Villas & Heritage Homes

Breathing New Life into Heritage Homes

Villa and heritage renovations require a careful balance — preserving the charm and character of the past while introducing the comfort, functionality and style of modern living. At NM Design, we specialise in villa renovations and heritage home interiors in Auckland and across New Zealand, creating homes that respect their history while meeting the needs of today.

With over 20 years of experience and an award-winning portfolio, we understand the unique challenges of heritage projects, from spatial constraints and original detailing to compliance requirements. Our role is to guide you through this complexity with a structured process, ensuring your renovation honours the architecture while delivering a home that feels timeless, refined and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Laundry with white cabinetry, benchtop and green tiles

Our Approach

Every villa or heritage home tells its own story. Our process is about respecting that story while enhancing how the home works for modern life. We manage every stage of the journey, including:

  • Spatial planning – creating flow and functionality while retaining original proportions
  • Respectful restoration – celebrating character features like mouldings, fireplaces, timber floors and stained glass
  • Bespoke interiors – custom-designed kitchens, bathrooms and joinery that blend seamlessly into the architecture
  • Material and finish selection – carefully chosen finishes that reflect the heritage character while offering modern performance
  • Integration of modern comforts – heating, lighting and technology introduced with subtlety and respect for the home’s style
  • Full project coordination – working alongside builders, craftspeople and heritage specialists to ensure every detail is handled with care

FAQ’s

Yes wherever possible, we retain and restore heritage details like timber joinery, fireplaces and stained glass. These features are part of the character that makes a villa so special.

Absolutely. We’re experts at blending modern comfort – like heating, lighting and contemporary kitchens or bathrooms – while preserving the soul and character of a heritage home.

We balance functionality with respect for the architecture. Materials, colours and detailing are chosen to complement the home’s era, while layouts and modern fittings ensure the space works for contemporary living.

Yes we’re experienced in villa and heritage renovations, and can coordinate with specialists to ensure council or heritage approvals are managed properly.

Remuera Master Bedroom renovation with blue velvet upholstered headboard

What our clients are saying…

Remuera Heritage Home Renovation

“NMD have helped in projects large and small for our 1900s villa. From furniture options and procurement, wallpaper, paint and colour advice thorough to a full customised cocktail bar design and installation.

Nicola and Amy make the process fun, stress free and I am always thrilled with the outcomes. Highly recommend.”

– Sophie

Remuera Heritage Home Renovation

“Over the last ten years Nicola has helped us with a kitchen and bathroom renovation in one house and then more recently helped us with a total renovation of another house. We have found her to be creative and efficient, with an eye for detail, but also listens to your wishes and needs.

Her project management skills and relationships with trades people ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget. This makes the renovation process an enjoyable experience.“

– Margie

Parnell Heritage Home Renovation

“Nicola Manning was responsible for creating a special ‘look’ in my home in Parnell when we renovated the kitchen, four bathrooms, the laundry and the interior colours, window treatments, and wooden floors over a three year period. Nicola is extremely artistic and ahead of the trends; she has extensive contacts in the design industry so she is a mine of helpful information and can source ideas and products from virtually anywhere. Nicola Manning cheerfully provides total support; everything a client might want from a creative interiors genius. She can work in a family setting because she understands the importance of logistics. Nicola’s secret weapon is that gets jobs done quickly and with minimum fuss; she knows the right team to employ for every job. She is reliable and understanding; and a joy to work with.”

– Juliette

You can also read our reviews on Houzz

Why Choose NM Design for your Heritage Home Renovation?

  • Specialist expertise – two decades of experience in villa and heritage renovations

  • Respect for history – designs that enhance, not erase, original character

  • Bespoke solutions – interiors tailored to your lifestyle, budget and architectural context

  • Award-winning recognition – nationally and internationally recognised for excellence in residential design

  • End-to-end service – from concept to completion, we manage the details so you can enjoy the process

Ready to Begin?

If you’re planning a villa renovation in Auckland or looking to restore a heritage home with timeless interiors, we’d love to help. At NM Design, we combine award-winning expertise, a structured process and a refined Kiwi-luxury aesthetic to create homes that honour the past while embracing the future.