Reno Of The Year

From ugly tin garage to dusky pink office space in a matter of weeks, these new business owners can call their first project a resounding success

- Fiona Ralph

In just six weeks, Melissa O’Shaughnessy, Holly Buckley and Ashlee Clegg of The Reno Girls transformed a “large, ugly” tin garage in Melissa’s Whangaparaoa backyard into the base for their new business. The three friends launched the renovation business six months ago to combine their styling, construction and project management skills, and to “spend more time with the kids,” says Melissa, a former pastor. The office was the first project the trio undertook – although they’d each completed their own house renovations – and it went off almost without a hitch.

What was your inspiration for the build?

Melissa: The rise in popularity of container rooms and houses. I thought this could be a similar concept, and it worked perfectly.

What interior style were you aiming for? Coachella Valley desert with a mix of boho. We wanted the style to reflect our brand – fun, relaxed, playful and girly; an oasis where we can dream and create.

How did the three of you split the work? It was a collaborative job. I had the overall vision of what I wanted the space to become, Holly worked with the colour and design, and Ash helped me execute it.