Renovations

A heritage renovation repurposes the interior while enhancing the original cottage's character – an in-keeping double height rear extension provides modern living

The upper walls are in a burnt timber-look plank tile in this bathroom – the change in tile avoids the small but tall room having a boxy feel 

From heavy, outdated traditional to light, bright contemporary – you won't believe this transformation is the same apartment

The traditional Shakkei principle of incorporating borrowed scenery informs this renovation/extension – recycled materials also play a part

This sustainably minded two storey extension includes deep eaves for sun-shading, air flow, and seamless indoor/outdoor living

This home's new top level extension pursues several sustainability strategies, not least having the pop-up roof clad in solar panels 

Here, a 1980s addition was removed, the original Victorian house restored and a new two-storey addition added – all on a tight triangular site

For this seaside renovation/transformation, the home's original brick walls are covered with recycled hardwood cladding 

This renovation/extension, bedroom included, is built in CLT – this was central to a sustainability strategy as no secondary internal cladding was required

This renovation/expansion project achieves the neat trick of evoking the home's Mid-century origins in the additions without actually aping the architecture

New entertaining spaces and kitchen are tied to the cladding and character of the original home in the application of face brick and brise soleil walls

It's not just plants that thrive under sunlight – whether it's task lighting or for a room with no windows, these skylights bring natural light and design joy

For this renovation, the fineness of the repetitive steel screen and balustrade is contrasted by the solidity of the mass board-formed concrete planters

But that's all – this classic fireplace was kept on board for its unashamed good looks – its fossil fuel burning duties left in the past 

With the front of this bungalow retaining its traditional charms, a renovation opens up the back for modern living – over two levels

Grey tones, wood tones, and connecting tones – for this renovation, kitchen meets dining table meets living area furniture in a relaxed fashion

The minimalist bathroom style with stylised geometry and simplified colour palette makes for the perfect sanctuary – a pared back vanity is a great start

An earthquake damaged 70s gem required a complete, contemporising renovation while retaining the character of the Mid-century modern home

Part of an astute renovation is realising what has to stay – here, a circular bay window was retained and restored in the master bedroom

A Federation-style bungalow in a quiet neighbourhood  has been refurbished and extended with a contemporary double-storey addition to the rear

A dedicated servery window to the side of this kitchen means brunch arrives at your al fresco gathering warm and that ice-creams don't drip across floors

For this renovation outdoor living project, a new cool and shady cabana provides extra privacy from neighbours who overlook the property

Passive house design is not limited to new builds – here a brownstone rethink has kept the charm of yesterday while losing the damp, unhealthy vibe that went with it

As part of this renovation/expansion, the new rear addition includes black walls – the addition brings light into the centre of the home, off-setting the dramatic tone

Extending vertically, this astute renovation provides privacy separation for the generations as well as enhancing the outlook over the beach – sustainability and harmony were key factors

Rivoland tiles and a custom black metal screen with clear glass make up this elongated showerstall – alongside, a large Victoria & Albert freestanding bath keeps proportions

This renovation creates a clear divide between old and new – a central diving garden, yet to mature, will provide a private al fresco social spot

Once a dark, single-level brick abode, this renovation has introduced a light, airy feel and a second level while threading sustainable sensibilities through the home

When you are a skilled woodworking team that crafts carpentry-quality storage solutions for throughout the home, every piece is custom designed for its situation

The days of 'shut that door, do we live in a tent?' are behind us and indoor-outdoor flow is the all – this renovated home brings the outdoors inside in style 

A new addition to the rear of a one storey home offers open-plan living connecting with the rear yard and also climbs a level for a master bedroom and study 

A gilded mirror above the custom lacquered, dresser-look vanity adds another touch of refinement to this upmarket bathroom

The ornate fireplaces in this renovated home looks great while its fuss, mess and labour is circumvented thanks to underfloor hydronic heating

Check out the interior makeover that's made an unbelievable difference to this apartment with a celebrity connection

Leading bathroom feature – tick! These composite stone bathtubs are even better in person, being stylish, comfortable and warm to the touch

Owned by an architect, this home's renovation is intended to teach his children what architecture could be, showing its materiality and the humanity of construction trades – unpainted ceilings included

Time spent at home during lockdowns has brought thoughts of renovating for many – and bathrooms are a strong early contender for change up

This new rear addition is home to contemporary entertainment spaces including a convenient kitchen servery window to the outdoors

