beautiful rug or two – or three, or four

An Olympic effort went into this stylish kitchen and patio renovation Gold standard

Super easy splashback

Renovating a classic 1930s bungalow was a welcome challenge for these two former Olympians, hockey player Soph Cocks and skier Jamie Prebble. The young Christchurch couple, who are documenting their home’s overhaul on their blog, The Home Duo (thehomeduo.co.nz), weren’t fazed by its dark and dated shabbiness.

“Let me paint a picture for you: it had no sunlight, it was very small, the retro lino was lifting up, it had cupboards that wouldn’t close properly and there was very little storage – not to mention that the appliances were on their very last legs,” remembers Soph.

After researching online, the couple created a 3D image of the space. As keen entertainers, an open-plan, light-filled area was essential, achieved by breaking down the wall between the old kitchen and the adjacent lime-green dining room.

RENOVATOR SOPH COCKS

“We really did love [the kitchen]. It had character and charm, although it was in great need of an extensive makeover!” Soph homeowner

Luxe for less More hours of research followed to select the right kitchen manufacturer – and, based on quality and cost, Kaboodle won hands down. The Bunnings kitchen team then helped Soph and Jamie finalise the concept and choose finishes.

“We had all of the measurements so we could easily choose the modules to fit our design. However, in saying that, you can definitely go in blind – the kitchen designers are such experts and will help you no matter what stage you’re at,” says Soph. “The team suggested some styles and cabinet designs we hadn’t thought 

Kaboodle ‘Alpine’ profile doors and drawers in Macaroon, benchtop in Squid Ink and mushroom knobs in Matt Black, $5.62 each, I/N: 2667730. Euro Home 8mm x 2.69sqm laminate flooring in Valley Oak, $64.56, I/N: 8902075. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered

Soph and Jamie’s reno hacks 1 In a lucky find, three original vintage glass light shades were discovered in the garage and upcycled to create the pendant lights above the dining table. 2 The pair used end-of-line floor tiles as their kitchen splashback, which also helped the budget. “They were a great saving,” says Soph. 3 It was a brave choice not to include the usual island, but Soph and Jamie love the results and recommend it. A dining table fills the central space and the benchtop was extended to create a floating bar, now a breakfast eating area and additional prep zone (see page 44). 4 Honing your DIY skills will save you big bucks. The pair mastered laying laminate flooring, painting, gibbing, plastering, and the full kitchen install. “We did almost everything except the electrical and the plumbing!” says Soph.

Vintage lights add whimsy and character, and bring focus to the dining table

Patio perfection Having been “left to go wild”, the garden was also ripe for a revamp. Rather than extending their small deck, Soph and Jamie chose the more economical option of creating a patio in the large lawn. They marked off areas for a dining zone using bricks upcycled from a demolished chimney.

of, which was great.” They chose cabinets with a classic profile in a neutral shade, and a darker coloured benchtop.

Old and new Instead of ripping out all the original fittings, Soph and Jamie decided to keep some of the original cupboards, cleverly weaving them into their new design. “We continued the existing cabinetry along one wall and flowed that across to the modern cabinetry,” explains Soph. “Some people get rid of everything, but it’s quite nice to mix and match the two. We call this part of our kitchen the heart of our home.”

They also chose not to have an island, which gives the new layout a cafe feel. “We love the open-plan aspect through to the lounge, and rate having no kitchen island,” says Soph. “We have not missed it one bit, and find ourselves using our dining table so often.”

“Pavers are great as they form a space really well, and are simple to complete yourself,” explains Soph. “Using the old bricks was a no-brainer, as we very much liked the idea of reusing what was once part of the house. They add warmth and character.”

A timber outdoor table and benches, as well as a pair of oversized pots, complete the picture. “The bench seats work a treat, and the wooden-and-white look is modern and fits in perfectly with our inside aesthetic. It’s also extremely hard-wearing in our harsh New Zealand environment,” says Soph. Her top tip: give stained timber a good clean before placing the furniture on pavers to ensure any excess stain has run off. ◆

RENOVATOR JAMIE PREBBLE

“We were able to do it all – the design, choosing the style, building and installing. This also saved us a lot of money and is so satisfying!” Jamie homeowner

The wraparound benchtop is now a favourite breakfast zone and a well-lit place to set up for work. “We are huge fans of the floating bar leaner – the sun pours in and it’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee,” says Soph.

Mimosa ‘Coral Bay’ dining table, $499, I/N: 0098320, and benches, $250 each, I/N: 0098321. Tuscan Path ‘Matilda’ 15cm x 12cm small ceramic pots in Blue, $19.89 each, I/N: 0118048. On porch: Marquee rattan wicker chairs, $39 each, I/N: 0098913 (cushions not included). Pavers, for similar, try WestStone 600mm x 600mm x 37mm contemporary pavers in Natural, $29.95 each, I/N: 0301797. Stones, for similar, try Daltons ‘Fine Riverstone’ 15-20mm pebbles in Grey, $9.99/15L, I/N: 0237616. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

THE HOME DUO GUIDE TO PAVING

1Choose your pavers, then dig out the topsoil to the required depth – take into account the paver size, mortar and base course.

2Put down aggregate base course AP20 and compact; this ensures a solid foundation to lay the pavers. “The more time spent getting this level makes laying easier,” says Jamie.

3Lay pavers using mortar.

Soph and Jamie chose small river pebbles.

4Lay a border. The couple used old bricks; if doing the same, be sure to clean them well first. 5 Fill the gaps with stones.

Set-up string lines to keep the lines straight, remembering to factor in the gaps between, and use a level to check each paver.

6Clean your newly transformed space, place your furniture, plant pots and enjoy!

Before

Change the look of your kitchen for less than $ 500 *

Dulux Franz Josef

Dulux Maraetai

Dulux Cardrona

Dulux Ōpononi

Transformation made easy with DULUX ® RENOVATION RANGE