Check out a quick walkthrough video from the Auckland Home Show 2023! Don’t miss out on the fun – visit us at Stand 679 – Hall 6 between 10am-9pm Thurs-Sat / 10am-6pm Sun.
As the leaves turned in September 2023, Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds buzzed with the energy of transformation. The Auckland Home Show, New Zealand’s premier event for home enthusiasts, drew a record-breaking 36,723 attendees over four exhilarating days. For us at Retro Construction, a team with over 30 years of expertise in Auckland home renovations, it was more than an event—it was a treasure trove of ideas, innovations, and connections that fuel our passion for breathing new life into Kiwi homes. If you’re dreaming of a kitchen refresh, a bathroom oasis, or a full-scale addition, let’s dive into the highlights that still resonate two years on.
Eight sprawling halls and outdoor zones teeming with over 450 exhibitors, from cutting-edge kitchen designers to eco-friendly cladding specialists. The air hummed with conversations about budgets, timelines, and that perfect blend of form and function. Attendees, much like our clients, came armed with notebooks and big ambitions—78% left intending to make purchases, and a whopping 60% planned to invest over $25,000 in their next project. We spotted families sketching outdoor layouts, couples debating smart home tech, and solo renovators eyeing sustainable swaps. It’s no wonder 87% of visitors raved about recommending the show; it’s the ultimate catalyst for turning “someday” into “let’s start tomorrow.”
What stole the spotlight? Renovation trends that echoed our own projects at Retro Construction. Kitchens and bathrooms reigned supreme, with complete overhauls drawing the biggest crowds. Exhibitors showcased matte black taps alongside biophilic designs—think living walls and natural stone benchtops that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. One standout was the surge in energy-efficient appliances and ventilation systems, aligning perfectly with Auckland’s push for greener living. We chatted with experts demoing heat-pump integrations that slash bills without sacrificing style, reminding us of a recent client reno in East Tamaki where we retrofitted a 1980s villa with solar-ready wiring. Outdoor spaces followed close behind, with decking and fencing displays emphasizing durable, low-maintenance materials like composite timber that withstands our humid summers.
Seminars were goldmines of practical wisdom. Registered Master Builder Russell Clark’s session on “Renovating with Confidence” unpacked common pitfalls—overlooking structural surveys or underestimating permitting delays—that we’ve helped countless clients sidestep. His advice? Start with a solid brief and a trusted builder. We couldn’t agree more; our process at Retro Construction begins with free consultations, mood boards, and 3D renders to visualize your vision. Another highlight: talks on color trends, from earthy terracottas to moody blues, inspiring us to incorporate bolder palettes in upcoming wardrobe makeovers and playroom transformations.
For exhibitors like those we networked with, the show delivered ROI in spades—91% secured up to six months of work from leads generated on-site. As renovators, we thrive on these face-to-face exchanges, scouting suppliers for everything from custom cabinetry to heritage-compliant cladding. One memorable booth featured reclaimed timber displays, sparking ideas for a heritage home addition we’re quoting now. It’s these serendipitous finds that keep our work fresh and client-focused.
Reflecting on 2023’s show, it’s clear the home renovation landscape is evolving toward smarter, sustainable, and soulful spaces. Whether you’re tackling a modest refresh or a full reclad, events like this remind us why we do what we do: to craft homes that evolve with you. At Retro Construction, we’ve turned show-inspired concepts into reality for hundreds of Auckland families—from tranquil bedroom retreats to vibrant family hubs.
Ready to infuse your space with 2023’s lingering magic? Our team is here to guide you through every step, from concept to completion. Book a no-obligation chat today at retroconstruction.co.nz or call 09 271 0000. Your dream reno awaits—let’s make it happen, one inspired detail at a time.