For this renovation, the interior circulation edge is lowered while the pool surrounds are lifted, setting up a garden edge in the zone previously required for fall protection

A substantial renovation of a renovation, restores a 100+ year-old mansion to its former glory – our top Renovation story of the year

Beautiful timber stairs come down to meet herringbone patterned tile flooring in this seaside home – all part of a transformative renovation

Elements include a Meso side table; Gubi chair; Togo sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy; a Frigerio Smart coffee table and a vintage cane chair

Modern new lofty kitchen, living and outdoor entertaining spaces are tied to the character of the original home while dramatising city views

Tiles of Ezra – hand-made Moroccan zellige tiles – feature throughout the company owner's own home. These character tiles are now available at The Tile Depot

This new dining area has bifold doors to the rear garden and also to the rear deck – retro-look furniture chimes with the home's cottage character

Feeling under the weather? A change of scenery could help, and you can manage that at home. Here’s how updating your bedroom could lift your spirits

You're standing on it. Sunlight shines on this polished concrete slab floor, which acts as a thermal mass, absorbing the heat and releasing it at night

Never mind 'hug a tree', how about 'hug a table'? A chic preloved dining table completes this arty interior, and saves one more piece of furniture from the tip

Not always. Sunlight floods this living space, landing directly on the polished concrete slab which acts as a thermal mass, absorbing the heat, and releasing it back into the interior as temperatures cool

Along with the architecture of a home, its skin has a massive design impact – check out these diverse, sometimes surprising cladding solutions 

Amongst an array of finishes, Intergrain offers two great products designed to protect the natural appeal of your exterior timber surfaces – Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Oil and Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Stain for decking, cladding, screening & fences

A guest's inquisitive touch of the lounge's beautiful bespoke walnut wall storage cabinetry reveals the host family has square eyes after all

Congratulations to Irene Coveney of Coveney Browne Design, winner of the 2021 TIDA Australia Designer Renovation of the Year. See more of this blend of old and new

Congratulations to Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors, winner of TIDA New Zealand Renovation of the Year. See more of this revamped 1970s home

Indoor-outdoor flow obviously wasn't the aim when this home was built 80 odd years ago. Check out its total transformation.

Well realistically probably not from this black-as-night Fisher and Paykel fridge – a case in point of humble appliance as gleaming feature

This attic studio renovation is divided by a tide line – everything is new, sleek and finished above the line while everything below it is old or a reflection there of

Complementary cabinetry materials give this new kitchen presence in a renovated home – wood veneer is matched with two-tone porcelain sheet, while brass and walnut provide accents 

Designer: "The Torrance Steel windows and doors were quite expensive. We felt they were an important investment, as they made the house elegant and distinct."

This renovation creates space and connects interiors with the outdoors – the linking strategy utilises a surprising, usually downplayed, feature

It's easy to see where the original brick home stops and the extension starts in this bold, light-bringing extension with dividing garden space

In a home renovation that dovetails modern with classic, this retro table offers a timeless and elegant connector

It's got potential? So how did it turn out? Check out the total transformation at the back of this narrow terrace home

The exterior of this home has been transformed with new skylights sensibly facing upwards to maximise natural light on the interior

This majestic home has been lovingly restored and renovated, with interiors expanded and reworked for modern living – close attention to design detail and symmetry make it difficult to see where the changes lie

The back patio and outdoor fireplace of a reinvented 1920s California villa combines two-sided functionality with a block-like sculptural presence

This extensive renovation retains heritage features at the front of the home, while adding a spacious contemporary living area out back

Quirky Karelia armchairs from the '70s, designed by Finnish designer Liisi Beckmann, provide ripple-effect seating in this artistic interior design for an NY penthouse

Existing schist cladding was retained on this renovation while plaster surfaces got the heave-ho – replaced with more in keeping vibrant cedar

Cladding transformed, interiors reworked for open-plan living and indoor-outdoor flow accentuated – this seaside home is unrecognisable

Famous shoe hoarder Imelda Marcos would be right at home with this luxuriant walnut shoe storage unit standing tall in an upmarket dressing room

Want to divide your spaces? Have you considered your soft options? A light curtain separates living and sleeping zones in this NY apartment

A master stroke of this renovation, a mini tower addition gains rooms and turns a modest suburban bungalow into a versatile courtyard home

No storage opportunity wasted in this comprehensively renovated kitchen, with nifty slots included for a dish drying rack and chopping board 

