Renovations

This renovation honours the home's heritage credentials while developing connections to the outdoors via skeletal structures and a garden room

With a focus on the kitchen, this renovation revamps tired interiors, creating a vibrant and homely weekend retreat inspired by the colours of nature

Up lights, sconces, dripping chandeliers, there are many luminaire options – in this art-dedicated room it's all about spot lighting what matters

Open shelving is used to good effect in this renovation – plenty out on display without losing the room's sense of spaciousness

Restoration of this classic villa has transformed it into a modern family home with a cohesive layout, flexible and adaptable plan, and engaging social spaces

A glass partition wall between living and media rooms creates separate spaces but celebrates the rooms' combined volume in visual terms

From the street, this comprehensively renovated home presents an elegant composition of black battens and white brick and render

This slab-up renovation held onto the layout of the original coastal cottage – adding 'elbow room', optimising flow and prioritising sustainability

Timber boards line this bedroom's walls and run across the ceiling, too – the uniform finish when combined with the monotone palette has a calming feel

This home takes indoor-outdoor flow to the next level with a wall-sized sliding door that glides right back beyond the envelope of the home

Prior to renovation this home sat down a steep drive, now it comes up to street level to greet guests and the sun – one of several bold design moves

Rounded pendants connect with rounded dining table and chairs in this light-filled kitchen, dining, living extension

A long timber ribbon – flooring, walls, ceiling and joinery – leads through this home to a new large kitchen, living and entertaining space 

It started as an extension to showcase cars, but oh how it grew – a cottage-like '60s home becomes an expansive modern home

Want a sense of separation and connection between kitchen and dining? This internal 'window' offers one design solution

Your interiors can tell a story, not least the flooring – this floor reflects sustainability, a reworked design and a recurring zig-zag motif

A new garden pavilion and a penthouse suite together with natural, crafted interiors help this house celebrate natural connections to its Table Mountain setting

Not a maths problem but rather the look of the induction hob and accompanying ventilation in this kitchen, part of an extending renovation

Renovating architect on this ADU (accessory dwelling unit) interior: ”The space is so small that the varying colours give visual interest and depth”

This rear lounge-deck-master suite extension is a master class in connecting to the views while keeping in step with the original cottage

Sometimes the more obvious way is also the best way – here, timber cladding connects with deck and stairs for a natural feel

The new addition in this renovation departs from the main home in terms of cladding, but black detailing draws the all together

This in-keeping renovation creates a light-filled, minimalist home, with living on the top level, and an office, art studio and workshop on the lower

This reworked ground floor family room has a new central window – all the better to take in the refurbished family pool environment

This relaxing backyard day bed in timber is assimilated into the rear property fence – part of a renovated and extended family residence

Are there particular types of homes that are more suitable for major renovation? We put this question to three leading architects/designers – here's what they said

The flooring in this light-filled extension continues the materiality of the home's timber flooring, but with a demarcating difference

Vertical cedar cladding elements bring touches of warmth to this open, predominantly white coastal Mid-century renovation

Space, sunshine and garden connection were the winners when the rear of this home was reshaped and opened up in keeping with its setting

Hygge – a Norwegian/Danish feeling of cozy contentment – was an inspiration for this apartment's Scandinavian/Danish wood and white feel.

This renovated home includes a modern mesh screen over the new addition – on the interior, this creates options over privacy and temperature

This reinvented, artist-owned home maximises natural light from skylights in the new roof – a reeded glass divide admits light while maintaining separation

Without straying too far from its original charm, this home’s updated facade is enhanced by some modern notes – colourful front door welcome included

Check out all the awarded projects in the Trends International Design Awards for new homes, renovations and interiors in New Zealand and Australia

Congratulations to Daniel Lomma Design, winner of the TIDA Australia Designer Home of the Year – a substantial renovation that transforms the property

Congratulations to McMahon and Nerlich, winner of the TIDA Australia Architect Home of the Year with a renovation that integrates old and new

