Davy Project
We’re thrilled to finally share some insights about the Davy Project! While there’s more to come, we couldn’t wait any longer to reveal what we’ve accomplished so far in this charming workman’s cottage in Thames, Coromandel.
This home holds a special place in my heart, as we had the pleasure of renting it a few years ago—our very first rental when we immigrated to New Zealand over five years ago. The house had its own unique charm, complete with quirky decor and a memorable kitchen, but the standout feature was the golden wallpaper in the 3.2m stud ceiling! So, you can imagine our excitement when we got the opportunity to transform this cottage into something truly special.
The goal was clear: to create a warm, welcoming home for our client. After the passing of her husband, she relocated to Thames, seeking a safe haven where she could embrace the next chapter of her life. One of her most challenging requests was to convert the third bedroom into an en-suite bathroom that also served as the main bathroom, complete with a second toilet and a laundry area, all accessible from her master bedroom and the kitchen. Additionally, the existing bathroom was to be transformed into her new office, taking advantage of the morning sun.
We began by reimagining the third bedroom into the en-suite/bathroom and laundry area. This wasn’t as straightforward as it sounds; we had to work around an existing window and redraw plans for council approval since we completely relocated the bathroom. Balancing accessibility with privacy was essential, and we ultimately developed a layout that fulfilled all requirements. The bathroom features custom cabinetry by Paton Kitchens, and we love the black accents and vertical towel warmers. My favorite detail is the mini subway tiles behind the basin, these tiles were selected by our client with her late husband but never used in a project, until now. It was a beautiful way to honor that memory.
Creating the laundry and second toilet posed a challenge due to the lack of natural light, so we introduced a stunning pendant light above the toilet to create a warm ambiance as well as multiple spot lights for those special laundry tasks. Our client chose a gorgeous wallpaper called Strawberry Thief by William Morris, and we added a nib wall for visual interest in the narrow space. The laundry area remained simple and multifunctional, utilizing tiles from the client’s storage and incorporating a heated unit to keep linens fresh. Overall, this space is not only functional but a delight for both our client and her guests.
Next up was the kitchen. While the space is long, it’s not very wide, which limited our options. We kept the door openings as they were but emphasized the need for dining space. After evaluating several concepts, we landed on a design that ticked all the boxes for our client.
The kitchen features Kombu Green cabinetry from Dezignatek in the Rhonda style, paired with Oyster cabinetry in the Milan style. Gunmetal finishes for the sink, handles, and tapware add a modern touch, while the stunning Dekton Argentium countertop from Cosentino is a real showstopper. The splashback features a beautiful matte patterned tile called Origami White from our friends at Tiles on Devon, and the frosted glass overhead cabinets offer ample storage for entertaining essentials. This kitchen was expertly manufactured and installed by Paton Kitchens & Joinery Ltd.
While we’ve made significant progress, the project is far from finished! We still have the office, lounge, and two bedrooms to complete. It’s a reminder that even a small workman’s cottage has a lot to offer!
It’s always a joy to revisit a project and see how clients embrace their new spaces, enhancing their overall well-being and living experience.
We can’t wait to wrap up this project and will be sure to share the next phase with you!
To our wonderful client, thank you for trusting us with your home. You’ve been a fantastic partner in this journey!