This white kitchen’s benchtops and splashback are in Savoy marble, a dense stone that the architect/owner says is resistant to marking

This renovation/addition features soaring walls of glass and a central fireplace organising zones – if this sounds like Mid-century modern thinking, you'd be right

For this kitchen island, a Marine black granite benchtop with a pleasing leathered finish meets American walnut crown-cut veneer cabinetry

Post renovation, this cottage has many interesting design moments – such as this dedicated window seat that looks out to the rear garden 

A post war brick house is transformed into a sunny, light-filled and sustainable home – despite an existing south-facing orientation

Want a larger lounge? Why not invite your bedroom space to the open-plan party? This Manhattan penthouse renovation does just that

Limiting the designs materials, including using the same large format tiles on walls and floor, creates a refined atmosphere in this bathroom

While one side of this rounded master bedroom addition opens up to the views with glass walls, this plywood-clad side presents a private face 

So you've loved your home for years but now it's no longer fit for your active family – but why build afresh when, as here, renovating is an option 

This august home, built in the 1960s, has been completely stripped down to create lighter, larger and brighter spaces – the centrepiece atrium is not hard to spot

The bathrooms and kitchen of a family home in Epsom have been converted into bright and welcoming spaces through some clever tile selections from The Tile Depot, a splash of paint, and a touch of the Maldives

Designed for a deaf family, this renovation emphasises vision and touch as the primary means of spatial awareness and orientation

A new kitchen occupies what was once a garage. The low ceiling was removed for drama while adding skylights turns things from dark to light

This Colonial-look kitchen by RH Cabinetmakers meets the owner's every whim and features all the skilled detailing associated with the style

A pristine heritage frontage and roofline give no hint as to the spectacular changes delivered at the rear of this modern lifestyle renovation

A modernising redesign at the rear of this traditional house opens it up to a large covered deck, with steps down to a swimming pool

A large circular mirror ties in with the rounded stone basins as well as other fittings in this renovated bathroom

Transforming a traditional 5th Avenue apartment into a modern home, the architect utilised a Hygge-inspired white and blonde wood look

This mid-century brick cottage has been transformed. Discover how the lofty lounge and kitchen space was created by removing the floor above

Black and modern to the left, existing and refreshed to the right. The cladding on this renovation makes a clear distinction between old and new

You’re ready to make your bathroom dream come to life, but to guarantee a stress-free build, planning is everything. These top tips will help 

Making an entrance – this dramatic renovation allows a large manor to be separated into apartments, some requiring an entrance all their own

How do you deal with privacy issues when your home is on a busy street? Fibreglass screens are the solution for the two large new windows on the second floor of this renovated inner-city home

'Don't touch the interior!' ran the rally cry for this renovation where the aesthetic and function of the home's exterior has been fundamentally reconsidered

Taking a double height slice out of the existing home allowed for a light, open, more approachable interior for this comprehensive makeover

This grand home has been subtly transformed. The reworked formal lounge is one of the most elegant spaces, now with great through flow.

This new home contributes to a rejuvenation – or renovation – of the neighbourhood. The street facade is in tune with the existing urban narrative yet the home opens up at the back, offering all the advantages of a relaxed, open-to-the-outdoors residential dwelling

Tasmanian oak floors run right through this renovated home, blending in with the original sandstone cladding and contrasting the new black joinery

Creative connections. This rear outdoor rooms morphs into the open pergola, while the beautiful wood floors are echoed on the soffit ceiling

A link between past and present, this renovation and extension is a testament to the owner couple’s dedication to honour the architectural heritage of a quaint cottage by giving it a second life

This renovation could have lacked natural light. However with a roof section removed and a skylight in its place, the home takes on a light-filled air

How does a celebrated architect go about creating his own perfect Manhattan apartment? Alexander Gorlin, of Alexander Gorlin Architects, recognises the good bones of a dated apartment and then brings out its best

Everything in this light, space bringing renovation was bespoke, from the chairs through to the kitchen and stairs. 

This restoration involved a cluster of Cape buildings in a valley beneath the Swartberg mountain range, consisting of a main house and two barns, plus a store. 

