This duo put their DIY skills to the test transforming their rabbit warren brick-and-tile on Auckland’s North Shore into a functional, open-plan family home
Who lives here?
Amy Rennell (project manager, Auckland Airport), Ben Rennell (commercial business manager), Isla, 3, and Poppy, 10 months, plus family pooch Jack.
What were the problems with the home and what were the solutions?
- Problem: Poor indoor-outdoor flow.
- Solution: Ben and Amy installed floor-to-ceiling glass doors and large timber decks off the living and dining spaces.
- Problem: The layout was like a rabbit warren which limited access to natural light and blocked views of the sea.
- Solution: The walls separating the living area from the central hallway and the kitchen were removed to create an open-plan living, kitchen and dining space.
- Problem: Dated 1970s finishes.
- Solution: The couple got rid of the vinyl plank floors and carpets and installed timber laminate floorboards.
Expert Q&A with builder Lee Branford on the key details
How long were you involved in the Rennells’ renovation?
I came in to help Ben and Amy finish renovating their home as Amy was heavily pregnant and the project needed to be completed. Ben had done most of the work himself but I worked weekends and evenings for a couple of months to push the job to completion.
What were the main challenges you faced on this project?
The building jobs left to do were not too difficult. However, Ben and Amy occasionally changed their plans and that could be challenging at times. Having said that, this definitely happens on most jobs! I believe we were all happy with the way the job turned out in the end.
What part of the project were you most proud of?
The project I was most heavily involved in was the raised deck at the front of the house and it’s this area I’m most proud of. I was involved from start to finish and it turned out exactly how Ben and Amy envisaged it.
Words by: Annick Larkin. Photography by: Emma MacDonald.
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Before. The home’s layout was typical of the era it was built in, with lots of small separate rooms which did nothing to capitalise on the property’s best asset: a sea view.
The five-month renovation project completely transformed the dark, poky spaces of the living room and entryway, with the old entrance hall now merged with the living zone to maximise the floor area.
Before. Although the galley-style kitchen had only recently been modified, it wasn’t to Ben and Amy’s taste, the layout felt disjointed and it didn’t fit well with modern family living.
After. Amy, pictured with her niece Lottie, 7, in the kitchen which has been modernised with offset white subway tiles and pops of colour.
Ben installed the subway tiles – self-taught from a YouTube tutorial.
“We wanted the house to feel relaxed, functional and, most importantly, we wanted the new layout to make the most of the views out to Rakino,” Amy says.
The dining table and spindle back chairs have been re-invented by Amy into bold, statement pieces.
Laminate floorboards were then installed throughout the living area. “The products available now are so diverse and look great,” says Amy.
Before. The main bedroom, although modest in size, was singing out for colour.
After. Amy chose the dark and cosy hue of Resene ‘Fuscious Grey’ for the feature wall and added accents of pink and turquoise to bring warmth and personality to the space.
In Isla’s room, Amy chose a soft lilac for the walls, specifically to contrast the bold green hues.
Isla’s room.
Amy has upcycled an antique dresser (painted in Resene ‘Niagara’) with the accent tone flowing through into the bedding, rug and wall art.
Contrast carries through into Poppy’s nursery where a navy blue feature wall and peachy accents ensure this room will grow with her.
“I love experimenting, too, and doing as much as I can myself – making the frames for stretching canvas, making shelves from off-cuts, sewing cushion covers and upcycling furniture,” says Amy.
Before.
After. Ben and Amy steadfastly agree that splashing out on the Rhombus outdoor screening has been well worth the investment, noting they have received so many positive comments since its installation.
At the end of the project: the hallway and kitchen have been incorporated into a much larger, open-plan living area, and the home is visually connected to its lush surroundings and the sea beyond.
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