THE WAY WE LIVE

There’s little doubt that the pandemic is turning many Kiwis into homebodies, and without the luxury of a big house, many are commissioning renovations that will transform what room they do have into cleverly designed flexible spaces. Before the pandemic, the ‘office space’ was where ever the computer was plugged in. But Mark Trafford, founder of the renovation company Maintain To Profit, says lockdowns have inspired homeowners – sometimes by necessity – to modify their spaces to accommodate multiple functions. “People see the value of being able to transition from work station to TV lounge quickly and effectively. The future is uncertain, which means people need to take a close look at how they traditionally used their spaces. “We are fielding questions about designing homes that can cope with any change of lifestyle,” Mark says. He says dining rooms have probably never been occupied as much in the past as they are now. “The dining room is a truly multipurpose space with the most potential for change – many are having to function as a dining room, a workspace, a board games room or a place to hang out. People want to know how they can make the space more flexible.” He says these trends would not be going away anytime soon since many working parents will continue to spend more time working remotely even after the pandemic ends. The need for flexible home spaces will only rise. Mark offers a few tips for utilising a home’s many spaces.

1. Interchangeable

Working from the dining room doesn’t necessarily mean replacing the dining table with an office table. Trafford said a well-designed table could both look good for guests and facilitate office work simultaneously. “Spaces that have come under particular scrutiny include the dining room, kitchen, garage – even the lounge. People are asking, ‘Do I need this space?’ ‘Is it just nice to have?’ ‘Could I do more with it?’ and ‘How can I make living, working, entertaining and schooling from home more interchangeable?”

2. Do more with the outdoors

The demand for backyard pools has skyrocketed in the past year because of spending so much time at home. Families realise the need for more home entertainment options – like pools and trampolines – that aren’t on a computer screen. “Making better use inside and outside is essential to everybody’s productivity, sanity and wellbeing.”

3. Kitchen renovations

Mark says that during lockdowns people spend more time in the kitchen – not to forget the recent trend towards eating at home even when lockdown is over – and the more time you spend in a room, the more you question its efficiency and function. “Better use of colour and flow is important, as is a more efficient storage space, ventilation and the ease with which people can hang out in the kitchen and socialise without getting underfoot.”

People see the value of being able to transition from work station to TV lounge quickly and effectively. ”

For more information visit: www.renovations.nz.

It is fascinating exploring Musgrove’s sheds where there is a huge variety of recycled and new building products.

This iconic Canterbury company has been recycling building materials for the last 50 years and they’re really good at it. Not only do they have an incredible range of products that are amazingly well organised, but they have also built themselves a reputation for providing exceptional service. The reviews from their many customers (whether they be homeowners, business owners or tradies) repeatedly refer to the care and commitment of Musgrove’s long serving team members who have gone above and beyond to assist them with their many and varied project needs.

Their General Manager, Sue Brown, confirms that Musgroves has thousands of repeat customers who come from all round the South Island (and beyond) to find treasures for their projects. “Whether it be to look for T&G flooring for their new build, a french door for their home renovation, a sliding door for their sleep out, doors and windows for their child’s playhouse or for timber beams for a business fitout. These are just a few of the reasons why people come to visit our yard.”

You only need to take one look at their Wall of Fame on their website to get a sense of the pride that their customer community takes in being able to reuse the products that Musgroves sells for their build or renovation.

There is no question that upcycling and recycling is alive and well at Musgroves in Wigram and once you’ve talked to any member of the Musgroves team you soon get a sense that sustainability is not just a current fad here, but rather it is in their DNA and until you’ve paid them a visit you won’t be able to fully appreciate the huge range of building materials that Musgroves can supply you with.

Buyers and sellers of recycled and new building materials

We believe a beautiful kitchen creates a place for family and friends to gather with love.

www.dreamdoors.co.nz 03 338 1081 | 027 338 1081

10A/1 STARK DRIVE, WIGRAM, CHRISTCHURCH

Dream Doors

Adrian Kay has owned and operated Dream Doors Christchurch since 2012.

Dream Doors Christchurch has won the Dream Doors New Zealand Franchisee of the year, every year from 2013. Dream Doors Christchurch also won the prestigious Westpac Franchise Association of New Zealand “Franchisee of the year – Home Services” in 2017.

Dream Doors specialises in renovating and replacing kitchens as well as designing for new builds. We understand the importance of creating a fabulous and functional space in the heart of your home for you and your family. Spending time together is one of the greatest investments you can make. Something amazing happens when you prepare and share food.

Whether you require our facelifting approach to modernise your kitchen, with new benchtops, doors and drawer’s fronts, or you require new cabinetry and layout, we will work with you to achieve your needs within your budget. We will present you with a wide range of NZ made beautiful, quality product choices, and guide you through the decision-making process.

The Dream Doors team prioritise keeping disruption to a minimum for you and your family, with facelifting services often completed within one or two days. With an experienced and dedicated team, we are the trusted choice for your kitchen requirements.

Adrian and his team of skilled tradesman take great pride in their work and are ready to help you make your new kitchen or kitchen renovation dreams come true. So, what are you waiting for? Get in contact with us today to supply all your kitchen renovating needs.

New Zealand owned and operated safety net specialist.

CENTRAL OTAGO | NORTH OTAGO | AORAKI/MACKENZIE | MID CANTERBURY | SOUTH CANTERBURY