By their eighth renovation, Alice and Caleb should definitely be considered reno-experts. Here they share some of their hard-won reno secrets
Meet + Greet
Caleb Pearson, 32, and Alice Pearson, 31 (directors of Pearson + Projects), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2.
Budget
Total renovation spend: $480,000
Decor tips
Find ways to inject personality – for example, the ‘Be still my soul’ artwork in the family room. It’s the little details that sometimes make a big impact.
- Don’t avoid colour. Add colour that is soft and complementary to the space.
- Find various textures and patterns. Elements like the living-room rug or beams bring energy and depth and make a space feel inviting. The hide chair in the living room and the layers on the beds also do this.
- Invest in plants and take the time to keep them alive! A pot plant in a few places can visually fill a space and give an earthy feel to a room.
[gallery_link num_photos=”9″ media=”http://homestolove.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Alice-and-Caleb.jpg” link=”/real-homes/home-tours/block-nz-alice-and-caleb-reno” title=”Read more about Alice and Caleb’s latest reno here”]
Reno tips
Always get at least three quotes from tradespeople. It also gives you a chance to meet potential contractors and work out if they are right for your renovation.
- Consider the longevity of the products you use. Ask about how long a product is under warranty for as it will give you a great indication of its quality.
- To avoid over capitalising go along to open homes in your area to give you an idea of what a renovated home in your market looks like and what it’s worth.
- Don’t underestimate the value of your own time. Doing it yourself is less expensive but it comes at the cost of your time, energy and leisure.







Family room A beige linen sofa from Harvey Norman anchors the space, while shiny plants in stone and timber planters add an earthy feel.




Bathroom Chic black tapware and towel rails are warmed up with wooden and ceramic accessories.


Bedroom before

Bedroom after.









Contact list
- Architect Stuart Huggett
- Builders QBS
- Furniture Harvey Norman
- Paint Resene
- Blinds Santa Fe
- Engineers Chester Engineering
- Switches and sockets Legrand
- Wardrobes Wardrobe World
- Concrete Allied Concrete
- Carpets Cavalier Bremworth
- Repiling House Lifters
- Doors and windows Rylock
- Kitchen cabinets Kitchen Mania
- Plumbing Auckland Plumbers Group
- Timber flooring repairs South Pacific Timber
- Deck balustrades/shower glass NZ Glass
- Real estate Mike Pero
- Mortgage broker Mike Whittaker
- Building equipment Kennards Hire
Words by: Esther Gordon. Photography by: Helen Bankers.
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