Blending Classic Charm with Modern Design
The homeowners of this property in Ramarama reached out to our team at Smith & Sons Franklin after hearing great things about us around Pukekohe. They owned a 40-year-old home and had a clear vision for a renovation. Their goal was to create a connected family home, with the kitchen and living areas serving as the central hub - a space ideal for entertaining with open-plan living and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. They also wanted to update various areas of their home, including the bathroom and laundry.
During the design phase of the project, it was decided that the best way to create a central hub in the home was to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining area. The wall had been making the spaces feel disconnected, and the owner mentioned that the kitchen felt isolated from the living area also. However, we discovered that the wall was a brace-wall. Our draughtsman came up with a plan to address this, and the proposal was submitted to the council for consent. Once the wall was removed, it opened up a spacious area, allowing for a new kitchen design that complemented the expanded space.
The stunning new kitchen was designed and installed by the skilled team at Kitchen Inspirations. The layout now opens up to the living areas, with a new scullery added for extra convenience. The kitchen features sleek black cabinetry, offering plenty of storage, and a large island bench with timber cabinetry. A standout feature of the design is the brushed copper sink with a matching tap, adding a unique and stylish touch to this modern kitchen.
From our very first meeting with the homeowners, they expressed a desire to modernize their home while preserving some of its original features. One of their key wishes was to retain the cedar ceiling paneling, which we incorporated into the design by creating a half-ceiling feature. Other key highlights of the fully renovated main area include the stunning Quickstep Impressive flooring, expertly installed by the team at JB's Flooring Xtra. They also crafted custom stair nosing, ensuring a seamless transition between areas. A built-in seat was added by the window next to the kitchen, creating a cozy nook perfect for relaxing while someone is cooking. Additionally, our team constructed a nib wall to house a new fireplace, which can be enjoyed from either of the living spaces on either side of the wall.
The original main bathroom was outdated and in need of a modern update. The clients expressed a desire to include a bath in the new design. During the planning phase, several ideas were considered for how to fit a bath into the space. Ultimately, we worked with the draughtsman to develop the concept of a "wet room." This approach required tiling the entire room, from floor to ceiling, to ensure proper waterproofing, as well as relocating a few of the fixtures. The client chose a sleek, light grey matte tile to cover the space, giving the bathroom a modern and clean look. To maintain a cohesive design with the main areas of the home, a timber-look vanity was installed, complemented by brushed copper tapware. This combination adds warmth and style, tying the bathroom seamlessly into the overall aesthetic.
In addition, the laundry was fully renovated, with new cabinetry and bench space installed by Kitchen Inspirations to match the design of the kitchen.
The homeowners have told us they are absolutely delighted with the renovations completed by our team. They now have a space that truly brings their vision to life, and they couldn’t be happier with the result!