Tag: home reno

Before & after: Coastal bathrooms inspired by 1930’s

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 19, 2019
2 Comments on Before & after: Coastal bathrooms inspired by 1930’s

Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this 1930’s weatherboard shack was renovated in 1995 and hadn’t been touched again until Alex Gourlay of Vellum Interiors was called in recently to overhaul the home’s bathrooms. “The brief from the clients was to modernise the spaces, while keeping in line with the existing look and feel of rest of the house. Since the spaces hadn’t been touched for more than 20 years, in which time the clients’ needs had changed, there were some specific requests as well,” says Alex.

Tasked with transforming the home’s wet areas, Alex started by improving their functionality. “For example, being empty-nesters, the home’s ensuite is now the most-used bathroom in the house. With a bathtub that was rarely filled, the brief from the homeowners was to make the space more practical for them and add a double vanity if we could. They also wanted an element of luxury and elegance so the space could be a relaxing sanctuary,” says Alex.

“I was extremely happy with how the ensuite turned out, as it was this space that the floor plan changed the most. It now makes you feel happy and relaxed as soon as you walk in, and functions so much better for the clients,” says Alex.

Alex also turned her hand to the main bathroom where an upcycled bath tub is now the hero of the space. “The bath tub in the main bathroom came from the original 1930’s house, and the clients were really keen to incorporate it into the new design. By respraying the enamel and re-chroming the claw feet, it’s been given new life, and it works so well with the updated space,” say Alex.

Referencing the classic Australian beach shack and the home’s 1930’s origins, Alex ultimately wanted to create a series of stylish coastal-inspired spaces that avoided the clichés. “Overall, I’m very happy with how the look and feel translated to all the spaces without them matching exactly. I think this is important in creating a look that feels intentional and not over-done. The sage green tiles combined with Calacutta marble and the blue green on some of the cabinetry also beautifully reflect the home’s location without being cliched,” says Alex.

Powder room AFTER: The palm print wallpaper echoes the greenery outside

As for coastal-inspired design tips, Alex has many. “You should always use your existing house and the location of your house for inspiration. I think this is key in creating something that doesn’t look ‘planted’ from overseas because it’s more authentic. We have a long history of a coastal lifestyle here in Australia that provides so much inspiration for creating a modern coastal look,” says Alex.

“Another tip is to use colours that step away from stereotypical coastal palettes such as blue and white or all-white. Even adding one extra colour in the mix will make a big difference and avoid your bathroom looking exactly like everyone else’s.”

Photography: Natalie Hunfalvay

For more | All white is out for coastal homes

Tags before and after, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, sydney, vellum interiors

Before & Afters Design Interviews

Before & after: This reno was managed entirely online!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 15, 2019
No Comments on Before & after: This reno was managed entirely online!

Gold Coast interior designer Mel Hoekstra, of MH Interior Design has worked on many projects but none entirely via email. That was until recently when a London couple sought her out to transform their Queensland home while they were still living in the UK. “My client Rosie discovered my web site via a Google search and felt connected with my approach and enthusiasm, so our design relationship developed from there,” says Mel.

“Our only form of communication was via email while Rosie was living in London, which was until just before handover in January. Often despite the time difference we would have running conversations discussing various aspects of the selections. It worked well for us as we are both thorough and prompt communicators,” says Mel.

Other pivotal tools used throughout the renovation were visual concept boards, floor plans, Pinterest and Dropbox. “Rosie and I worked remarkably well together despite the distance and it helped that she was a great communicator and had profound trust in my design skills,” says Mel.

“The most challenging areas were when I wanted to show samples and texture, particularly for the floor. We had decided the most cost-effective flooring option, to keep within budget, was to use a high-quality vinyl plank which would be installed straight over the top of the existing bamboo,” says Mel. And luckily, Rosie was able to visit a showroom in London to peruse Mel’s exact selection. “The new floor was one of the biggest decisions we had to make as the colour and tone really influenced the mood and feel of the space. Thankfully after they visited the showroom, I got a resounding, confident ‘yes!’”

And while there wasn’t anything hugely objectionable about the original home, Mel was charged with modernising it while imbuing it with a relaxed Australian coastal feel. “The home had great bones, it was a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a guest wing and was in need of an update with a basic renovation and cohesive styling. The owners mainly disliked the yellow colour of the bamboo floor in the lounge, dining and kitchen and it was a priority to turn the balcony off their son’s bedroom into a useable space for him to congregate with friends and be protected from the elements,” says Mel.

“Design wise I most love the lounge and dining areas – as soon as you walk through the front door you are greeted by a warm, fresh feeling, not to mention the stunning shell chandelier we installed above the dining table. Those rooms invite you to relax or move through to the beautiful outdoor space as it all flows and connects with ease,” says Mel.

And as for the final reveal, once the family had arrived in Australia, it went remarkably well. “Meeting them in person on the day of handover was wonderful, there was no nerves, and I already felt like we were friends and was confident they would love their new home. Needless to say the family was speechless and couldn’t wait to explore every room.”

After photography: Jessie May

For more | More before & afters

Tags before and after, design, e design, gold coast, home reno, interior design, interior designer, interiors, online, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, virtual design

Design Designers House Tours Interviews Real Renos Styling

Real home: Former fashion editor’s chic Manly apartment

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 14, 2019
No Comments on Real home: Former fashion editor’s chic Manly apartment

While this circa 1924 apartment is located on Sydney’s Manly Beach, I bet you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that it’s home to a former New York City fashion editor. Clean lines, layers of texture, a monochrome palette and metallic accents combine to create a warm yet sophisticated home that shuns the coastal clichés.

