Full Frontage recap: A 1950s beauty gets a facelift

14 May 2015

Lorraine Vawdry’s Blockhouse Bay home is one of those rare gems, an architectural statement of the 1950s era with stunning brick work and a single pitch roof.

The Aucklander had tried to sell the property previously, but the front yard and exterior was seriously letting it down. It was a great challenge for the Full Frontage TV show team who climbed in and completed an inspirational makeover, showing the process across two of the series’ episodes. 

Above: Lorraine’s front yard before the makeover

Key projects included an innovative tiling system that doesn’t need concrete, tiling the entrance pathway, laying a new lawn and constructing a mowing strip around the lawn.

Team leader and DIY extraordinaire Justin also revealed his strategy for making the biggest impact with a limited plant budget. Watch episodes 3 and 4 here.

For insiders tips and how-tos for this front yard spruce up – including Justin’s macrocarpa sleeper screens painted in Resene Zeus – click through for a detailed step-by-step guide. 

Top tip... Resene testpots are great to use for smaller projects outside as most of them are made from exterior-grade Resene Lumbersider paint.

Next week The Full Frontage team are in Belfast, Christchurch. Michelle and Jason Steward are motivated vendors but their front yard doesn’t match the interesting house and well established back garden. Justin has come up with a design that ensures potential buyers know where the front door is with a stunning path, new fencing and a stunning front lawn.

Check out Full Frontage on Tuesdays, 7.30pm on Choice TV. See past episodes at www.choicetv.co.nz/on-demand.

Published: 14 May 2015