Congratulations to Borrmeister Architects, winner of the TIDA New Zealand Renovation of the Year, with a contemporary addition to a heritage villa

A new bedroom, bathroom and bigger, better kitchen and dining – this renovation adds unobtrusive upstairs spaces and internal windows to achieve an airy reworked home

A glass top dining table offers two advantages – on one hand, its see-through nature adds to the sense of space, on the other it reflects light through the room

This extension embraces the warmth of wood cladding – as part of the growth plan, it's also worth checking out the once tired, now repurposed garage

A Tudor Revival mansion is renovated in keeping with its heritage and its neighbours – interiors are reworked for modern living now and into the future

For this renovation, transition between refreshed existing home and new extension is achieved through thoughtful material choices and a wrapped round verandah

One wall in this apartment living space tells a story of concealed storage opportunities directly to hand and accessed with a push

Breakfast bar, dining table, al fresco setting – wherever you sit you will be sitting comfortably and stylishly in this renovated home

Comprehensive renovation transforms an unassuming single-level house into a grand two storey home in the appealing Hamptons style

A love of heritage and character homes is key for architect Mona Kruse Hurnen, founding director of popular architect firm Callidus Architects

Remember when your back door was small and stuck when it was damp? Cut to today – this 'back door' opens up the interior to the outdoors

 What began as a single-site, double-storey addition morphed into a double-site, single-level extension with the latter reached by a glass bridge.

The use of sliding glass panels for this bedroom maintains the sense of the space's greater dimensions – a strategy carried through the wider interior

Black elements contrast a feature stone wall and matching vanity sink in this bathroom – the dark veining providing an harmonious connection

A dark and narrow kitchen and dining room and separate living room are transformed as part of this zoned and light-filled renovation

This vibrant and comfortable L-shaped sofa suits the shape of the room and more besides – situated in a bold addition to a character home

Need a fire? Need shelving? Need occasional seating? Well that could all come together beautifully, as with this adroit renovation

This Balinese inspired sanctuary offers a haven of peace and quiet while fitting effortlessly with the existing property – creating a new home within a home

With so much beautiful architecture behind us why always reinvent the wheel? This elegantly clad extension draws on Plantation and Hamptons style

The existing roof structure was very low between trusses, so a decision was made to introduce a new roof and structure – exposed trusses and a unique clerestory window resulted

The views are spectacular and this renovation with new kitchen is more than a match – simplified interiors, evoking a modern minimalism, were key

When action calls there's no time for cupboard doors – a custom pegboard hanging system organises the family’s recreational gear in this renovated home

Having storage space is one thing, having it close at hand is another – this renovation/extension solves this issue with one bold joinery master stroke

Charmed by the typology of the A-frame cottage, the new owners of this 1950s property aspired to revitalise the cottage into a 21st century home

So you want indoor-outdoor flow – well, as with this renovation, echoing the indoor flooring outdoors is a good place to start

This renovation sees a two-level modern addition to a classic home – so where did the master ensuite ended up? The classic windows are misleading but the views tell the tale

For the refreshing renovation for this home, the architect went back to the source – utilising alternative original blueprints to follow through on the initial design intent

A white wall of brickwork, extruded bricks included, draw the eye to this room's heating source – part of a Mid-century renovation

Three top architects and designers reveal what they consider the best things to prioritise with your renovation budget – spoiler: it's not all about kitchens

The defining feature of this modest house is a curved glass courtyard corner accessed by sliders – the curve is echoed on an interior wall

A hovering first floor extension is accentuated by being wrapped with glass, roof included – letting light (and character) flood in

Refreshing the traditional front facade, this renovation also extends and climbs with a contemporary, environment-sensitive two storey addition at rear

As part of a whole house renovation and new rear addition a sculptural Lê Corbusier inspired ‘chimney’ fuses the upper floor to the lower floor

The timber wardrobe in this master bedroom forms part of a haptic-focussed interior that appeals to the touch as well as the eye

