MOODY BLUES
DIY DREAMS
This “reno-crazy” couple relied on DIY, with help from family and friends, to create a stylish open-plan kitchen in their 1950s New Plymouth home.
How much of the work did you do yourselves? Shay: We did basically everything ourselves (with a little help from family). John being a builder meant anything was possible. Plumbing and electrical were completed by friends. Describe the style you were going for. Palm Springs, plant-crazy, bright, happy, with a hint of glam.
What was the biggest risk you took? We ordered the kitchen bench from the tiniest sample at Mitre 10,which was a big risk being that it’s a marble pattern that changes vastly from a tiny sample to a large bench, but we were really happy with it when it turned up! We went with laminate which was $1600 (the next option up was over $7000).
THE RESULTS
What were you wanting to achieve with the makeover? We wanted somewhere that’s a great hub for entertaining friends and family – that was really tested this Christmas as we hosted two Christmasses in three days with more than 20 people at each!
What’s your favourite feature of the new space? Design-wise it’s hard, as I just love it all. Functionality-wise, neither of us had ever had a dishwasher so that’s been life-changing!
BUDGET
What was your budget? We didn’t have a set budget, just renovated as we could afford things. We’ve done time without a kitchen, two winters without ceilings, about six months living in the basement, and a few months living completely out of a bedroom. It’s been crazy but so much fun.
What did you save on? John being a builder was the biggest saving. But we saved on most things. We bought all our kitchen carcasses from Mitre 10 and did all of the panels with premium MDF. I love the look and feel of these and I’m known for changing things up, so it’s simple enough to repaint.
TOTAL Approx $11,000