Complete transformation

The history of this hillside home spans around 25 years when D.J. Hewitt Builders originally built the property for the previous owners. Two and a half decades later the current owners wanted to bring the kitchen up to date. “What started as a kitchen renovation became a full home renovation,” says Daryl Hewitt of D.J. Hewitt Builders. “They originally only wanted the kitchen done but the Job just kept growing.”

Interior designer Michelle Lamb of Michelle Lamb Interior Architecture was referred to the clients by Daryl. “We have worked together on a number of projects now. We met, built a brief and scope, I sent a proposal and we went from there,” says Michelle.

The home is for a family of four plus and their beloved cats. “The clients are busy professionals,” says Michelle. “They wanted to elevate their home with some pretty big upgrades to the kitchen, living spaces and the master suite. They both had some pretty firm ideas as to what they wanted from an aesthetics perspective, so it became my job to gel the two visions and help create better flow and functionality throughout the spaces. Our clients were super passionate and invested in the design process which really paid off.”

The design philosophy was guided by a respect for the homes’ original architecture while reimagining it for contemporary living. “The existing spaces remained largely intact, with some new interventions to layout, form, materiality and connection. We wanted to create a sense of cohesion throughout with some contemporary, yet modern designs,” says Michelle. “We were responsible for all joinery design and management, material and product specification and furniture throughout.”

The clients had some colours they wanted to incorporate in the interiors. In particular the dark inky blue in the kitchen was a vision of theirs. The depth of the blue led Michelle and her team to add some depth and richness with their other selections which included forms of timber and limestone.

Longevity of products is always a consideration for Michelle, who selected high quality finishes that age gracefully and require minimal replacement.

“We have a rich, moody palette of dark navy paint lacquer, walnut-toned timbers and Como limestone setting the tone. We have introduced layers of charcoal tones in the form of the basalt grey countertops, travertine tiles throughout the bathroom and the incredible slate sheets that clad the powder room walls,” says Michelle. “Metallics bring that next layer of luxury with the Henge straight above the dining table, the brass mesh and knurled handles throughout the kitchen and the sculptural wall lights in the master ensuite.”

“For the furniture, we have an oval oak table from David Shaw which features an incredible Orobico porcelain top, paired with some leather upholstered chairs. We leaned into the clients love of blue with the sofa,” says Michelle.

In the kitchen, Michelle says the standout piece is the limestone. “We used it vertically as the splashback and rangehood cover and for the impressive bar leaner that wraps around the island.”

The oak battened wall in the living room hides a door through to the office. “It’s such a clever anchor for the space and really elevates the overall design,” says Michelle. For Daryl, this was the most challenging aspect of the renovation. “The Timber battens on the secret door were the biggest challenge for our foreman Tom, as each batten had to be individually installed,” says Daryl.

Michelle says of her favourite room, “I love the dining space. The outlook from there is stunning, I love the sheer ombre drapes, the battened timber ceiling and the furniture. It feels really luxurious. The perfect spot for entertaining, I’m sure I could spend many hours parked up at that table,” says Michelle.

“We are very proud of the whole project,” says Daryl who also replaced the original roof of the home with new Colorsteel roofing. “It’s a complete transformation.”

Daryl enjoyed working with Michelle Lamb on the project and is particularly proud of her award-winning kitchen and bathroom designs. Michelle and her team won the Designers of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Awards (DNKBA) Gold Bathroom Design, NKBA Canterbury Bathroom Design and Canterbury Kitchen Design awards for this stunning home renovation at the 2025 NKBA awards.

“Our clients were great to work with,” says Daryl who notes that they are very happy with the transformation of their home. ‘It was a privilege working with Daryl and the team at DJ Hewitt on our award-winning kitchen and bathroom renovation. Their attention to detail and exacting craftsmanship have shone through in the finished product. Communication and project management were exceptional; wrangling 16 sub-trades is no mean feat! We’d happily work with the DJ Hewitt Builders team again, if we ever leave our amazing house,” say the homeowners.

Contact details:

D J Hewitt Builders
03 384 7470
info@djhewitt-builders.co.nz
www.djhewitt.co.nz