Tag: character villa renovation

Respecting the Past, Reimagining the Future

When the owners came to Build Right, their brief was clear: respect the features of the original bungalow, but open the door to a more contemporary lifestyle. The vision was to preserve the soul of the home while creating spaces that felt modern, connected, and effortless.

The transformation process began with the heart of the home: the kitchen. The cramped, outdated layout was replaced with a generous open-plan kitchen and dining space, designed for cooking, entertaining, and modern family life.

The feature tiles used as the kitchen splashback are a repeated design feature that is also incorporated into the scullery and bathrooms, conveying an organic sense of movement that the owners love.

A sleek new scullery was added next to the kitchen, offering additional storage and functionality that older homes rarely provide, while keeping the main kitchen clean and uncluttered.

The scullery space serves multiple functions, incorporating a laundry, a butlers sink and a desk area suitable for having a laptop set up adjacent to the kitchen.

The bathrooms became a defining feature of the renovation. The original bathroom was completely removed and the space was reworked into a  completely new, fresh, modern space for the family to enjoy. At its centre sits a modern, stunning free-standing bath that adds a sense of luxury and relaxation.

A custom-designed timber vanity grounds the space with warmth with its natural finish echoing the heritage of the bungalow. Above it, a striking Art Deco-inspired wall mirror makes a bold statement, blending perfectly with the home’s character era while adding a touch of glamour.

And completing the ensemble, a fully tiled shower provides modern comfort, with clean lines and timeless detailing that will stand the test of time.

The master ensuite was created with the same philosophy: modern convenience layered with subtle character touches. Together, these new spaces bring a fresh elegance to the home, transforming everyday routines into moments of enjoyment.

Character, Modernised

Throughout this project, every decision made reflected the balance between old and new. The original features — timber trims, ceiling heights, and the sense of warmth that defines a bungalow — were celebrated, while the new design brought in openness, natural light, and easy flow.

The result is a home that feels renewed, not replaced. The owners can now live the way they want to in a home that works for their lifestyle, while still enjoying the character and history that made them fall in love with their bungalow in the first place.

“It still feels like our bungalow,” the client shared, “but now it finally works for us.”

The Build Right Difference

For Build Right, this project was about more than renovating a house, it was about honouring heritage while making space for modern life. It’s the kind of renovation that proves you don’t have to choose between character and comfort. With thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, you can have both.

And in this bungalow’s story, that blend  of old and new has created a home ready to be loved for many more years to come.

Are you passionate about a character home that needs to be revived?

Let’s chat about how we can help create a renovation that will restore the best features, while ensuring your home is comfortable and designed for the years ahead.

Explore Build Right’s Portfolio
Schedule Your Free Consultation: 03 323 5771

Bringing Back the Beauty

When the current owner purchased the property, it was clear the potential was there. The bones of the original home remained strong, but the relocation renovation had left much to be desired. What it needed was not just a makeover, but a master plan that would restore its heart and soul, and shape it into a long term home.

For the new owner, a lifelong farmer in the region, this lifestyle property represented more than just a change of scenery, it was a conscious step into the next stage of his life. A place where work would give way to relaxation and the ability to enjoy the beautiful country garden setting they had created.

To bring his vision to life, he turned to Build Right, engaging our team for both the design and the build.

The brief?

“Respect the character. Reimagine the layout. And deliver a home with quality craftsmanship, considered spaces, and timeless finishes.”

The renovation process focused on restoring and enhancing the home’s original features: high ceilings, beautifully crafted timber window & door joinery, new rimu fire surround & mantle, timber panelled doors and many other character features, while integrating a new open-plan extension that houses a light-filled kitchen, dining, and living area, creating a welcoming hub for everyday living. The result is an amazing blend of craftsmanship & elegance that has proved to be a comfortable and welcoming space for its owners.

Finishes That Tell a Story

For this client, the finer details mattered. With an appreciation for craftsmanship, he personally oversaw the selection of materials, fittings, and textures, opting for quality that he knew would endure.

Timber panelling, corbels, scotia, skirtings, dado rails and a new rimu fire surround the client had commissioned for the home, that stands as a centrepiece, stone benchtops, tiled splashbacks and period features throughout the home. 

“Everything had to feel just right,” he explains. “I wasn’t just doing this to increase value – I was doing it to enjoy every day that I spend here.”

Built for the Next Stage of Life

This is a home that has undergone an amazing renovation without compromising on character. It’s the kind of home where morning sun floods the kitchen, where doors open wide to the amazing lawns and garden, and every space invites you to stay a little longer.

For Build Right, this project was a chance to work with a client who had a clear vision and a deep connection to the land.

“It was about honouring the past while designing for the future,” says Rex. “We were proud to bring this home back to life.”

Standing proudly in its North Canterbury setting, this character villa feels completely at ease, rooted in history, tailored for modern living, and ready for many more seasons to come.

Are you passionate about a character home that needs to be revived?

Let’s chat about how we can help create a renovation that will restore the best features, while ensuring your home is comfortable and designed for the years ahead.

Explore Build Right’s Portfolio
Schedule Your Consultation: 03 323 5771