This renovation makes most of a limited space, with the resulting three pavillion home a picture of contemporary, economical design and filtered natural light

A complete refurbishment turned a small, unhealthy building into a functional family home

This renovation and expansion expands on the original home's functionality while better aligning the home with neighbouring properties. Part of this was creating a new façade that skirts around a mature tree

During this renovation, the designers decided to retain most of the charming Victorian cottage and add modern functionality

Evoking the beauty of natural travertine, with prominent veining, the tactile Stream tile from Casa Italiana is available in Silver and Bone

Refinished, repainted and with existing architectural detailing expanded upon, this renovation celebrates the past while accommodating a modern lifestyle

Subject to a major makeover, this home is painted in the colours of a nearby forest. Much has been redesigned with only a central supporting wall and stair left on the ground floor

With the original home stripped back and three new wings added, this renovation optimises natural light and spaciousness while opening up to the beautiful verdant bush surrounds 

This cottage was transformed into a modern beach house with a sophisticated interplay of natural materials and considered volumetric arrangement

This dramatic home has been transformed by design duo Cortney & Robert Novogratz – collectively The Novogratz. Here they also share some effective interior design shortcuts that informed the project

What started as a simple renovation of a workers cottage turned into a substantial, multi-year project. The results are impressive

The villa is a timeless New Zealand style that, when renovated, can look every bit as good as the day it was built

In uncertain times it makes sense to optimise assets. Here's how one couple subdivided their home to rent out one area and live in the other

The ground (and grandest) level in this historic townhouse has been transformed – turning the previously cramped and partitioned space into a free-flowing living-and-dining area

One highlight of this renovation was transforming the many small rooms into larger, light-filled spaces. Plus, as well as having a tree at its heart, the home is a zero-energy building

In this major renovation project, a narrow single storey addition sitting at right angles to the existing home, terminates in a large window framing the view of the pool and garden beyond

This home's coach house origins are retained mainly in the form of ruby brick courtyards. The reinvented interiors are a mix of 1960s-meets-contemporary elements. The outcome is a charming home that successfully blends old and new  

Contemporary extension to traditional Californian bungalow in major renovation project provides large open-plan family living area, lap pool

So you live next to the sea, but why not get closer? This renovation facilitates open connections to the water and also celebrates hand made

This sleek bathroom by LSA Architects feels bigger than it is and a long vanity plays a part in that. Find out other aspects of this 'super-size me' renovation story

After living in their apartment for over a decade, this family of four decided it was time to renovate. The result is a practical home that uses colour to create separate yet connected spaces

Kiwis are looking to spend on renovations. That’s according to Independent Economist Tony Alexander’s November 2020 Spending Patterns Survey, which shows more than 30% of respondents are looking to spend more on sprucing up their homes. This isn’t a one off. It’s been a notable trend in the monthly data post-COVID-19

Here, we take a look at some of the things to keep in mind when beginning a home renovation

Your outdoor living doesn't have to be out the back. This major extension added pool, fire pit, alfresco dining and barbecue spaces to the front of the house.

Looks can be deceiving – that's definitely the case here. Hiding behind this historic villa's traditional facade is a much more modern home, thanks to its contemporary extension

A three-storey extension is added to a compact Anglo-Italianate townhouse, expanding the living spaces and creating a restful, elegant place to come home to

For this bathroom and matching ensuite, antique penny rounds in the showers, artistic swirls on the Corian vanities and the choice of rose gold fixtures all combine to elegant, matching effect

Take a classic log cabin and add a contemporary addition – on top! See how the architects approached this tricky renovation move. The outcome speaks for itself

Babe Ruth once walked the floors of this apartment but it's unlikely he would recognise it now. A transformative interior design interwoven with exotic wall treatments and artworks has given this riverside eyrie a rich, opulent air

This home came out tops as our most popular renovation story of 2020. Step inside to see why. 

Along with a new guest house, this home has been comprehensively reinvented with only accents and the original floor slab retained. The new home boasts space, light and a character all its own

Continuing the tradition of refurbishment of Auckland’s heritage housing stock, this renovation is a re-interpretation of the ‘lean-to’ form. Traditionally used as service spaces, the ‘lean-to’ here is re-cast as living space, opening the house up to the north facing backyard

After years of muddled renovations and ad hoc alterations, Bijl Architecture stepped in to overhaul this inter-war cottage

Part of a major renovation and extension, floor-to-ceiling sliders open the main living areas up to this rear deck which is sheltered from the street by the carport. Feathered slats on the carport soften its form and admit natural light while a pergola roof defines the deck area

