Sleek, Modernised Home with Timeless Appeal
The owners of this rural property on the outskirts of Pukekohe engaged our team at Smith & Sons Franklin to modernise and renovate their home with future resale in mind. The original house, built in the late 1990s, was designed around traditional English country themes and featured above-average ceiling heights of 2.7 metres, giving the interior a more spacious and grand feel.
Following extensive planning and collaboration, we undertook a comprehensive renovation of the property, updating every space and leaving no part of the home untouched.
We began the renovation on the exterior by replacing all original single-glazed windows with new double-glazed aluminium joinery, finished in a modern dark charcoal colour. This upgrade not only enhances thermal efficiency and comfort but also gives the home a more contemporary look - an important factor in increasing value and appealing to future buyers.
Inside the home, every space was thoughtfully updated as part of the renovation. A non-load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining area was removed to create a more open-plan layout—an increasingly popular feature among New Zealand homeowners.
A sleek, modern kitchen in a timeless black and white palette was installed by the team at Kitchen Inspirations, complete with a functional island bench that enhances both usability and flow. Including timber accents which adds a touch of warmth to the space. All new appliances also fitted. New Quick-Step laminate flooring with a timber-look finish was laid throughout the home by JB’s Flooring Xtra Pukekohe, replacing the existing tiled areas and creating a cohesive feel across all spaces.
The entire interior was refreshed with new paint, including walls, ceilings, door frames, and doors, giving the home a clean and contemporary look. Significant electrical upgrades were also carried out, including the installation of LED downlights throughout, updated wall lighting, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, and a new heat transfer system for improved comfort.
In addition, plumbing formed a key part of the renovation, with both the main bathroom and ensuite fully upgraded align with the homes updated modern style.
Both bathrooms were upgraded with all-new fittings supplied by our trusted partners at Mico. The clients selected a gunmetal finish for a look that is both modern and timeless, carried through to the shower hardware. A standout feature in each space is the St Michel Savoy wall-hung vanity - its detailed front panelling adding a layer of sophistication and elevating it beyond a standard white vanity.
All door hardware, including wardrobe handles, was updated to a graphite/gunmetal finish to complement the cohesive palette of finishes throughout the home. The fireplace was also replaced, with the hearth re-tiled to create a fresh, modern focal point.
In the end, the renovation delivered exactly what the clients wanted: a contemporary, stylish home that’s comfortable to live in today and perfectly prepared for future resale.