“The home suffered from an outdated layout and a less than desirable aspect, resulting in limited natural light. The biggest priority functionally was to maximise light at every turn and to reallocate the rooms to take advantage of that light where possible. Aesthetically, I wanted to create a chic and sophisticated home that spoke to who we are and our experiences together before it reflected the home’s beachside location,” says the home’s owner, interior designer Jillian Dinkel who lives there with her husband Kevin and their Italian greyhound puppy, Miller.

“I went straight to New York City the day after I graduated college to accept a job in the fashion department of SELF Magazine. From there I moved on to work with GQ and Glamour in New York, travelling the world on cover and fashion photo shoots working with some of the world’s biggest celebrities and in the most enviable locations. It offered me the opportunity to see a very different side of the world than I’d come from, and I think it’s greatly influenced my aesthetic and points of inspiration,” says Jillian who is American but moved to Sydney six years ago for her husband’s work.

“After arriving I served as Vogue Australia’s photography and casting director before going back to school to pursue my love of interior design full time. After working for various stylists and across the build side of design, I opened my own practice focused on residential projects across Sydney,” says Jillian.

As for the renovation of her own home recently, one of her favourite parts is the dining room which is a former sunroom. “This room was small, but it gets the best morning light, so it was the perfect place for our breakfast nook and casual dining space. I created mood and ambience by wallpapering the entirety of the room in Fornasetti’s Nuvolette wallpaper. A Coco Republic marble and steel-based table paired with vintage dining chairs completes the look,” says Jillian.

Dining room details — The gorgeous Fornasetti wallpaper is the hero of the space

The lounge room is another standout space and it’s made even more so by the gorgeous coffee table that was a seriously thrifty find. “It was an op shop score for $175! It made other elements like the custom mirrors, window treatments and oversized couch possible,” says Jillian who used Kelly Wearstler’s fabulous Graffito fabric to create custom cushions for the couch and bedroom too.

The overhaul continued outside where Jillian turned a fairly unusable space into a stylish and comfortable one. “The small balcony was previously neglected and filled with oversized furniture that was difficult to navigate around. As it is a heritage apartment, we couldn’t touch the surfaces without a lot of council approval, so instead I covered the terracotta tiles with pebbles and granite pavers and filled the space with plants to create a serene escape for drinks with friends and a place for our puppy to run around.”

Photography: Pablo Veiga

For more | Greg Natale’s New York-inspired furniture collection

Tags apartment, design, heritage apartment, home reno, interior design, interior designer, interiors, jillian dinkel, manly, New York City, real reno, reno, styling, stylist, sydney

Design Interviews Real Renos

Real reno: Joinery stars in richly layered Coogee abode

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 13, 2019
No Comments on Real reno: Joinery stars in richly layered Coogee abode

Bondi Kitchens — The stunning parent's retreat

Designed by Sydney interior designers Space Control, this Coogee abode was given a major face lift recently and the result combines mid-century elements with Deco flair in what is now a sophisticated family home. “The client brief was to bring this Coogee beach house to its maximum potential as it was in desperate need of a complete makeover. We also needed to introduce a sense of a playful contemporary style to the interiors that related to the clients’ beach lifestyle,” says Space Control director Cressida Kennedy.

“We wanted to create a house that had a strong design direction but was still a livable family home – not too perfect. One where the kids could come directly from the beach and feel relaxed to use the features and furniture of the house. The solid American walnut timber joinery is combined with a minimalist white colour palette that contributes to the laid back coastal atmosphere created within the home,” says Cressida.

Bathroom — The bathroom features so many sumptuous textural layers

Combining brass, marble and feature American walnut, there’s no denying the high-end bespoke joinery (created by Bondi Kitchens) is a standout feature of the renovation. The full fit out joinery package included a stunning kitchen detailed with v-groove polar white curved island and back bench, along with American walnut veneer full height cabinets, detailed with a solid walnut trim. “The house is richly layered with numerous bespoke interior elements that add fun, joy and intrigue, whilst the design creates a new visual language for the family home,” says Cressida.

And as for her favourite space, it’s the knockout first floor parent’s retreat. “I like the open planning living that is focused around the marble fireplace along with the feature American walnut timber and brass bar for entertaining. The house has amazing natural light and this space captures it beautifully,” says Cressida.

Upstairs bar — The upstairs bar is a fabulous entertaining space

Photography: Drew Wheeler

For more on Space Control | For more on Bondi Kitchens

Tags bondi kitchens, coogee, design, home reno, home renovation, interior, interior design, interiors, real reno, renovation, space control, sydney

Interviews RENO ADDICT

Visualise paint colours with new digital render service

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 6, 2019
No Comments on Visualise paint colours with new digital render service

Paint colour selection can be one of the trickiest parts of building or renovating. Not only are many people unable to see pictures in their mind (ie. they literally don’t have a mind’s eye), but even those that can often struggle to decipher the differences between shades. And when you consider there are thousands of white variations alone, it’s easy to see why the whole process is rather fraught!

But this is where the entrepreneurial painter Gary Wilson of Imago comes in. Recently launched, Gary’s online offering includes colour consulting and a digital render service that enables people to realistically visualise their future colour schemes thereby avoiding costly mistakes. The service is available for interiors, exteriors and commercial premises too.

“With so many colour options out there, it can be daunting trying to choose the right colours. Again and again over the years, I’ve really noticed people are either unable to make a decision on what colours to select or are unsure if the colours they have chosen are right,” says Gary who is also the director of Brisbane’s Applied and Decorative Painting and has been a painter for 25 years.

BEFORE existing home — BEFORE original home

AFTER digital render — AFTER A digital render of a proposed new colour scheme

“I often thought to myself there had to be a better way, to ultimately remove the guess work before people spend all that money painting their place,” says Gary, who offers digital renders illustrating up to three colour schemes from a seriously affordable $49.

