Turning a Dated Kohimarama Apartment into a Modern Retreat

Project Overview

This Kohimarama apartment hadn’t seen a refresh since the 1980s - and it was ready for a complete transformation. The brief: create a home that feels contemporary, elegant, and effortless, while maximising its prime coastal location.

The renovation was full-scale: a streamlined new kitchen, bespoke furniture, contemporary bathrooms, smart storage solutions, updated flooring, interiors to align with the vision and layered lighting. A key design move was widening the balcony doors, creating more natural light, bringing the outdoors in and framing the views.

With a strong vision from the client and close collaboration with the Refresh Renovations - Onehunga team, the result is a space that feels both elegant and easy to live in.

Design & Planning

From the outset, this project called for smart planning. Working within an apartment meant coordinating with the Body Corporate and council — particularly around the new balcony doors and exterior upgrades.

The team developed a full concept design that completely reimagined the layout, introducing:

• An interior palette which reflected the environment to create a seamless transition from the outside in.
• A defined, welcoming entrance
• A sleek kitchen with maximised storage
• An efficient, purpose-built laundry
• Three bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, and a balcony with new doors
• A tailored lighting scheme and integrated air conditioning
• Built-in wardrobes and custom storage throughout

Quality was non-negotiable. The client’s focus on premium finishes and craftsmanship shaped the design and budget from day one.

Project Execution

With the plans and interior vision approved, the renovation moved on-site — a full transformation designed to strip back the dated 1980s interior and rebuild with a modern, cohesive style.

Demolition:

Everything from the old floors to the fittings was cleared out, creating a blank canvas for the new design.

Kitchen:

A custom kitchen was crafted with streamlined cabinetry, modern appliances, and smart storage solutions to make everyday living effortless.

Bathrooms:

Both bathrooms were reimagined with contemporary layouts, stylish tiles, and high-quality fixtures.

Laundry:

The laundry was re located and redesigned for functionality, complete with new appliances and efficient storage.

Doors & Windows:

New balcony doors were installed (with council consent), dramatically improving natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Storage:

Built-in wardrobes and bespoke joinery and furniture were added throughout to maximise space and keep the home clutter-free.

Lighting & Electrical:

A full electrical upgrade, including a new switchboard and layered lighting plan, brought the apartment up to date and elevated the ambience.

Flooring & Painting:

Fresh flooring and a restful colour palette freshened every room, giving the apartment a clean, contemporary look. 

Furnishings & Styling:

Thoughtfully selected furnishings and window treatments tied the design together, completing a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Challenges Overcome

Apartment renovations always come with unique challenges, and this project was no exception. The Refresh team needed to:

• Work with the Body Corporate to ensure all requirements were met
• Manage limited site access, carefully coordinating deliveries and trades
• Secure council consent for the new balcony doors and exterior changes

Thanks to strong project management and clear communication, each step was handled seamlessly, keeping the renovation on track from start to finish.

Client Experience

The homeowner called the Refresh Renovations - Onehunga team a “one-stop wonder.” She loved how Corey, the (Project Manager), and Jennifer, the ( Interior Designer), took the stress off her shoulders so she could enjoy focusing on the creative side of the design.

Her feedback was glowing:

“We renovated an apartment, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. Superb! They addressed everything, so all pressure was taken away from us, we simply just enjoyed the experience and got to focus more on the design. Thank you, truly appreciate everything your team has done. Highly recommend.”

Final Result

This apartment is completely transformed. The old 1980s style is gone, replaced with an elegant, contemporary, functional home.  Quality finishes, smart storage solutions, and the overall design created spaces to enjoy and live while adding long-term value to the property.

The project changed throughout the build, which extended the timeline another six months -this was in consultation with the homeowner.

Final Thoughts

This Kohimarama apartment proves that great design and thoughtful planning can completely reinvent a space. The Refresh Renovations team transformed an outdated apartment into a fresh, functional haven that's perfectly aligned with today's contemporary lifestyle needs.