Auckland Bungalow Renovation

This interior renovation project holds a special place in our portfolio, not solely due to its feature in Haven magazine and participation in an interior design competition but primarily because of the immense satisfaction it brought to our clients. Initially, they approached us seeking a transformation for their 1940s kitchen within their art deco-style bungalow. Beyond its dated appearance, the kitchen's layout proved unsuitable for their growing family. With a bustling toddler and a penchant for hosting gatherings, this couple needed a kitchen and dining area that harmonized practicality with entertainment capabilities—a common challenge for clients with young families. The request was clear: a space conducive to family life yet conducive to hosting friends for meals and drinks. Our task lay in crafting zones capable of serving both functions. Additionally, our clients desired a brighter, more naturally illuminated space. Given the limitations of extending the existing footprint, we adopted an ingenious approach to maximize the available floor space. By eliminating walls enclosing the laundry and bathroom, we installed a built-in laundry area and a compact walk-in pantry. The removal of boundary windows allowed us to allocate one end of the kitchen to utility spaces, preserving the rest as an open, streamlined, and highly functional kitchen. Large windows opening onto the deck introduced an abundance of sunlight into the space. The elimination of an antiquated arched doorway at the opposite end of the kitchen created a seamless connection to the adjoining dining and entertainment areas. We integrated a modest yet efficient breakfast bar, ideal for children's breakfasts and wine-fueled conversations with friends. The delicate balance between family-friendly functionality and inviting entertainment space was achieved through astute space utilization. Our material selection process adhered to our overarching renovation philosophy: modernize the home while respecting its original style. In this case, we repurposed timber flooring from the house to clad the exterior faces of the breakfast bar and fashion shallow shelving beside the pantry. To contrast the warmth of the timber, we introduced a custom-made white stone benchtop featuring a brass insert that harmonized with the cabinetry handles, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. In harmony with the bungalow's art deco essence, we adorned the kitchen cabinetry with a soft, dewy grey-green hue, while walls and ceilings received a pale shell white treatment. The presence of brass in the benchtop united the kitchen and breakfast bar, echoing the design language present in the cabinetry hardware and pendant lighting. Through a thoughtful blend of layout adjustments and design elements, we succeeded in modernizing the aging kitchen while preserving the essence of the art deco style that defines the home. Our strategy struck the perfect equilibrium, resulting in kitchen, living, and dining spaces that catered efficiently to the demands of a busy family while emanating warmth and an inviting atmosphere. Recognizing the synergy between the removal of the laundry and bathroom walls, the family seized the opportunity to renovate the bathroom simultaneously, capitalizing on cost efficiencies by employing the same tradespeople (plumber, electrician, tiler, plasterers, painters). The renovated bathroom now boasts an improved layout, offering enhanced flow and additional storage space along the wall. To complete the picture, we introduced color and brass accents in the form of mirrors and pendant lights, further echoing the art deco style found in the kitchen and infusing a touch of old-school glamour into the space.