The house constructed by my grandparents nearly 30 years ago isn’t overly expensive or ostentatious, but for my family, it has always been our cherished home.
As time passed, my grandfather conducted his legal practice from the property, making it not only a central point for our family but also for the broader community he served.
Time for some TLC
(Scrubbing included)…
The decision to undertake renovations at our property wasn’t an insouciant one. We needed to onboard a team that understood our vision.
Choosing Ben from Koel Construction was a simple decision for me since I’ve known him for years. I thought to myself, even if he doesn’t do a great job or decides to disappear, at least I know where to find him.
Embracing Transformation
“Taking on this project was an eagerly embraced challenge. Kris and I have been friends for years. While the property had ample living space, it lacked proper flow. Inadequate lighting in key areas and restricted movement turned it into a maze rather than a welcoming family home,” says Ben.
“Additionally, the family was adamant about retaining the original charm of the house, keeping it’s character in tact with a bespoke approach was key, this wasn’t a new build, it was a reinstatement.”
A customised approach was applied to every aspect of the project. Because of the properties age and condition, we had many challenges but Ben and his team were able to overcome these.
The Property
- 6 bedrooms.
- 4 bathrooms.
- 3 kitchens.
- 3 living spaces.
- Plus, a furry companion named Ziggy, who loves overseeing it all.
The Brief
- Infuse natural light.
- Create cosiness.
- Blend eclectic and elegant elements.
The Result
Because of the challenges involved, we decided to complete our reinstatement in stages.
We removed several walls within the property to welcome ample light, infusing the space with much-needed warmth and flow.
Key elements added introduced included a scalloped feature wall finished in a buttery Canterbury Clay shade from Resene, creating the illusion of heightened space.
For the kitchen we kept it clean and crisp with subtle gold accents.
“Previously, this kitchen felt more like a dungeon than a cooking haven. We stripped it down and focused on a simple, clean design, adding hints of brushed brass and gold,” says Kris.
Elegant Emerald Touch
I am thrilled with how this turned out – rustic yet elegant, paying homage to a bathroom my grandfather had in the 70s, where green adorned every inch from floor to ceiling. Ben and the Koel team impeccably executed our vision, enhancing the space with thoughtful elements.
Conclusion
Our house renovation journey was a truly transformative experience that went beyond aesthetics. We are ecstatic about Koel and their exceptional work. As we embark on the second stage, we’ll be sure to keep you all updated!
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