HONESTY BOX

> What was the biggest challenge of this renovation? Finding balance between spending time with the kids and work.

> How did you stay on top of your budget?

I always set myself a figure to work from, try to think of ways to save money along the way, and cut down on unnecessary items.

But sometimes you have to get creative and change plans at the last minute!

> How did you choose the right shade of white for your home’s interior? I aim to find a white that is in the mid range between cool and really warm tones. Also it has to be similar to the linen and accessories I plan to use.

> What’s your favourite way to keep an all-white interior from looking too stark?

I usually decorate with warm, earthy tones in furniture and accessories, and a bit of greenery here and there can make a big difference. Natural timbers usually make a room feel warmer, too.

BUDGET

> Kitchen $13,000

> Bathroom $7000

> Bedrooms, hall and dining $6000 > Balustrades $5000

> Paint and extras $3000

> Landscaping $3000

Total Approx $37,000

CONTACT LIST

> Plumber Grooby Plumbing, 027 572 8508.

> Electrician Total Electrix, totalelectrix.co.nz. > Plants and garden supplies Selmes Nursery, selmesgardencentre.co.nz.

SUPPLY SHOP

> Furniture Farmers, farmers.co.nz.

> Art Harvey Norman, harveynorman.co.nz.

> Paint Resene ColorShop Blenheim, resene.co.nz. > Kitchen cabinetry Mitre 10 Blenheim, mitre10.co.nz.