Modern Transformation of a Character Villa in Plimmerton

Breathing New Life into a Villa’s Heart

When Sue reached out to Refresh Renovations, she was ready for a complete transformation of her kitchen and bathroom. Living in a beautiful but ageing villa in Plimmerton, she described her home as one where the kitchen and bathroom felt “tagged on at the back” - outdated, disconnected, and not functioning well for her day-to-day life.

She was looking for help with planning, design, and the full build process. Her wish list included a modern, functional kitchen and bathroom and a cleverly integrated laundry hidden within an existing cupboard in the kitchen. 

With a project budget of $90,000, the goal was to create fresh, functional spaces that honoured the character of the home. The work was completed over approximately three months, with the team committed to delivering both quality and efficiency throughout the build.

A Functional and Stylish New Kitchen

Renovation Consultant Jenelle Winstanley worked closely with Sue to redesign the kitchen layout and bring clarity and functionality to the space. The kitchen was completely stripped out and rebuilt from the ground up.

Working closely with the kitchen designers, the team installed custom cabinetry finished in Designatek, paired with a stone benchtop and a sleek induction hob. Subway tiles were chosen for the splashback, adding a touch of classic charm. Vinyl plank flooring provided a hardwearing, low-maintenance finish underfoot, continuing through to the bathroom for visual cohesion. The result was a bright, efficient kitchen that felt contemporary without losing the home’s character.

New Rooms with a Hidden Surprise‍

The bathroom renovation was equally transformative. The existing space was dated and uneven, so a new subfloor section was installed to create a level foundation. New bathroom fixtures were fitted throughout, including a generously sized shower and a wall-hung vanity that Sue had purchased well before work on site began.

As for the laundry, no structural changes were needed. Sue’s washer and dryer were already neatly housed in an existing cupboard in the kitchen. To ensure a cohesive look with the rest of the updated space, new handles were added to the cupboard’s bifold doors to match the rest of the renovated kitchen, subtly tying old and new together.

Overcoming Character Home Challenges

Renovating a late-1800s villa comes with its quirks. One of the early design decisions was to retain the original shiplap linings in the kitchen, but once work began, it became clear this would make access difficult for tradespeople. Sue and the team decided to GIB over the linings instead - a choice that helped refresh and unify the look of the space.

Another major feature of the original home was an unused brick fireplace. Rather than remove it entirely, the team came up with an innovative solution: level the area and integrate custom joinery to fill the void. This not only provided additional storage but also created a seamless benchtop across the space, blending the old structure into the new design.

Delivered On Time, Loved From Day One

Despite the challenges that often come with renovating older homes - including tight access and structural unknowns - the project was delivered on time, within the planned three-month timeframe, and on budget at $90,000.

Sue was delighted with both the process and the final result, even though living through the renovation came with a few sacrifices.

“Refresh Porirua completely renovated our kitchen and bathroom. It was a process made much easier with their help with design, options and advice. We now have beautiful rooms that look a million dollars.”

This renovation is a perfect example of how careful planning, quality workmanship, and a clear design vision can breathe new life into a home - all while staying true to its original charm.

Looking to upgrade your home with expert guidance from start to finish?

Get in touch with Refresh Renovations Consultant Mark Morrison and his team to explore your ideas and begin your renovation journey with confidence.