BEFORE existing interior — BEFORE original interior

AFTER What a great way to experiment with interior paint! — AFTER digital render. What a great way to experiment with interior paint!

“Digital imaging lets you realistically see how colour schemes will look before you spend all that money painting your home. I offer digital renders to all my clients now and they love them and I really believe everyone embarking on a painting project should inform themselves on how it will look in advance,” says Gary.

And renders aside, Imago also has a team of professional colour consultants that can step in if you’re really in a paint quandary. From just $125 per consultation, customers simply answer a quick questionnaire before uploading images of their property after which an online colour consultant delivers colour scheme recommendations within three business days.

For more | How to choose white paint for walls

Tags colour, home reno, home renovation, interiors, online, online tool, paint, paint colours, renovating

Expert Tips Styling

Upcycle your porch with an easy weekend paint DIY!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 19, 2019
No Comments on Upcycle your porch with an easy weekend paint DIY!

Our friends at Dulux got in touch with us recently to share a couple of simple yet stunning DIY projects that will seriously boost your home’s kerbside appeal. From a statement front door to upcycling a pot, stand and bench seat, Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr has plenty of experience and expert tips to impart when it comes to freshening up your home’s exterior. “Paint is a powerful tool and one that’s surprisingly addictive,” says Andrea who believes creating a grand entrance is only one paint pot and a weekend away!

Dulux DIY house front — An interesting choice, I love the paint colour on this home’s front door: Dulux Aquanamel in Very Terracotta

“Working tonally with blacks and greys on doors against contrasting whites can animate the home in a classic and elegant way. To add a sophisticated highlight to this monochromatic scheme, include a green, such an emerald coloured bench or potted plants on the porch,” says Andrea who always encourages people to think outside of the box when it comes to colour.

“Once you start experimenting with colour, you’ll find you can never go back. And best of all, you can easily change the exterior accent colours down the track when you feel like something new,” says Andrea.

The upcycled green bench seat makes a front porch statement — An upcycled emerald green bench seat makes a front porch statement. Paint colour: Dulux Aquanamel in Green Paw Paw

“For a trend-driven look, try apricot or terracotta coloured accents on the door and verandah accessories against a predominantly white exterior with black or charcoal trims. At dusk, the soft sunlight can create a metallic-like effect with some tan and apricot tones, which can add another layer of depth and dimension to the scheme,” says Andrea.

DIY pot and stand — An upcycled pot and stand can be all the front door needs

A ridiculously easy pot and pot stand DIY
1. Prep the pot for painting by sanding to remove old flaky paint and mould. Follow the can instructions for further information.
2. Select your preferred Duramax Dulux colour and apply in multiple light mist coats.
3. Enjoy your transformation!

Statement bench seat DIY
1. Ensure the surface has been properly prepared prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the can for more information.
2. Commence painting by cutting in around the edges of the furniture piece.
3. Apply Dulux Aquanamel to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.
4. Once you’ve completed an area, while the paint is still wet, lightly smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes – but don’t overdo or reload the brush – a few brush strokes will smooth the surface.
5. Allow two hours to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the second coat.

Photography: Dulux Australia | Styling: Bree Leech

For more | How to paint a door

Tags colour, design, diy, dulux, home reno, home renovation, paint

Before & Afters Design House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Before & after: A spacious modern farmhouse in Brisbane

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 14, 2019
1 Comment on Before & after: A spacious modern farmhouse in Brisbane

We’ve featured the work of Queensland based pianist turned builder Rachael Turner before and her latest renovation brings more of the same high quality. Located 10 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD, Rachael and her company Front Porch Properties purchased this 1930’s pre-war character home, renovated it and sold it within a year recently.

“There was no design brief as such as I was building for myself, with no client involved. However, the vision I had was to transform the run down home into a dreamy modern farmhouse that was contemporary but had storybook charm and would appeal to the general market,” says Rachael.

“The original home had some beautiful original features such as ornate ceilings and elaborate cornices that we worked hard to restore. We raised the home by two metres, built all new underneath, and meticulously renovated and restored the original part,” says Rachael of the expansive home that now boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a pool.

The hub of the home is a huge open plan kitchen, living and dining area that’s complemented by soaring 3.7 metre ceilings. “The modern farmhouse style kitchen has a cute butler’s pantry. We love the custom built produce drawers for potatoes and onions that were built from recycled oak,” says Rachael.

AFTER butler's pantry — AFTER butler’s pantry

Special mention should be made of the many entertaining areas also. “There are four separate outdoor entertaining areas, including a huge back entertainers’ deck with a sunken fire pit, eating area and super cute front sun porch with a custom porch swing,” says Rachael.

The spacious theme continues upstairs where a very large staircase connects through to the bedrooms and upstairs sitting room that has views through to the city. “The staircase is very special as it has sisal carpet, shiplap wall cladding, matte black balustrading, a huge window seat and a seagrass pendant,” says Rachael.

The master bedroom now has a huge walk-in robe and spacious ensuite too. “The ensuite was originally a bedroom and now has a huge freestanding bath, custom wainscoting, restored 1930’s cornices and ceiling and and a ‘his and hers’ vanity,” says Rachael.

AFTER double vanities — AFTER ensuite double vanities

“The vision for the home was to create something that would be extremely comfortable, easy and relaxed to live in. I was really careful in trying to tick all the boxes in terms of what a potential buyer would want. I love that it has many different zones and places where you can go to retreat,” says Rachael.

And as for the learning process, it’s a continuous one. “I’ve learnt that renovations of this scale always cost more than you think or budget for. The amount of effort that goes into restoring old character homes is enormous – especially if you are passionate about doing it right and paying proper respect to the original home. It would be easier and cheaper to rip things out and start again, but I’m passionate about restoration and this often comes with a hefty price tag. The outcome is totally worth it though!”