A classic sandstone cottage is opened up at the rear with a complementary yet contrasting extension in this light-bringing, sustainable renovation by Sanctum Design

A three storey addition and dramatic rear garden architectural spaces all work well together in this far-sighted and sustainable project

Internal glazing at the entrance to this bedroom means that natural light can spill into the adjacent corridor. A curtain can be pulled across when privacy is required in the bedroom

Sitting behind this former shopfront facade is a new three-storey addition that prioritises sustainability and natural light 

Natural, textured materials give this renovated kitchen a strong connection not only to its wooded outlook but also to the rest of the home

Not-so-little moves like appropriating and demolishing the next door house along with tucking another floor in under the existing roofline, were just two aspects of this makeover which has brought a grand-looking manor house back into its rightful glory. Another design move has future-proofed the house well into the future

On a compact suburb site, this extension to a 1920’s bungalow seeks to provide new north-facing living space and a master 'retreat' area to a landscaped courtyard.

In a home renovation with plenty of timber finishes – the floor included – a little more has crept into this white kitchen's cutlery drawer. 

It started out as a tired stone house and a number of outbuildings – but extensive renovation and additions has turned it into a character home that stays true to the original farmhouse style  

Creating a sense of space within a small footprint became the central challenge for the architects behind this project

The owners of this townhouse contacted Montreal architect Guillaume Lévesque for a unique renovation project. They wanted to transform an old 1880s duplex into a multi-unit and harmonise the original style of the building with a decidedly contemporary and uncluttered addition.

A dramatic cladding rethink and manipulation of internal spaces, including raised ceilings, has brought this home a more contemporary sensibility

Opening the interiors up like a doll's house, this renovation and addition has transformed the owner's lifestyle, not least in terms of indoor-outdoor flow. The dramatic floor-to-ceiling bi-folds that make this possible are drawn to one side, out of sight. 

Same space, better flow 

Classic design meets a modern monochrome palette in this townhouse. See how a major renovation and custom-made furniture have created a home with timeless style

Renovating for improved flow and modern functionality will destroy the delicate heritage of my home, right? Not if a professional designer like Donna Hunter becomes involved, as was the case with this fisherman's cottage renovation.

Following on from an upstairs rethink, this renovation opens up the ground floor of the home front-to-back with a deft reworking of the existing rear spaces

Hidden behind the original facade of a former shop is a beautifully considered family home. Discover how it manages to make a dramatic statement while treading lightly on the land

Featuring a carefully chosen colour palette, arched window frames and patterned brickwork, this home's new extension opens the interior up to the back garden in an architectural way 

The renovation of this classic Victorian home celebrates heritage style and modern living with a beautifully refined palette and expansive extension out the back

An 1850s heritage sandstone coach-house is given a 21st century makeover that highlights its rugged origins

Ruby red brick and oh so pretty but if the ceilings are low and outdoor links limited then a solution is called for. Who would have thought removing a floor could add so much more?

This architectural home with its over-aching roof forms and see-through heart is the result of a comprehensive renovation and extension – hard to believe the residence had its origins in the 1970s

This home renovation emphasises natural materials and sustainability with the wrap-around living area feature in recycled wood left over from the upgrade

This renovation delineates old values from new work – as part of this, the existing bare staircase is in part retained with a modern perforated zinc stair starting 95cm above

Why have the ground below near when you can simply hang out in mid air? These cantilevered designs provide outstanding examples 

Want to dramatically lift your kitchen's game with one power inclusion? Beautiful marble benchtops complete this refined, hard-working kitchen 

This indoor-outdoor entertaining space meets pool house features a semi-industrial palette and a rooftop terrace, while the new pool alongside has an eye-catching feature of its own

Around the corner from London's Hyde Park, two upmarket townhouse front doors open to a combined, transformed lux interior 

The interior design brief for this villa makeover was for modern spaces while maintaining refined character villa details and finishes for a warm, sophisticated and luxurious feel. The reinvented bathroom, kitchen and living space have all been transformed

Will working from home become the norm? If so, commercial addresses may well become more appealing as private residences. This transformative makeover provides inspiration

A new home by the lake makes a statement but it is the interiors that really respond to the views – the dramatic great room in particular

A major renovation project is not just a chance to replace a dated decor scheme – even more important is the opportunity to right the wrongs of the original space planning and circulation pathways

This white and wood kitchen in a new light-filled extension to a 1920s cottage melds into the wider colour palette, while standing out in terms of texture