2015 National Winner

Bye-bye bashful bungalow, hello Hokowhitu heartthrob. With a little slice of paradise in Palmerston North, the owners can now indulge their love of entertaining and outdoor living.

The original 1930s galley kitchen was small and dark, and the home’s cramped living spaces left a lot to be desired. An expansive open-plan family area, including a new, classically styled kitchen, has changed all that. Spacious and super-functional, the central island bench incorporates double sinks, dishwasher, rubbish and vegetable storage, cutlery and crockery storage, and seating for the family of four. Perfect. A large skylight overhead adds to the feeling of spaciousness. The window seat provides old-fashioned charm and a wonderful place to curl up in the sun with a good book or chat with the cook.

A computer and sewing alcove off the new living area is cleverly concealed behind bi-fold doors. The fully covered alfresco room provides indoor-outdoor flow and an easy-breezy base for gatherings. Summers will never be better - the newly installed pool makes a real splash with kids and adults alike. Bordered by glass balustrades, there’s no barrier to the sense of openness. A poolside lounging area with landscaped gardens creates the feeling of being on holiday every day.

Back inside, top-quality fittings and finishes enhance the modern feel of the home without diminishing its original charm. Everyday chores are made that much more pleasant with the appointment of new laundry. Here, colourful laminate ties in beautifully with the kitchen and guest toilet. Overall, the humble 40sqm extension has made a big impression on this fantastic four-bedroom home.