For more | One of Rachael’s other renovations

Tags before and after, brisbane, design, Front Porch Properties, home reno, home renovation, interior, interior design, interiors, real home, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

DIY Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: A chic DIY laundry with $1.50 black handles!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 12, 2019
No Comments on Real reno: A chic DIY laundry with $1.50 black handles!

Husband and wife lifestyle and travel bloggers, Meghan and Dominic Loneragan of Citizens of the World overhauled their tiny laundry on a budget recently, turning it into a much more functional and beautiful space. The renovation was driven by the arrival of the couple’s first child Lachie and all the laundry he creates. “The laundry was designed around the AEG washer and dryer, which was an upgrade in size from our pre-child days. I feel like we do laundry 24/7 now!” says Meghan of the room that measures just 1.7 metres by 1.9 metres.

Citizens of the world BEFORE Laundry — BEFORE laundry

Citizens of the world AFTER laundry — AFTER laundry – quite the transformation!

Designed by Dominic and built by him and his father, the laundry went from purely utilitarian (and even that could be debated given the previous lack of storage) to a lovely monochrome and clutter-free zone that is now the user-friendly workhorse of the home. “We wanted it to be clean, easy, tidy and have plenty of storage. We’re very big on having clear benches. You know what they say, ‘a clear bench is a clear mind’, or something like that!” says Meghan.

And with cost-cutting high on the agenda, the family undertook most of the work themselves and sourced thrifty but chic wares with which to do it. “The laundry is so easily forgotten when it comes to renovating but we feel like it’s the most satisfying when completed. But cost cutting was high on the agenda for us as our washer and dryer are on the premium side. The tiles were left over from our kitchen and the matte black door handles were $1.50 each from Bunnings but to the untrained eye, who’s going to know?!”

Citizens of the world laundry — The laundry is now a much more functional space for the young family

“At roughly $2000, our laundry renovation was extremely cheap although that figure doesn’t include the washer and dryer,” says Meghan who explains that plumbing comprised half the cost. “The major expense was the plumbing which was $1000 but we built and sourced everything else. We could have easily tripled the overall cost by outsourcing the work to someone else,” says Meghan.

Citizens of the world portrait — Citizens of the World’s Dominic, Lachie and Meghan Loneragan

For more on Citizens of the World | Darren Palmer’s top laundry design tips

Tags amy collins walker, citizens of the world, diy, home reno, home renovation, interiors, laundry, laundry reno, real reno, reno, renovation

Before & Afters Design Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Deborah Hutton home renovation: the final reveal!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 11, 2019
7 Comments on Deborah Hutton home renovation: the final reveal!

Affectionately referred to as ‘The Beach Hutt,’ Australian media personality Deborah Hutton has just completed a dramatic Hamptons style renovation of her Sydney home with rather fabulous results. “My home has been a passion project for the last 10 months and I have created the beach house of my dreams, not just a house at the beach. When I look at it I see elements of my grandparents’ traditional weatherboard Queenslander, a beach house I used to own, the Hamptons style I’ve fallen in love with and so much more. I’ve really poured my heart and soul into it,” says Deborah of the two storey abode located in the city’s eastern suburbs.

The transformation is evident immediately from the outside where the previously unremarkable brick and tile property is now clad in all-white weatherboard. “One of my first big decisions was choosing Linea Weatherboard. I had this vision of the light and shadow effect you see in coastal and Hamptons houses, so when I saw the Scyon Walls Linea weatherboards at the Sydney Home Show and found out they were more durable than timber and needed fewer touch ups I knew I wanted them for my home,” says Deborah of the product that was an integral part of the renovation.

AFTER rear – windows have been added to the roof gable to let more light in

“I’ve added stone cladding in soft greys to the front and the natural shapes and texture of the rock contrasts against the uniform straight lines of the weatherboard really well. It’s a look that runs through the home, creating a flow from the outside in,” says Deborah referencing the new statement fireplace that is the centrepiece of the home’s fabulous new lounge and dining area.

“The house feels more like home than it ever did because I’ve had so much input. The layout of the fireplace, windows and furniture comes from a beach house I used to own. It’s the space I had laid out in my mind first and I ordered my oversized three seat sofas from America a year in advance, and even though everyone warned me it would be a nightmare, it was fine. The same goes for the Ralph Lauren lights that hang over the kitchen bench – the wait was worth it,” says Deborah who was lucky enough to live next door during the renovation allowing her to be very hands-on throughout.

“I still can’t believe I did all this in nine months. It helped that I had a defined understanding of what the house was and what it needed to be. I could visualise the space, how the light hit it through the day, which parts of the house are visible from outside and so on,” says Deborah who developed a close working relationship with her builders throughout the project.

“I’m actually going to miss my builders now the reno is done. I must have spoken to them every day. I think this was possibly the most important part of keeping a project on track. Every build is full of last minute decisions, so you need to be on call to see the issue and make a decision. You can also nip any problems in the bud before they get out of control,” says Deborah who briefed them on aesthetics too. “I found showing the builders images was extremely helpful. Apparently some renovators don’t do this. I showed my guys images of my old beach house, Hamptons homes and many, many others to get the look right,” says Deborah.

“I think I’ve made more than a pretty house. While I love how it looks, it’s the way the home is tailor made to my memories, my interests and my lifestyle, even down to the name, that makes it special to me. From the moment I see the weatherboards gleaming in the sun and the palm trees moving in the wind I know it’s the home I want to come home to.”

