
Home renovation advice
When it comes to home renovations, the Refresh team has done (and seen) it all! We’re more than happy to share our experience and expertise – and you’ll find loads of helpful articles, photos, videos and more on our website.
If you’re interested in a specific renovation topic, select from the categories below. You’re also welcome to ask in person about your potential renovation. If you’d like to talk with one of our friendly team members, please get in touch.
Show advice for: Kitchen | Bathroom | Extend | Open-plan | Flow | Loft | Re-clad | Warm up | Outdoor | Renovations |

What are the restrictions when building a garage?
Building a garage, while a relatively simple process, can accumulate some cost depending on the level of consent required. Read this guide before starting your renovation project.

Make Your Entrance-Way Functional and Welcoming
Entrance areas are often an overlooked space in the home. Find out how to make this space functional in addition to welcoming you and your guests home.

Living Room Style & Accessories Guide
The living room is the most lively and lived in part of the home. Make sure it tells your unique story with the right colours and accessories to suit your style.

Top 4 kitchen styles to choose from
As the kitchen is one of the most used places in the home – picking out what style and direction you want to take is a big decision. We’ve made it easy for you by putting together four of our favourite signature kitchen styles that each have their own personality. From modern and sleek to rustic and homely – which one would you choose?

Why are Micro Homes trending?
Whether you love or hate the idea of downsizing, a micro-life presents a revolution in thinking about how and why we live the way we do.

Laundry Planning Tips for Small Spaces
Giving some extra thought to the arrangement of your laundry can save you from a major layout let down for years to come. Luckily Matt Taylor from Boston Wardrobes has five tips to share with us on how to create a well functioning laundry space.

Renovating can change your lifestyle
After packing up her home, Carly has settled into her new place and discusses the changes it has produced for her own family and lifestyle. Say hello to new renovation adventures from Carly Flynn!

Top 5 tips for renovation projects
The success of any renovation project is in the eyes of the beholder. I don’t think anyone nurses deep regrets after renovating their own home. We know how things looked beforehand so we appreciate the improvements. Today, thanks to a knocked-out wall, there’s a new kitchen that opens up to the living room. Way better! By Duncan Stuart.

Top five crucial pitfalls when renovating
Often, the excitement of a renovation can become all too much, with the idea that renovations can be somewhat ‘easy’. We have zoned in on the 5 crucial pitfalls that could happen when undertaking the well-deserved makeover on your abode.

The importance of interior design
A new addition prompts some serious action by our serial renovator, who has experienced first hand the benefit of calling in a renovation specialist.

Bathroom styles
Whatever the weather, the bathroom provides a retreat after a long day. Bathroom styles are not only changing, they are also bridging the gap from modern and classic, but especially the old and new.

Should I engage an architect for my renovation?
For many Kiwis, our home is our biggest investment. Home is where dreams are dreamed, families are born and memories are created. When home renovations are on the cards, then, it’s important to get them right first time – because there’s a lot at stake.

Is wallpaper right for your room?
Is it background or foreground, art or decoration, vulgar or respectable, a substitute, or the real thing, questions Donna White.

How to choose the right paint colour for your roof
Painting expert, Jon Ferris from Citywide Decorators provides advice for choosing a roof paint color.

Revamp your old furniture with chalk paint to freshen up your home
Annie Sloan, decorative paint expert from Annie Sloan Paints suggest revamping older furniture with Chalk Paint to make them fresh and bright.

Make your home a safer place with these wireless home security systems
We have got some product features that will be sure to make your family feels safe whether in or out of the home. So in those moments when you’re driving along and your stomach drops because you can’t recall whether you locked the door or even worse, left the heater on – you can rest easy knowing you can check everything from your phone.