate overseas for work, the owners of this St Marys Bay apartment wanted to modernise their dated property before putting it on the rental market.

The kitchen and bathroom were the main priorities. Both spaces needed a full renovation, and the apartment also needed upgrades to meet Healthy Homes standards. The clients wanted the work done properly so they wouldn't have to worry about avoidable maintenance issues while living outside New Zealand.

Timing was another major consideration. The clients wanted the apartment ready to be tenanted before Christmas, leaving a tight construction window.

Renovation Specialist Maree de Latour and her team managed the renovation from design through to construction, coordinating the different trades and keeping the clients updated while they were overseas.

Design & Planning

With both the kitchen and bathroom being compact, careful design was essential to make the best use of every available space.

Black Tan was engaged to complete the kitchen and bathroom design work. One consideration was finding the best location for a combination washer and dryer. They ultimately incorporated it into the kitchen, creating a practical laundry solution without taking valuable space from the bathroom.

The bathroom was completely redesigned with improved storage, lighting, and ventilation. A low-profile Athena Slateforma shower tray created a more open look, while the vanity and mirror cabinet provided useful storage without overwhelming the room.

In the kitchen, the design focused on creating a light, uncluttered space with generous storage and usable benchtop area. Large double windows bring in natural light, complemented by new LED lighting. A tall timber storage unit adds warmth and further storage.

Matching floor tiles were used across the kitchen, bathroom, and entrance area to create a consistent flow between the renovated spaces.

Project Execution

The contract was signed on 14 November 2024, with construction beginning just four days later on 18 November.

The kitchen and bathroom were both completely stripped and rebuilt. As the renovation progressed, the scope also expanded to include the hallway.

The project included:

• Complete kitchen renovation
• Complete bathroom renovation
• Integrated combination washer and dryer
• Replacement and relocation of the hot water cylinder into the ceiling space
• Switchboard upgrade
• New bathroom ventilation and lighting
• New kitchen lighting
• New cabinetry and storage
• New flooring and tiling
• Hallway improvements
• Painting and plastering
• Healthy Homes-related upgrades

Maree and her team coordinated the builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, plasterers, tilers, and cabinetry specialists required to deliver the project.

Challenges Overcome

Renovating an apartment within a shared complex required careful management. The team needed to minimise disruption to other residents and take extra care when moving materials and working around shared areas.

Several hidden problems were also uncovered once construction began.

Asbestos was discovered in the existing flooring, while sections of the flooring joists and wall framing were found to be rotten. These issues needed to be addressed immediately without allowing them to derail the already tight programme.

The project manager worked closely with the trades on site to organise the necessary remediation and repairs quickly.

Communication presented another challenge because the homeowners were overseas during the renovation. Progress was therefore shared through the project portal, emails, and phone calls so the clients could remain involved in important decisions despite being away.

Even with these challenges and the expanded scope, the renovation was completed on 20 December 2024, meeting the clients’ goal of finishing before Christmas.

Client Experience

The homeowners had limited previous renovation experience and wanted someone they could trust to take responsibility for the project.

Their sudden relocation overseas made professional project management even more important. Instead of coordinating multiple contractors from another country, they could rely on Renovation Specialist Maree de Latour and her team to manage the work locally and keep them informed.

Budget was carefully considered throughout. The initial budget was approximately $80,000, with the final cost reaching $105,000 as the project expanded to include the hallway and necessary work such as the switchboard upgrade and repairs to issues uncovered during construction.

Most importantly, the renovation was completed within the required timeframe, allowing the owners to move forward with renting out their refreshed apartment.

Final Thoughts

The finished apartment has undergone a major transformation, replacing its dated interior with bright, practical, and modern spaces that retain a link with the building heritage.

The bathroom now feels surprisingly spacious despite its compact footprint, with improved storage, ventilation, lighting, and a low-profile shower tray that helps create a clean, open appearance.

The kitchen combines cooking, storage, and laundry functions within one carefully planned space. Generous cabinetry, pristine benchtops, natural light, and modern appliances make it well suited to contemporary apartment living.

Matching flooring through the renovated areas provides character and ties everything together, while the behind-the-scenes improvements help make the property easier to maintain while its owners live overseas.

So are you ready to unlock more potential from your apartment? Speak with Renovation Specialist Maree de Latour and her team about creating a smarter, more modern space that works beautifully for everyday living.