A 1900s villa is transformed for family and entertaining – the trick was retaining the home's traditional character while ushering in the new

Tired of the blunt aesthetic of guttering? There's another way – this rain chain fulfils the same purpose but in style

Recessed or niche pulls keep the cabinetry look clean for this renovation and avoid the busy chef's clothes snagged on handles

Inspired by a sculpture and looking like a sculpture, this reinvented oceanfront home makes the most of privacy, scenery and drama

Lack of storage options would not be an 'out' for the student using this dedicated study with built in cabinetry to complete his/her dissertation on time

A splash of natural colour is provided by the vanity basin in this master ensuite, part of a modern extension to a classic cottage

Looking to engage more intimately with the home's setting, this flexible extension of a central living pavilion creates extra living room space and a large outdoor room

The brick and timber detailing of the original home is expressed in a new form at the rear in this renovation – a classic fire completes the picture

Penny mosaics bring texture, colour and interest to this new bathroom, part of an in-tune interior renovation of a Mid-century home 

Unrecognisable from before, this two-townhouse renovation sits firmly on the site, boasting spaces filled with light encased in a sustainable building envelope

Long, low furniture accentuates the proportions of this renovated space – a white and light timber palette provides a neutral backdrop for artworks

A substantial gate/door provides the courtyard entry to this reinvented home while wood-framed sliders connect indoors with out

When going up messes with the local house vocabulary and neighbours' views, well, there's another way – this renovation/expansion adds a distinct rear volume that also heads underground

The rustic brickwork seen here is indoors not outdoors – a new addition brings light but leaves the original exterior on interior display

There's nothing like a study routine and having a dedicated zone is a great head start – this mezzanine study with furniture built in offers a case in point

A new front entry centres on the true spine of this reinvented house, opening into a hall that expands into open living and curated backyard beyond

With 24 years' worth of award-winning projects to his name, architectural designer Jason Higham values close client-designer connections, attention to context and sustainability

Post renovation, a new upstairs bedroom springs into being – finished in James Hardie Axon vertical shiplap cladding to keep things visually simple

With this viewless, inward-focussed home, it’s hard to tell if you’re inside or out – the topsy-turvy design confounds perspective by bringing key outdoor elements in

Looking to play down that centre-of-attention kitchen appeal? Here, wall-recessed kitchen/storage joinery has a furniture-like presence

Material choices help lighten a traditional 5th Avenue, New York apartment interior – this was particularly important in the potentially darker bedrooms

See Winners, Runners-up and Finalists in the 2022 TIDA International Home of the Year – new homes and renovations from leading architects and designers

This modernising remodel of a Californian Mid-century home pulls out all the stops (and some walls) for the ultimate in indoor-outdoor flow

Renovating an apartment presents many different challenges to renovating a house – here an architect describes such an undertaking and offers some sage advice along the way

The warmth of pine is a feature of this renovation, seen here on the ceiling and skylight directly above a widened staircase – optimising natural light on the floor below

This renovation transforms a suburban home with a dramatic entry, stepping down to expansive living, views, and private outdoor living

This renovation offers a clean response to a busy environment – light, white cladding avoids overwhelming the varied surroundings

The redesign of this South Pasadena residence turned a family residence into a multi-generational home by drawing the garage into the picture

A feature of this home is a curved glass courtyard corner which gently repeats in the opposing curved white wall on the interior

Julie Andrews might have got those words wrong long ago – for this renovation, the rain chain is a sculptural alternative to a drain pipe

The world is renovating it seems and this project resulted in a fully updated home, suitable for the changing demands of a contemporary family lifestyle

For this renovation, an attractive new floating floor also improved the home's insulation while tactile rugs help delineate areas of use

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

Introducing more room to entertain and more light & space, this renovation/extension draws on Hamptons style while still in keeping with the original Queenslander home

Will your interior pass muster when neighbours and friends call? A bold blue wall in the stairwell adds a pop of interest to this interior space

