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Update it Kitchen and patio revamp
Super easy splashback
Kaboodle ‘Alpine’ profile doors and drawers in Macaroon, benchtop in Squid Ink and mushroom knobs in Matt Black, $5.62 each, I/N: 2667730. Euro Home 8mm x 2.69sqm laminate flooring in Valley Oak, $64.56, I/N: 8902075. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered
Words Caroline Botting. Photography Kate Claridge, styling The Home Duo, (paving guide, next page) The Home Duo. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.
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enovating a classic 1930s bungalow was a welcome challenge for these two former Olympians, hockey player Soph Cocks and skier Jamie Prebble. The young Christchurch couple, who are documenting their home’s overhaul on their blog, The Home Duo (thehomeduo.co.nz), weren’t fazed by its dark and dated shabbiness. “Let me paint a picture for you: it had no sunlight, it was very small, the retro lino was lifting up, it had cupboards that wouldn’t close properly and there was very little storage – not to mention that the appliances were on their very last legs,” remembers Soph. After researching online, the couple created a 3D image of the space. As keen entertainers, an open-plan, light-filled area was essential, achieved by breaking down the wall between the old kitchen and the adjacent lime-green dining room.
RENOVATOR SOPH COCKS “We really did love [the kitchen]. It had character and charm, although it was in great need of an extensive makeover!” Soph homeowner
Luxe for less More hours of research followed to select the right kitchen manufacturer – and, based on quality and cost, Kaboodle won hands down. The Bunnings kitchen team then helped Soph and Jamie finalise the concept and choose finishes. “We had all of the measurements so we could easily choose the modules to fit our design. However, in saying that, you can definitely go in blind – the kitchen designers are such experts and will help you no matter what stage you’re at,” says Soph. “The team suggested some styles and cabinet designs we hadn’t thought
Soph and Jamie’s reno hacks In a lucky find, three original vintage glass light shades were discovered in the garage and upcycled to create the pendant lights above the dining table. The pair used end-of-line floor tiles as their kitchen splashback, which also helped the budget. “They were a great saving,” says Soph. It was a brave choice not to include the usual island, but Soph and Jamie love the results and recommend it. A dining table fills the central space and the benchtop was extended to create a floating bar, now a breakfast eating area and additional prep zone (see page 44). Honing your DIY skills will save you big bucks. The pair mastered laying laminate flooring, painting, gibbing, plastering, and the full kitchen install. “We did almost everything except the electrical and the plumbing!” says Soph.
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