Interior design by Shaw Design
Originally featured in Abode Magazine

A Thoughtful Villa Renovation in Pt Chevalier, Auckland

When a young family purchased a character villa in Pt Chevalier, Auckland, they had a clear vision: to transform the home into a modern, functional space while preserving its timeless charm.

The result is a beautifully executed renovation and extension that seamlessly blends classic villa features with contemporary design. With the help of interior designer Chantelle Shaw of Shaw Design, this Auckland home now offers the perfect balance of heritage elegance and modern living.

Magma Grey Matt

Blending Old and New with Seamless Design

One of the biggest challenges in villa renovations is merging traditional architecture with modern extensions. In this project, a new rear wing expands the kitchen, dining, and living areas, while the original home is dedicated to rest and relaxation spaces.

According to Chantelle Shaw, the goal was clear:

“It was important to retain and enhance the original charm of the villa while the modern extension showcases clean lines and contemporary architectural elements.”

The outcome is a cohesive home that feels both spacious and welcoming, where history and modern comfort exist effortlessly together.

Material Choices That Create Cohesion

A key element in achieving this seamless blend is the careful selection of materials. Throughout the home, organic, natural, and durable finishes create harmony between the old and new spaces.

Polished Concrete Flooring

In the modern extension, polished concrete floors provide warmth, durability, and a contemporary aesthetic. The concrete was tinted to complement the warm tones used throughout the home, ensuring visual continuity.

Timber, Textures and Brass Accents

Timber flooring, joinery, and soft textiles add warmth and character, while brass accents introduce a touch of understated luxury. These layered textures create a home that feels both refined and inviting.

Window Treatments That Balance Style and Function

Internal shutters play a key role in maintaining the villa’s character while enhancing the clean, modern aesthetic.

Woodlore Plus shutters in Pure White with Invisible Tilt offer a sleek finish in living spaces, while waterproof versions are used in bathrooms for durability. Paired with sheer drapery, they deliver both comfort and style.

Shale Moon Ribbed and Matt

Statement Tiles and Personality in Design

While much of the home focuses on cohesion, there are moments of bold design that add personality.

In the master ensuite, a strong coloured tile creates a moody, romantic atmosphere, setting it apart from the main bathroom. This thoughtful contrast adds visual interest while still tying into the overall design palette.

Expert Tips for Renovating a Villa

With extensive experience in residential design, Chantelle shares valuable advice for anyone planning a renovation or new build:

• Plan everything in advance, including budgets and priorities
• Expect surprises, especially when working with older homes
• Engage a designer if you struggle to visualise spaces
• Focus on how the home will be used long-term
• Avoid overcommitting to trends – keep core elements timeless

Designing for Lifestyle and Longevity

Every Shaw Design project follows a structured process, starting with understanding how homeowners will live in each space. From there, detailed finishing schedules are created, covering everything from joinery and lighting to fixtures and appliances.

This approach ensures the final design not only reflects the client’s style but also adapts to their future needs.

Shale Moon Ribbed and Micro Joint Terracotta

Why Kitchens and Bathrooms Matter Most

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most complex and valuable areas in any home renovation. They require careful planning, skilled trades, and often structural changes.

Investing in timeless materials and layouts in these spaces ensures long-term value, both for everyday living and resale potential.

A Warm and Welcoming Result

Despite being managed across cities, with Shaw Design based in Tauranga and the project in Auckland, the renovation ran smoothly from start to finish.

The final result is a home that delivers both emotional warmth and architectural impact:

“It feels like a warm hug on arrival as you transition from the classic villa into the light-filled modern extension.”

Project Credits

• Interior Design: Shaw Design – shawdesign.nz
• Concrete Finishes: PeterFell – peterfell.co.nz
• Tiles: Tile Space – tiles.co.nz
• Shutters: Santa Fé – santafe.co.nz