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Hamilton love birds, Richard Boobyer (24), and Sarah Adams (21) bought an old bungalow as their first home in 2011, which they are in the process of renovating in their spare time.

Together three-and-a-half-years, Sarah studies public relations and marketing, and works for the Waikato Rugby Union, while Richard is a former chef turned qualified landscape designer.

This high energy couple love sports and keeping fit, and thrive on challenges. As well at totally renovating their first home, they just completed a half triathlon. Sarah represented New Zealand in tennis as a teenager, including competing at the Under 14 World Champs.

DESIGN STYLE

Sarah and Richard describe themselves as environmentally conscious and minimalist. They favour contemporary design, but like to incorporate stronger materials like timber and cast concrete.

The pair enjoy original pieces or things made by themselves. Richard says they prefer their own colourful and slightly eclectic style and choose pieces that they gain real enjoyment from rather than follow current trends.

While Richard’s favourite room in the house is the lounge, “because it houses the 50inch”, Sarah says their bathroom is her favourite room; “It’s our space, luxurious, and everything has been designed, chosen, and refined by us.”

RENOVATION EXPERIENCE:

While Sarah and Richard are one of the youngest couples on The Block NZ they are the most experienced when it comes to DIY.

Since moving into their old bungalow the pair have wasted no time in outfitting one complete bathroom, which saw Richard craft a solid concrete vanity unit and bench. They soon found out how expensive bathroom renovations can be and are putting that knowledge to good use for their second bathroom.They’ve also painted and wallpapered bedrooms and landscaped their large overgrown garden.

MOST FRIVOLOUSLY EXPENSIVE ITEM EVER BOUGHT?

Sarah: “For Richard’s birthday last year we went to Wellington restaurant Logan Brown and dinner cost us $500 – it was amazing, but out there.”

Richard: “I’ve probably got too many bikes and surfboards, but I’d rather buy something expensive that is quality. We did spend $500 on our first bathroom sink and it is beautiful, but we could’ve spent half the price on something similar.”