To The Max

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style

- Debbie Harrison

For Leigh Aston and Cory Hogben, there’s only been one downside to living in a petite 70-square-metre townhouse: “There’s a limit to the amount of renovation and styling you can do!” laughs Leigh.

The couple moved into the tired two-level, two-bedroom, one-bathroom Christchurch abode in 2016, excited about living close enough to the CBD that they could stroll into the heart of the city and observe its redevelopment. They were also taken by how private the home was, tucked down the back of a long driveway, and loved its cute northwest-facing courtyard garden. But it wasn’t all roses.

“It had been a rental for many years so the decor was tired but it was easy for us to see the potential in the large bedrooms, tiled bathroom and open-plan living area,” Leigh says. “There was minor cosmetic earthquake damage (some cracking in the gib above doors and windows, for instance) and it had the original kitchen, bathroom and carpet, but the layout worked. It just needed some love,” she explains.

Both keen DIYers, they instantly set to work adding their personality to the pint-sized place.

THE KITCHEN

In a small open-plan space, every square metre counts – and the old kitchen was bringing the living area down. Both Leigh and Cory agreed that the kitchen needed a complete overhaul.

“We’ve always loved the kitchens at Palazzo Kitchens [in Christchurch] but thought we couldn’t afford one,” says Leigh. “When we compared the cost of DIY flatpacks with Palazzo we realised it was actually really good value with the added bonus that we didn’t have to install it. As much as we love DIY, we were more than happy to leave that task to the professionals!”