Rebecca’s journey

What started as a simple kitchen refresh quickly evolved into a full home transformation for Rebecca and her growing family. With a home that already had great bones, Rebecca wanted to modernise her space and make it work better for everyday family life. Through thoughtful design conversations and expert guidance from the team, new opportunities were uncovered to improve the layout, functionality, and flow of the home. The result? A well-planned renovation that went beyond the kitchen, delivering smarter use of space and a more convenient, future-proofed home.

Rebecca initially came to us with a plan to freshen up her kitchen and give it a more modern feel. After chatting through her ideas, the conversation quickly grew, and Rebecca decided to also renovate the bathroom and laundry. While her home already had a great layout, Rebecca and the team agreed that making a few alterations would greatly improve everyday living. The updated design now includes two toilets, creating a far more convenient and functional space for Rebecca and her young, growing family.

The original kitchen

As you can see from the images above, the kitchen already had some fantastic bones, with an abundance of natural light, a generous work and breakfast bench, and an open plan layout, ideal for a growing family. However, the space was tired and outdated.

With a thoughtful refresh, this kitchen had the potential to be transformed into a modern, functional hub of the home, one that Rebecca could truly enjoy and be proud of again. The kitchen already had a strong foundation and didn’t require any major structural changes. No walls needed to be moved or knocked down. This allowed us to focus on modern finishes, improved functionality, and elevating the overall look and feel.

We jumped straight into the design process, walking Rebecca through a range of options and ideas for her kitchen. While the original plan was to focus solely on this space, Rebecca mentioned she had also been considering updating other areas of the home. Together, we explored what was possible and talked through how the team could create a more functional, future-proofed home for her and her family.

After hearing Rex’s ideas and seeing the bigger picture come together, Rebecca was intrigued. What started as a kitchen refresh quickly evolved, and she decided to move forward with refreshing the laundry and bathroom as well.

However, it was the laundry where Rex could see untapped potential. There was a significant amount of wasted space, and with clever design, the team knew it could be transformed into a more spacious, practical laundry while also incorporating an additional toilet. This small change would make a huge difference to everyday life for the family.

The original laundry room and storage cupboard

As you can see in the images above, the original laundry shared access with the back door and functioned more as a pass-through space than a true working laundry. While it did the job, it felt tight, cluttered, and underutilised. Just off the hallway was a double wardrobe that offered plenty of storage on paper, but in reality, much of that space went unused. The kind of cupboard we all have, where things get shoved to the back and forgotten about.

Rex and the team immediately recognised the opportunity here. By rethinking how these two spaces worked together, they could completely transform the functionality of the area. The solution? Convert the oversized hallway cupboard into the new laundry, allowing the space to be properly designed from the ground up.

Original bathroom and toilet

The bathroom followed a very common layout seen in many New Zealand homes, with the toilet separated from the vanity, bath, and shower. While this setup is traditional, Rex and the team saw an opportunity to do better. By relocating the extra toilet to the laundry, we were able to combine the bathroom spaces into one generous, well-designed room. Perfect for relaxing without the pressure of someone waiting to use the loo.

After months of thoughtful design, careful planning, and skilled craftsmanship, Rebecca’s home has been completely transformed into a space that feels modern, functional, and truly made for family life.

The kitchen

We couldn’t be happier with the final kitchen result, and even more importantly, neither could Rebecca.

The new refreshed kitchen

The space has been completely refreshed and transformed into a modern, welcoming kitchen that enhances everything that was already great about the home. By bringing the breakfast bench in slightly, we were able to improve the flow through the kitchen, making it feel more open and functional for everyday family life. The new flooring looks stunning and pairs beautifully with the cabinetry, tying the entire space together. With the addition of a generous double-sized fridge and plenty of benchtop space, meal prep is now easier, more enjoyable, and designed to keep up with a busy household. Seeing Rebecca so pleased with the outcome is what makes projects like this truly rewarding for our team.

The laundry room and new toilet

The new laundry and toilet

With just a simple swap of two walls, the team were able to create a much larger, more efficient laundry that now includes generous benchtop space, a sink, an additional toilet, and room for both a washer and dryer.

A bright, modern laundry that feels open, purposeful, and incredibly practical. Clever storage solutions were key, with ample overhead cupboards and cabinetry beneath the bench to keep everything neatly tucked away. What was once wasted space has now become a hardworking hub that not only looks great but adds real value and convenience to the home.

This transformation is a perfect example of how smart design and experience can unlock potential you may not even realise is there, without the need for major structural changes.

The bathroom

By removing the wall between the separate toilet and bathroom and relocating the bathroom entry, we were able to create one generous, cohesive space. This redesign immediately increased the sense of size, improved the flow of natural light, and allowed for a much more functional layout, including the addition of a double vanity. Rebecca chose deep grey tones for the bathroom, creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere that feels both luxurious and relaxing, while still being perfectly practical for everyday family use.

It was an absolute delight to work with Rebecca and her family throughout this renovation. Rebecca’s passion for the design process, her thoughtful ideas, and her clear vision made the journey incredibly enjoyable for the entire team. She was patient and trusting throughout the build, always engaged and open to collaboration, which allowed the project to truly shine.

We’re beyond delighted with the final outcome and so grateful to have worked with clients who shared our excitement every step of the way. Seeing Rebecca and her family enjoying their newly transformed home is the perfect way to wrap up this project.

