A labour of love pays off for one family of five

A chance encounter with a dilapidated 1900s villa in one of Palmerston North’s sought-after streets was the start of a love affair for one couple. 

A former rental property, Rebecca and Blair McDonald, co-owners of Blair McDonald Building, purchased the property six months after that first encounter and moved in with their young children.

Realising the home would require a complete transformation, the experienced renovators weren’t put off by the undertaking. Rebecca had a clear vision for creating a modern villa, while ensuring the heritage of the home was still respected and retained.

“I like to focus on getting the bones of a home right. I consider the layout first with the hard finishes following. Design decisions often start with the flooring and I work my way up from there,” Rebecca explains.

Taking a thoughtfully considered approach to the redesign and ensuring meticulous attention to detail, the result is a modern home for a modern lifestyle; connecting the interiors to the outdoors and creating a functional, well designed home.

In the midst of renovations, it’s easy to feel like the all-consuming project is never ending. Five years later and with their family having grown to five (with Ryder now 8, Indy 5 and Tilly 3), Rebecca and Blair can look back on what they have achieved and admire their unrecognisable Batt Street villa. 

I spoke with Rebecca to hear how they approached such an extensive renovation and how to do so while raising a young family. 

How would you describe your approach to renovating?

Two feet in - I don’t like to do anything by halves. Our approach could also be described as an addiction. I love the transformation process of a renovation project. 

Where do you draw inspiration from? 

Absolutely everywhere. I have always loved and appreciated homes and interior design. 

What were you both wanting to achieve through your renovations?

We wanted to create a home that was a complete transformation of the dilapidated villa we had purchased. 

All of our renovations on this villa were centred around creating a warm, comfortable and functional family home that was beautiful whilst both retaining and celebrating its 100 year old history. 

Were there any complexities during the renovation?

In a practical sense, no there wasn’t. Blair and I are pretty easy going individuals and have quite the can-do attitude, so there isn’t much renovation wise that can stump us even with the odd surprise that can crop up.

Emotionally though, undergoing a major renovation with three small children in tow is always going to wear you out at some point. Possibly, the main complexity we faced was managing a successful work and family life balance for everyone - one that ensured we stayed sane throughout out the whole process.

Were there any stand out special materials used? 

The one feature that added the most impact to this renovation is the second-hand dark walnut stained native timber floors we sourced. They add a depth and a luxury that I don’t think could have been achieved by using any other flooring material in this case.

The other stand out for me was the kitchen we designed. I love how each design detail in the kitchen unites to create a space that is so fitting for a 100 year old character home and yet is modern and functional. The butlers sink, the bevel-edged subway tiles and the stone counter top with the picture frame cabinetry. I love all of those little details and the space they create. 

You can follow Rebecca and Blair’s renovations and building projects on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blairandbecsbuild/