For more on Scyon Walls | For more on Deborah’s renovation journey

Tags before and after, deborah hutton, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

Design House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT Styling

Real reno: A stylist’s stellar touch in Port Melbourne

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 22, 2019
No Comments on Real reno: A stylist’s stellar touch in Port Melbourne

Located in Port Melbourne, and attached to the rear of an existing heritage home, this light-filled extension was designed for a young family of five with the help of interior stylist Mel Sherwell of Soul Shapes Lifestyle Interiors. “The area is extremely popular for the dual lifestyle on offer given it’s just minutes from both the city and beach,” says Mel who designed the spaces around a ‘clean and modern’ brief while injecting plenty of gorgeous colour.

Lounge and dining room – the bespoke rug complements the grey toned timber floor beautifully

“I was tasked with creating a modern, contemporary home with clean, simplistic shape and form. I incorporated items and finishes that exude a sense of luxury, yet still offer practicality for an active family. The colour scheme resonates with the owners’ personalities and busy city/surf lifestyle,” says Mel.

“The renovation included the addition of a two-storey extension onto the family’s existing Port Melbourne bank home. Bank homes were a typical Port Melbourne style home built in the mid 1900’s by the State Bank of Victoria for poverty stricken families,” says Mel. The family lived in the original dwelling for five years before the renovation took place.

A highlight of the space, the extension is home to a stunning Michael Bond painting that sets a dramatic sartorial scene. “The Michael Bond work ‘Moonstone’ is a major focal point and sets the tone of modern, lighthearted luxe. It gave the space the lift it needed, but in a fun, not too serious way,” says Mel. And like all of his work, it’s the use of colour that really stands out. Mel was no doubt drawn to it as she has a particular interest in chromatics and colour therapy – an influence you can see throughout the home.

The formal lounge room is home to a fabulous bespoke area rug, the colour of which really complements the timber beneath. “The beautiful Bahia Rug from The Rug Establishment was a custom order, sized to fit. I chose this rug for its ability to bring in some lovely repetition and much needed depth. I love how it softens the bolder darker statement pieces like the art, dining table and dining chairs. I think this piece was one of the best design decisions I got over the line. It really is the hero in pulling everything together, whilst also cleverly receding nicely into the oak flooring,” says Mel.

“The lighting in the master bedroom was custom made. I worked closely with my lighting manufacturer, finalising sizes and fabrics for the overhead lighting and the beautiful bedside lamps which we had fitted with our custom designed pendants. Both pendants and lamps are lined with a blush pleat and finshed with a black velvet exterior,” says Mel.

Photography: Stephanie Rooney

For more | Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year

Tags design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interior designer, interiors, melbourne, real reno, renovate, renovating, renovation

Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Before & after: Our favourite ones from 2018!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 24, 2018
1 Comment on Before & after: Our favourite ones from 2018!

There are few things that Jen and I enjoy more than a fabulous ‘before and after’ and given they are some of our most popular stories, you clearly enjoy them too! From an incredible $2000 bathroom makeover to a tiny Melbourne cottage given a new lease of life, these are our favourite home makeovers from 2018.

$2000 bathroom reno
Proof that budget constraints are no obstacle for human ingenuity this incredible bathroom transformation was carried out for just $2000! The work of DIY decorator Kristine Franklin of the Painted Hive, the original bathroom was almost three decades old before it was transformed primarily with paint. “The vinyl floor was stencilled. We sanded, cleaned and primed it before painting it using chalk paint,” says Kristine of the hero of the space – that gorgeous patterned floor.

Dark kitchen sees the light
Brisbane pianist turned builder Rachael Turner brought us a fabulous kitchen renovation in her signature fresh, Hampton’s-influenced style earlier this year. Previously, a dark, tired space, it was transformed with a cathedral ceiling and skylights that really let the light in. The seafoam kitchen splash back was a nice touch too.

Tiny Melbourne cottage transformed
“We found a way to create the required functional areas by staying within the existing building shell and designing a compact little addition rather than demolishing and building anew,” says architect Jos Tan of this 1930’s Melbourne cottage that was ripe for demolition before budget constraints got in the way.

“As an alternative to a demolition, we proposed retaining most of the existing brick structure, demolishing the internal walls, and building a small extension out to the side. This saved money in new structure and roofing while still allowing the entire back section to be reconfigured,” says Jos. A standout space is the tiny side bathroom – at just 1.2 metres wide, Jos transformed it into a much more useable space.

Jungle inspired bathroom
The work of Birdblack Design interior designer Sarah Nolen, this very dated bathroom took on a dramatic new look courtesy of a jungle-inspired tile earlier this year. “The tile caught my eye when we were on a shopping excursion with our client. Given we had a good understanding of her personality I thought I’d test the waters and see what she thought. It was love at first sight!” says Sarah of the tiles used in the NSW south coast renovation.

Monochrome makeover in suburbia
As its names suggests, Black and White Projects produced several stylish monochrome makeovers in 2018 and ‘Parakeet Cottage’ was one of them. Tired and dated, the home still had a lot going for it (it’s located on a gorgeous elevated site that looks over Noosa national park) and the Black and White projects team gave it the requisite makeover in just five weeks!

More ‘before and afters’

Tags before and after, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, real reno, reno, renovate, renovating, renovation

Design House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real renos: Our favourite makeovers from 2018

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 17, 2018
1 Comment on Real renos: Our favourite makeovers from 2018

To say the ‘Real Reno’ stories are some of the most popular on the site would be an understatement. Whether looking for design inspiration or simply a bit of old-fashion voyeurism, there’s nothing quite like getting inside a fabulous home. From a clever 1980’s apartment overhaul in Melbourne to the wildly popular Palm Springs inspired ‘Bilinga Beach Abode’ renovation in Queensland, 2018 was a great year for renovations and here are some of our favourites.

A sumptuous guest suite
Interior designer Lynne Bradley waved her magic wand and created this stylish and sumptuous guest suite in Sydney that features a kitchenette and layers of soft furnishings. Both Jen and I agreed that we’d find it hard to extract ourselves as house guests!

