Before & after: From country cottage to modern coastal

Located in the beautiful bayside town of Mount Eliza, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this former country cottage style house was renovated recently by its owner, interior designer Kristy Gathercole of Emerald Pear.

“When we found this house it was as brown as a country cottage could be! It even had saws and rabbit traps used all over the exterior for decoration. It had a lovely verandah and so much character though and I could see the amazing possibility for a coastal beach house,” says Kristy who lives in the home with her husband, three children and their new puppy.

After moving in, Kristy transformed the abode into a bright, open home that makes the family feel as if they are on holiday throughout the year. “We wanted to create a beautiful coastal retreat, with lots of great spaces that meet the needs of a growing family of five. This meant creating a kids’ retreat, family zone, and parents’ retreat,” says Kristy whose initial intention was to ‘flip’ the house. “We wanted to do it for maximum effect and minimal cost but we love it so much we have decided to stay – until the next one!” says Kristy who has spent the last fifteen years renovating old homes after studying Interior Design and Decoration at Melbourne’s RMIT.

The heart of the home, what was once a dated brown kitchen is now a light-filled white space that features Easycraft VJ panelling and statement seafoam glass pendant lights. “The kitchen is part of an open plan living space that is a great spot for the family to engage and exist as a community. It has a useful butler’s pantry too,” says Kristy.

“The open plan works beautifully and showcases the original timber floorboards, which were limed to create a warm coastal feel. It was really important that the house felt homely and fresh, so Dulux Natural White paint was used on the walls and Dulux Vivid White was used on the ceiling,” says Kristy.

Another highlight of the renovation is the home’s fabulous new pool and wrap around deck area – Kristy’s favourite feature. “We opened the house up, incorporating as many large glass sliding doors, and highlight windows as possible, giving us the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living.”

For more | More before & afters