Part of a comprehensive renovation, this new kitchen includes near-invisible wood cabinetry disappearing into the matching rear timber wall

This renovation brings a second storey and a light filled stairway to get to it – courtesy of a series of skylights in the sloping roof above

Congratulations to Clinton Cole and Carmen Chan of CplusC Architectural Workshop, winners of the 2022 TIDA Australia Renovation of the Year – design that deliberately confounds perspective

Congratulations to Brendon Monk of Modo Architects, winner of the 2022 TIDA New Zealand Renovation of the Year with an addition that makes the most of the outdoors

Look, ma, no columns – this extension creates a rear volume that appears to hover in the air – behind the scenes, two strategies were required to achieve this

Drawing on earthy colours, natural elements and organic textures, the designer has reinvented this ensuite with tiles from The Tile Depot in a starring role

Hygge – a Norwegian/Danish feeling of cozy contentment – was an inspiration for this apartment's warm Scandinavian/Danish wood and white feel

This renovation marries sustainable small footprint living with a quest for spaciousness and delight – a reworked facade and haptic-minded interior both feature

For this 5th Avenue apartment turned modern home, the use of sliding glass panels maintains the sense of the interior's greater dimensions 

A contemporary two-storey rear addition to a classic bungalow introduces a new double-height kitchen, dining and living space with master suite above

A circular motif features in this home renovation – this references the Japanese concept of Shakkei, providing the house a sense of serenity and activity

You can imagine the size of the bottle and how hard that champagne cork must have hit the ceiling – cork stools provides a fun furniture inclusion in this renovation

A boldly modern addition contrasts yet respects the inter-war existing home – the extension, with operable rear facade, provides for the family's next generation

Well this restored classic frontage doesn't give too much away – not even a hint of the new, contemporary two-level extension at rear

You can never have enough natural light and natural warmth – here, a triangular clerestory window achieves just that for this ancillary living space

This renovation is an exploration of how to pare back and dwell in smaller spaces while providing a sense of personal connection to the wider urban context

This brownstone face has been lovingly restored – however, while the cladding is classic, the interior thinking for this home is brand new and sustainable

This rear deck includes a sky hole which adds visual interest and solar penetration – part of a renovation tied to the character of the original home

It says a lot about an owner when time, money and custom architecture protects an old magnolia at the rear of their extension/renovation

This renovation/extension includes a butterfly roof connecting old and new – an aperture in the roof casts interesting shadows on the garden below

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

For this renovation, the back of the house was re-imagined into one volume that stretched the width of the site – mirror-sided skylights add to the sense of space 

A renovation marries sympathetic new architecture to a Modernist home – in the dining area helped by a period-look pendant 

Casa Italiana is a leading light for New Zealand home design, offering a staggering array of flooring and floor and wall tiles, including the latest and best Italian brands

This contemporary, light bringing ageing-in-place renovation picks up on a curved feature in the original heritage home and runs with it

Opened up for fun, swimming and sunshine by a modernising renovation at the back, at the front this home retains a demure red brick face

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

Poor access, impeded flow and under-considered connections to the outdoor had held this home back from delivering a great lifestyle – now, all that has changed

A unique feature of this renovation is the central cone-shaped, brick-clad wall that sits in prominent position – seen from inside and outside the home

The owners of this kitchen wanted a large serving area to one side of the kitchen island, which the designer cantilevered to provide seating for two

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 palette for this home includes wood flooring, blackbutt decks, cedar ceilings running out to timber soffits and Rosewood timber framed windows & doors 

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Same space, better flow 

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. 

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.

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

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

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

See the Winners, Runners-up and all the Finalists in the 2023 TIDA International Home of the Year – new homes and renovations from leading architects and designers

Admittedly it might have meant building the blade wall out, but these bedroom storage and lighting niches add flare as well as function

This renovation celebrates wood in several ways from timber cabinetry to trim to stairs to flooring – so why not let the dining table join the party?

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

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

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