Lynne Bradley guest suite — Photography: Craig Wall

“My brief was to create an elegant, sophisticated and inviting suite that oozed luxury and comfort. My clients want to make their guests not only feel at home but also to feel private from the workings of the rest of the home,” says Lynne and I’d say she nailed it!

Statement green paint in Sydney
This Sydney renovation was a finalist in the 2018 Dulux Colour Awards for its creative use of paint throughout. The original 1800’s period home was extended by architect Emma Mitchell and the formerly dark home is now filled with light.

Manly house — Photography: Simon Whitbread

I love the way the new kitchen’s tongue and groove wood panelling complements the original home and its serene chalky green paint colour was an inspired choice.

Manly renovation — Photography: Simon Whitbread

Italianate villa in Melbourne
Another 2018 Dulux Colour Awards finalist, this Melbourne Italianate villa was overhauled by the talented team at SJB who removed all traces of a previous 1980’s-era renovation. I love the dramatic use of colour, the dark finishes and the way in which clever use of paint showcases the owners’ impressive art collection.

Villa d'Arte — The study. Photography: Lucas Allen

Villa d'Arte guest bathroom — Guest bathroom. Photography: Lucas Allen

Sympathetic 1980’s Melbourne apartment overhaul
The work of Deborah Schmideg Interior Design, this original 1980’s split-level apartment had a modest budget but you’d never know when looking at the end result.

Melbourne apartment kitchen — A butler’s pantry was added to the right of the apartment’s new kitchen. Photography by Dean Schmideg and styling by Bree Leech

“We were conscious of remaining sympathetic to the original 1980’s architecture and, given we were working to a limited renovation budget, had to do our best to incorporate the original built form into the concept of the new interiors,” says Deborah. The waterfall windows in the master ensuite are perhaps the most stellar example of Deborah’s intent – textured white tiles and timber pops completely modernised the space.

1970’s brick and tile to Palm Springs paradise
The Bilinga Beach Abode was one of our most popular renovation stories this year and for good reason. What was once a dated 1970’s brick and tile home was transformed into a stylish Palm Springs-inspired paradise on the Gold Coast. The chic coastal vibe, breeze blocks, skateboard ramp and pool lined with patterned encaustic tiles make this renovation a triumph.

The skate ramp and breeze blocks — Skate ramp and breeze blocks

Pops of blue in Melbourne
Our most recent real reno, this circa 1910 Victorian home was completely overhauled by first-time renovator Steph Hegarty and her husband this year.

Elsternwick renovation — Photographer: Dylan Lark @Aspect11

“We wanted to create a modern home that had the warmth and charm of a period home. Modern homes can sometimes feel a bit soulless, so we didn’t want to shy away from things like large skirting boards and architraves, ceiling roses and cornices, because we knew these features would forever make the house feel like it had history, and stories to tell,” says Steph.

Offering a seamless transition from old to new, the back of the house is now a light-filled space that Steph and her young family can enjoy. I love the pops of blue throughout the home and was impressed by the main bathroom’s blue cabinetry – a gutsy choice.

Master ensuite. Photographer: Dylan Lark @Aspect11

More real renos

Tags design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, real reno, real renos, reno, renovating, renovation

Before & Afters DIY Expert Tips Interviews RENO ADDICT

Driveway paint: A cheap way to boost kerbside appeal!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 13, 2018
No Comments on Driveway paint: A cheap way to boost kerbside appeal!

There’s no denying the importance of a home’s kerbside appeal – first impressions right? Some studies even suggest that it accounts for up to 10 per cent of a home’s value which is hugely significant, particularly in these testy real estate times. And if there’s one kerbside deal breaker it’s a shoddy driveway but White Knight DIY renovation expert Cherie Barber has a simple and inexpensive panacea for that!

“Driveways are often the first thing people see, but the last you’d think to renovate. Transforming this area is as easy as any paint project and much more affordable than resurfacing, giving an uplift in value for a minor investment. Some additional finishing touches like plants, mailboxes and house numbers, can also help spruce your home up instantly,” says Cherie who shares a driveway paint step-by-step below.

Prep
“Preparing the surface correctly will ensure long-lasting results, so a crucial first step is to high pressure washer clean your surface, then allow to dry for 24 hours before painting,” says Cherie.

“If you’re painting smooth concrete such as garage floors or new concrete around a pool, use White Knight Ultra Pave Concrete Etcher to roughen the surface and help the paint bond to the concrete. Mixing half a kilo with five litres of water, evenly pour the dissolved mixture over the concrete and scrub with a broom, leaving it to foam up for a couple of minutes being careful not to let it dry,” says Cherie.

Prime
Before you start painting, prime your driveway by giving your surface another good sweep and make sure you have a paint brush, paint pots, roller tray and an extension roller. Cherie favours a roller with a 10mm nap to achieve a professional finish, easily.

“I chose White Knight Ultra Pave Quick Dry as it’s touch dry in just 30 minutes and can take a second coat in just a couple of hours. To help the first coat stick, mix the paint with 20 per cent water in a paint pot, a litre at a time, and mix in the pot before transferring into your roller tray,” says Cherie.

Paint
“Choose a colour that will complement your exteriors. For a modern look I like to use dual grey tones, with the darker shade on the paths and drive. For this project I used White Knight Ultra Pave in Smoke Storm, it’s modern and impactful and one of my favourite colours to transform a drab driveway,” says Cherie.

“Paint all the edges first with a paint brush, and any joins in the concrete, then paint the remaining area using a roller with an extension pole. Wait two hours before applying your second coat. For added grip, or if you’re on a slope, add White Knight Ultra Pave Topcoat Grip Additive to your second coat, pouring one litre of paint into a roller tray and as you stir, add 2-3 scoops of the grip additive per litre of paint. The second coat is now ready to apply, in a similar way that you applied the first, painting the edges with a brush then using a roller for the remaining area,” says Cherie.

