Where ideas begin
Set proudly on Mandeville Street since 1987, the Home Ideas Centre has become a go-to destination for all things related to design, building, and renovation.
Originally the brainchild of Robert Cooper, Home Ideas’ various satellite centres have seen changes in ownership over the years. In Christchurch, the reins were passed on to Griff Simpson, a local businessman better known for his Fi-Glass and Mr Boats businesses, who took over ownership about four years ago.
The premise of the centres was to provide a space that facilitates experts with people looking to head on a renovation or build journey. As Jason Boa, centre manager at the Christchurch branch, reflects: “The model is as good now as it was back then.”
“We are here for trades, specifiers, and homeowners alike,” Jason says. “The idea is you can come in and choose everything for your bathroom in one go or choose the flooring for your new home or renovation. We have wood, concrete, and carpet flooring on display.”
Within the centre, you’ll find an array of in situ displays set up as exhibits. With a clipboard in hand, you can check the appliances and furnishing you like. Bathrooms are set up from vanity to showerhead, outdoor furniture artfully arranged, garden sheds and tiny homes frame the building, and even a full show home and staged area for presentations share the space.
The original model has worked since its inception, but under Griff’s leadership, the Christchurch centre is embracing positive change and heading towards a remarkable transformation. With a focus on adaptability and staying relevant, they are “rejigging the model” to bring it into 2023 with the addition of smart tech features like QR codes. They are also currently undergoing a complete renovation – to make the space a more inviting one.
The centre’s changes include relocating the entrance, incorporating offices within the show spaces, and the impressive feat of painting a 1250sqm ceiling black by hand. New exhibits are also being added regularly.
When it comes to expertise, Jason says the role of the centre now is to get customers the most appropriate advice and services, so they collaborate closely with industry experts such as the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bathroom Association), ADNZ (Architectural Designers New Zealand), and Registered Master Builders, and major retailers.
Jason says the benefits of this are huge. “Customers are referred in to come and see, touch, and muse over items, finishes, and colours. This is in their own time and without sales pressure.”
Customers are encouraged to come in with their interior designer, architect, or builder to view the displays, so they can get a comprehensive idea of what will work in their renovation or build.
Events are also an integral part of the centre’s offerings, including the upcoming Winter Seminar Series, aiming to educate homeowners on crucial subjects like home security, flooring options, and building healthy homes. Jason says the aim here is to “help people along their journey providing inspiration, information, and hopefully a bit of fun”.
With its rich legacy and unwavering commitment to reinvention, Home Ideas Christchurch is continuing to evolve, offering the best in building and renovating products and advice.