New Zealanders are embracing the convenience, cost and environmental benefits of doing a makeover rather than ripping out and starting again. Makeovers can be the cheaper route, but they also work so well — because you're only altering surface details.
“If the design of your kitchen is functional and the cabinetry is in good condition, then it makes sense to do a makeover rather than start again,” says Rob Thomas, owner of My Kitchen Makeover.
Thomas says New Zealanders just love renovating and redecorating their homes, because we think of ourselves as characterised by our ability to invent new things and new processes.
“Over time, our number 8 wire mentality has become a metaphor for our innovativeness — in our character and central to our economy.”
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He believes there are other reasons too, such as adding value in order to climb the property ladder and because Kiwis enjoy keeping up with the latest trends coming in from overseas.
He attributes our love of new trends to our tendency to frequently refresh our home decor, and says that because we often want to do it ourselves, it can make sense to do a quick makeover rather than a full renovation.
“And this is the reason that companies who specialise just in makeovers are consistently having to ‘up-spec’ the offering to include new designs, colours and an international calibre of technology and innovation.”
Thomas notes there is a real surge in the trend to makeover what we’ve got rather than undertake major renovations.
“New Zealanders are embracing the convenience, cost and environmental benefits of doing a makeover rather than ripping out and starting again. Makeovers can be the cheaper route, but they also work so well — because you're only altering surface details. Most minor cosmetic work can be done efficiently, on a budget, and gives people the ability to change with the seasons.”
In the business of making over kitchens, Thomas says one of the main reasons people prefer to give their kitchen a facelift rather than putting in a whole new one is the convenience.
“When you do a makeover, your kitchen literally stays operational right throughout the makeover process — with the odd exception, for example if we’re doing a major layout enhancement. However, when you’re installing a new kitchen there is always downtime between the old one coming out and the new one going in.”
Cost is also a major factor, says Thomas, “because most of the time when you’re installing a new kitchen, there are extra costs involved such as moving the plumbing and additional electrical work.”
Enhancements to existing kitchens can include cabinetry improvements to improve functionality, and in most cases it’s possible to increase bench space and existing storage space. Thomas says these are some of the most common requirements requested by his clients.
How much an old or dated kitchen can be made over really depends on its age, says Thomas.
“Because of the way kitchens are constructed, there are some kitchens that just cannot be made over and need to be replaced. But as long as the kitchen is in good condition and makeover-able, then updating the cabinetry and benchtop colours is generally the best way to create a more modern look.”
One of the most popular current trends is for kitchens to be light and bright. Thomas says most of his clients want to lighten up their kitchen space and this means the use of colour is very important.
“Resene has 75 different shades of white available and there are many, many benchtop colours on the market too, so it’s critical to choose the right-coloured finishes for your kitchen. With this in mind, most kitchen makeovers should include a design service to assist homeowners in choosing the colours and finishes for their kitchen makeover, to ensure they complement the style of the home we’re working in.”
Another popular area to modernise and freshen up is, of course, bathrooms. Along with kitchens, these are important areas in adding value to a home and can also be madeover rather than gutted. And Thomas says another favourite facelift option is new paint.
“There’s nothing like a good paint job to freshen up your home.”
He notes, though, that outdoor spaces seem to be the most popular area to makeover at the moment.
“If you’re satisfied with your kitchen and bathroom, then adding a deck to create more outdoor space, preferably in a sunny area, is a great way to make your home more liveable — especially in the lead-up to the warmer months.”
If homeowners are looking for cost-effective ways to freshen a house for sale without spending too much, Thomas recommends painting and minor landscaping.
“These are great ways to prepare your home for sale without breaking the bank — especially because you can do it yourself if you really need to save money.”
Websites such as Pinterest are also great for ideas on how to accessorise your home with the latest trends, and New Zealand’s renovation retailers are large enough to offer competitive pricing on just about everything you can view online, says Thomas.
“I believe that first impressions count, so make sure the front of your home really shines when preparing it for sale as well as ensuring the rest is as tidy, fresh and uncluttered as you can make it!”