Transform
“With just a few finishing touches and a makeover of your drive, you can make a real difference to the façade of your home,” says Cherie and independent real estate expert Bernadette Summers agrees. “First impressions are hugely important in real estate, not just for buyers but also for agents who look at the exterior as the first step in their evaluation of a property,” says Bernadette.

“Before a potential buyer comes to view your home, there is a chance they’ve already driven past and made a judgement call. Having kerb appeal can make all the difference between a property that instantly sells or lays in wait, as viewers see the exterior as a reflection of the inside,” says Bernadette.

Cherie Barber White Knight transformation — One last look at the finished product!

For more | Our dedicated renovating section

Tags cherie barber, diy, expert tips, home reno, real reno, reno, reno addict, renovate, renovating, renovation, White Knight

Architecture Design House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: Pops of blue star in this Melbourne home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 28, 2018
No Comments on Real reno: Pops of blue star in this Melbourne home

Located in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick, this house is home to Pilates teacher and first-time renovator Steph Hegerty, her husband, two young children and beloved dog. “My husband and I had always wanted to renovate a Victorian or Edwardian home and when we saw this house, it was hard to see its Victorian features, but we saw the potential,” she says, of the circa 1910 home.

“The house was built in 1910, but it was very hard to see that it actually was a Victorian home because it had been badly butchered in the 1970’s, and all charm (with the exception of the hallway arch and pressed metal ceilings) had been stripped out,” says Steph who reinstated large profile skirting boards, arches, cornices and ceiling roses to the front part of the home. The outside of the home underwent a massive overhaul too. “We added features to the exterior facade including a bullnose veranda, lacework, window mouldings and timber sash windows.”

Ensuite — The ensuite features statement blue cabinetry

“Coincidentally, the supplier for all of our ornamental plasterwork had the very same profile as our original hallway arch. It turned out they would have made our original one over 100 years ago, as no supplier has exactly the same profile,” says Steph who removed the pressed metal in the original home as part of the renovation.

“It was a hard decision to take out the pressed metal ceilings, but since not every room in the original part of the house had one, and they needed some repair work done, we removed them. I also had my heart set on lovely big cornices and ceiling roses, so I’m very happy with the end result.”

In contrast to the period features up front, the rear extension is an exercise in modern monochrome with plenty of gorgeous pops of blue. “The overall colour palette for the home is quite monochromatic, so we injected quite a lot of blue to soften it, like a blue front door, walk-in robe cabinetry and furniture. The blue adds a nice pop of colour, without being something we’d get sick of. It’s a calming colour by nature, which fit the brief for what we wanted our home to represent,” says Steph.

The rear extension is bright and airy and filled with natural light which is not always the case in a period home. “Being south facing, natural light was a huge consideration. We incorporated a raked ceiling in the living room, and a four metre highlight window at the top of it, so the living area and kitchen is always drenched in sunlight.”

Photographer: Dylan Lark @Aspect11

Steph’s home is listed on NOKK which is a new property platform that allows homeowners to dip their toes in the property market before committing to market. If a buyer is interested in the home, they can electronically ‘nokk’ and offer a price for it after which the vendor can decide to sell or not. It’s a great way to check out a hidden market of properties you will not see anywhere else.

For more | More coloured front doors

Tags design, home reno, home renovation, interior, interior design, interiors, melbourne, real reno, reno, renovate, renovating, renovation

Bathrooms Bedrooms Design Designers House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT The Block

Ex Blockheads Alisa & Lysandra’s latest super luxe reno

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 26, 2018
No Comments on Ex Blockheads Alisa & Lysandra’s latest super luxe reno

Former Block luminaries and twins Alisa and Lysandra have been busy of late working on a gorgeous renovation and extension in the Melbourne suburb of Albert Park. Set over three levels, this 1890 Victorian terrace straddles the line between old and new with aplomb.

“We wanted to pay homage to the era of the home whilst introducing a contemporary design to the home that had continuity throughout. We kept the original features in the first section of the house, which includes the hallway and master bedroom, with decorative cornicing, skirting and ceiling roses, and we opted for a more urban-contemporary style for the new section of the house. We used the same timber flooring throughout which definitely helped us achieve a seamless transition from old to new,” says Lysandra.

“As we wanted to preserve some of the heritage and history of the terrace we painstakingly restored the front of the house. Each brick was repointed and restored, and we rebuilt the front fence exactly how it would have originally been built,” says Lysandra.

The home’s ground level features an open plan living, dining and kitchen as well as a master bedroom, walk-in-robe and ensuite. And while the home has a fairly moody colour palette, it also boasts subtle brass details that elevate it to something quite special.

“We gave great consideration to every single design detail in each room. There is a fine line between overthinking and in turn overdoing design features. The key is to make each design feature subtle and let them blend into one another. If you look at each space individually, you will notice we have added a feature into each component,” says Lysandra.

The sumptuous master bedroom features plenty of thoughtful design. “The master bedroom features brass inlay where the carpet meets the timber flooring and in the walk-in-robe we added brass uprights for a touch of luxury. In the ensuite, we opted for large format slab tiles to make the room appear like it is cladded in stone,” says Lysandra.

“When it came to the kitchen, we played around with 100 different designs as we wanted to design something you had not seen before. Even though it is very subtle, we love the brass legs we added to the island bench to make it appear like it was floating,” says Lysandra.

