Home Styling

Open Home Ready’s Ana Stevenson teamed up with Tim from Bolitho Builders for the renovation of 28 Nile Street. Dealing with the unknown of a Heritage C listed, 100-year-old home led to many challenges. Ana shares with us some of the things she learned along the way.

As the designer, I had a clear vision of the end result and quality I wanted to achieve. Tim, the building contractor’s, job was to navigate how we got there. Changes and compromise were negotiated along the way, Tim and I made tweaks and changes on the fly, often coming up with a better result than what was on paper - that’s a great designer/builder team. The end result for 28 Nile Street is a stunning bespoke renovation (practically rebuilt) with high end finishes, and beautiful, practical, living spaces.

Eight broad points to start your process:

1. What do you want to achieve e.g. more space, modernise, a better lay out?

2. Budget (revised post speaking with experts).

3. Engage with your builder and designer/stylist early on in the process, it will save you time and money.

4. Decide who will manage your project.

5. Design. Architect, draftsman, interior designer.

6. Consents and planning with your local council.

7. Kitchen joinery and bathroom fitout. Get this planned and ordered early on.

8. Interior design. Interior/exterior colours, carpet window treatments.

Finally, be realistic with timelines, in our ever-changing economy, and world connection, there will be delays and curveballs. Communication is key. Schedule weekly meetings to review the past week and plan the next with your builder. These are vital to keep the process bearable for all and try to focus on the end result - it will be worth it!

Contact Ana or Tim to see how we can help in your renovation journey.