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If you are thinking about renovating, extending or altering your home, we would love to hear from you! Reach out today for a free in-home consultation to discuss your future today!

Anj & Barry’s Story

When Anj and Barry recently moved back to Christchurch, they found themselves in a house that had plenty of potential but didn’t quite feel like them yet. They loved the High Peak location, and they loved the bones of the home — it just needed a little fresh energy, personality and modernisation to match the way they live. That’s when they reached out to the Build Right team to help bring their vision to life.

From the beginning, they were clear about two things:
they wanted the home to feel like their own, and they wanted to refresh it without blowing the budget.

Together, we explored creative ways to elevate the existing spaces while keeping costs sensible. One of the biggest opportunities was in the bathrooms — instead of removing the original tile work, we brought it back to life with a professional clean and used it as the foundation for the new designs. This approach saved thousands while still allowing the spaces to look modern, calm and cohesive.

Relaxation at the Heart of the Renovation

Creating spa-like, light-filled bathrooms was a key priority. In the ensuite, we introduced soothing finishes, practical layout improvements and a brand-new sauna to create a true retreat — the kind of space where the day melts away the moment you step in.

To complete the space, we installed a beautiful double vanity that gives the couple plenty of room to get ready without feeling crowded. The large, open walk-in shower adds to the spa-like feel, offering an airy, luxurious experience with plenty of breathing room. Combined with the soft finishes and natural light, the ensuite now feels spacious, calming and thoughtfully designed for everyday comfort.

Upstairs, the family bathroom kept its original tiles, but everything around them was thoughtfully refreshed to create a brighter, more modern and welcoming space. We introduced a new vanity and mirror to bring in clean, contemporary lines and improve everyday functionality, while updated shower fittings, tapware and a new toilet helped elevate the room to today’s standards. Fresh finishes and subtle styling gave the space a lighter, more refined feel without losing the charm of the home’s existing character. The overall transformation is calm, cohesive and effortlessly modern — a bathroom that feels beautifully renewed while still blending seamlessly with the rest of the renovation.

Ensuite Bathroom

Family Bathroom

Designed for Hosting & Everyday Living

A second kitchen was designed within an awkward space toward the back of the house, giving the home a dedicated area perfectly suited for entertaining when the occasion arises. Tucked neatly behind a beautiful sliding door that connects to the open-plan lounge, the space feels both accessible and subtly separate when needed. With generous bench space, sleek cabinetry and a beautiful wine fridge, it’s an ideal zone for preparing food, serving guests or simply enjoying a relaxed evening with friends and family. The layout flows seamlessly toward the garden, making BBQs and outdoor gatherings effortless. Whether used every weekend or only for special occasions, this space adds real value and versatility to the home.

The main kitchen was completely removed and replaced with a striking new design featuring sleek black cabinetry, crisp white countertops and a large island that doubles as a breakfast bar. The perfect spot for casual meals or catching up with family. Despite the bold black cabinetry, the kitchen remains beautifully bright thanks to the abundance of natural light that floods the space throughout the day. A spacious double fridge-freezer was added to enhance functionality, along with a sleek double oven and modern hob to create a highly practical cooking space. The layout flows effortlessly into the open-plan dining and lounge areas, creating a warm, social hub ideal for everyday living. Meanwhile, the entire open-plan zone was elevated with new flooring and a fresh coat of paint, instantly modernising the heart of the home and tying the renovation together beautifully.

Main Kitchen

Second Kitchen

A Fresh, Functional Laundry & Downstairs Toilet

As part of the downstairs updates, the laundry received a much-needed modern refresh. What was once a tired and purely practical space is now bright, organised and stylish — designed to make everyday tasks feel a little easier. Clean lines, fresh finishes and efficient storage transformed it into a space that feels both contemporary and genuinely useful.

The original downstairs bathroom was also quite basic, offering little more than the essentials and lacking the personality the rest of the renovation was beginning to take on. The Build Right team stepped in to elevate the space, carefully designing around the existing tiles to highlight their character rather than hide them. By pairing the original tilework with light, modern finishes and sleek fixtures, the bathroom now feels brighter, more refined and perfectly balanced. The result is a fresh, contemporary space that honours the home’s original elements while looking completely renewed.

A Home Reborn

The transformation of this High Peak home truly speaks for itself. Every space has been carefully considered and every detail thoughtfully executed to ensure the house not only looked refreshed, but genuinely felt like Anj and Barry’s own. From the bathrooms and kitchens to the living areas and tucked-away functional spaces, each room now reflects a perfect balance of style, comfort and practicality. The entire home carries a warm, modern feel that flows effortlessly from one area to the next, bringing their personality into every corner. What began as a slightly outdated property has now become a beautifully cohesive, welcoming space that suits Anj and Barry down to the ground — a place they’re proud to come home to every day.

The photos captured from this renovation showcase the craftsmanship, detail and care that went into every decision — and most importantly, the clients are absolutely thrilled with how their home has come together.

Get in Touch today!

If you’re thinking about refreshing your own home and want a team that truly listens, works within your budget and brings your vision to life with care and craftsmanship, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a simple update or a full renovation, Build Right is here to make the process smooth, enjoyable and tailored to you.

Get in touch with us today to chat about your ideas — we can’t wait to help you create a home you’ll love coming back to.

Call

03 323 5771

Address

31 Jocelyn Street,
 Casebrook, Christchurch 8051