A Mediterranean Makeover in Remuera, Auckland

Getting Started

Built in the 1920s, this Remuera home has spectacular vistas, reaching as far as the Waitakeres and Coromandel. But the pool house and its surrounding area, both of which had fallen into disrepair, detracted from the views and left much to be desired. 
Such was the state of the pool house that it served only as a storage area. The space lacked style and functionality, but it certainly had potential. 
In anticipation of an upcoming birthday celebration, the homeowner reached out to Refresh Renovations to get her property in peak condition for entertaining. Renovation Consultants John and Maree de Latour paid her a visit to discuss her vision for the transformation.

Focusing on a bespoke solution

The homeowner indicated that this project was to be completely design-led as she painted a picture of the existing situation. Dark and uninspired, made from concrete blocks and cedar planks with exposed bulbs for lighting, she deemed the pool room a space worthy only of wayward pool floats and push brooms. 
Her vision was to create an oasis where she could entertain and host family and friends, an outdoor living area she could be proud of. She had very specific ideas for the final look, so John and Maree enlisted the help of a designer to tailor a completely bespoke interior for the pool house. 
Without a set budget, there was freedom to find the perfect fixtures and finishings. Maree worked closely with the homeowner to discuss her requirements before reaching out to her preferred suppliers to source the products and materials she was after.

Sizeable but Smooth-going Construction

Once the plans were sorted out, it was time to commence the build. This renovation involved more than just the interior of the pool house, which was a big undertaking on its own. John and Maree engaged a specialist to address the refurbishments being made to the pool itself as well as the surrounding hardscaping. 
Emptying the pool to install accent tiling, replacing the existing brick patio, and undertaking the extensive renovations on the pool house took the team about 10 weeks. The timeline was affected by COVID restrictions but, nevertheless, this was a quick turnaround considering the sizable scope of the project. After the build phase came to a close, the all-in investment of $395,000 yielded magnificent results. 

An Incredible Outdoor Enclave

Dreams of Mediterranean seaside escapes have been brought to life in this Remuera haven. Classic, nautical, and European design elements come together in an impossibly chic design.
The pool house bathroom has been transformed with a combination of vertically mounted shiplap and classic subway tiling. Complemented by antique-inspired chrome and porcelain fixtures, the all-white palette is both elegant and tasteful.
Where once stood a dead-vine-covered brown wall, an inviting bar now looks directly into the stylish kitchenette. A deep cerulean, subway-tiled splashback contrasts beautifully with the white marble benchtops and further invokes feelings of the Med. 
Blue and white paired together have long been the colour scheme of all things nautical. And, while that stands true in this design, the blue and white also summon up images of France and Greece. Striped cushions for the outdoor furniture and indoor changing room bench are made of the same material as the awning above the bar area, creating cohesion throughout. 
The pool deck is now a neutral-toned stone material, a perfect muted foundation for the chic furniture that adorns it. Anywhere the eye travels in this renovation, a clever design feature appears. 

Final Thoughts

John and Maree led a renovation that delivered stunning results. Transforming the previously outdated and underutilised outdoor area into such a remarkable expression of elegant design was no small feat. 
In terms of functionality, the pool house now has a full bathroom, beautiful kitchenette, and spacious changing area for the homeowner and her guests, with plenty of purposeful storage for the wayward pool floats. She is elated with the results and will be able to host many celebrations in her fantastic outdoor oasis.

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

Get in touch for a free consultation with your local Renovation Consultant.