Kitchen and dining — The bespoke mirror above the dining room banquette seating enlarges the space

The kitchen banquette seating and mirror are certainly a design highlight and mirrors have been used to great effect throughout the home. “Mirrors are definitely a dark horse when it comes to the styling of a room. They are so versatile as they come in many shapes and sizes and can fit with most colours and styles. Mirrors can also create the illusion of space, as well as play off natural light bringing warmth to the room. The mirror we featured in the dining area was custom designed by us as we really wanted to reflect the natural environment outside into the living and dining area,” says Lysandra.

The upper level features a second living room, two bedrooms, main bathroom and terrace while the underground level is home to a fabulous cellar, cinema room and powder room.

Second living area — The upper level boasts a second living area that leads to a terrace

“The cellar is definitely a stand out in this project, and something that took a lot of time and energy, but it was all well worth it. The entire cellar had to be dug out and engineered, which required lots of planning, late nights and we couldn’t have done it without the right trades. We are really proud of this space as we think it really does highlight the attention to detail that has been put into this renovation and executed throughout the property,” says Lysandra.

Laundry — Even the laundry is super luxe

The home is currently for sale

For more | Another real reno

Tags alisa and lysandra, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, melbourne, reno, renovating, renovation, the block

Design Designers Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT Styling

Reno: Northern Beaches Sydney home gets summer-ready

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 8, 2018
1 Comment on Reno: Northern Beaches Sydney home gets summer-ready

It’s hard to believe that this Sydney home was built in 2012. Designed in Federation style, the Balgowlah family residence has very high ceilings, decorative cornices, ceiling roses and stained-glass windows with the benefit of modern, open-plan living too.

“The home has a contemporary, open-plan living space so is very much built for today. The starting point for me any project is the original architecture of a house, so I wanted the new additions to be in keeping with the modern, yet formal style of the home,” says interior designer Alex Gourlay of Vellum Interiors, who was tasked with upgrading the home’s indoor and outdoor living areas in time for summer.

And while the home isn’t old, the owners were keen to make some design changes given their three children are now a little older. “The brief from the clients was to make the most of their open-plan living room and deck for both summer and winter, and also refresh the furniture – they were ready to upgrade to more ‘grown-up’ pieces now that all three children were out of nappies. The youngest is now five years old. A key part of the brief was to make the scheme work seamlessly with the existing look and feel of the home, and design with un-fussy, clean lines and flexible, child-friendly solutions,” says Alex.

“My clients were very clear in what they needed – their top priority was a new outdoor dining setting before Christmas. Inside they were after a fireplace, for both heating and decorative functions, and storage to hide away the AV equipment. They had a Samsung Frame TV on the way, so the fireplace needed to be wide enough to fit the TV above it,” says Alex.

Balgowlah house reno - fireplace — Samsung’s The Frame television looks fabulous above the home’s new fireplace

“The fireplace is quite traditional, and looks like it’s part of the architecture, then moving onto the deck, the furniture and joinery is quite contemporary. My favourite element is the line created from the inside joinery to the concrete bench top outside. This creates a real connection of the two spaces, and makes the inside feel bigger, yet they’re still two distinct areas. I also love that the spaces are now much better set up for both summer and winter living,” says Alex.

The family cat enjoys the home's new outdoor bench seating — The family cat enjoys the home’s new outdoor bench seating

Photography: Jacqui Turk

For more | Another Northern Beaches Sydney home

Tags deck, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interior designer, interiors, northern beaches, outdoors, real reno, reno, renovate, renovating, renovation, sydney, vellum interiors

Before & Afters Design House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Before & after: From dated to chic in six weeks!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 7, 2018
No Comments on Before & after: From dated to chic in six weeks!

Located in Mooloolaba, in the heart of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this average suburban home got a serious makeover recently by the team at Black and White Projects, making it fit for sale.

“The home is located minutes from the beach and situated in a quiet cul-de-sac. The house was a long term rental in need of a renovation and we presented it to the market so it was ready to move in,” says Black and White Projects design director Maria Baron who finished the renovation in under six weeks before selling the house.

“We renovated this one for selling. The brief was to renovate what needed updating as the home is a solid brick house with good bones in a good area. We also had to be smart about budget whilst achieving a premium look with quality finishes. We made some bold design choices,” says Maria.

Master bathroom AFTER — Main bathroom AFTER

“The reno had to appeal to a broad audience but was clearly designed with a working family in mind. We added a little cubby house out the back for the kids. We love adding little custom touches and small features that the whole family will love. We also made sure the parents had a nice master bedroom, ensuite and walk-in robe to enjoy,” says Maria who reworked the floorplan to allow this.

Other floorplan changes included adding a pantry in what used to be hallway space. “It was such a minimal change but it made a massive difference whist still keeping the bedrooms and laundry private from the main house,” says Maria.

Kitchen AFTER – the new pantry is located opposite

The front of the home still features original brown brick, but it’s an aspect that Maria was focussed on retaining. “Instead of hiding what the house was about we love to embrace features, such as the brick. The right colour palette made the original brick shine,” says Maria who used the paint colour ‘Monument’ in Taubmans Endure for the exterior trims, gutters and roof.

Two highlights of the home are the gorgeous bathrooms, something of a Black and White Projects specialty. “We love doing bathrooms. We saved on cabinetry by getting a good quality off the shelf ‘shell’ before adding custom bench tops and good quality fixtures and fittings. We also like to splurge on tiles plus we only use the best tilers to ensure an impeccable finish,” says Maria.

Maria’s top reno tips:

– Don’t compromise on your tradies! Final finishes is what can make a house average or exceptional. Really good tradies can make a huge difference to the end product.

– Invest in a project manager, A good project manager should be able to save you lots on everything. They should know who to call in and when. They should also have access to competitive rates with suppliers.

– Assess and rework the floor plan. This is a crucial part of any job and a lot of work goes into it. if you are going to change your plan yourself, ask yourself Is this something that will improve my day to day life living in the house? Does it fit the house/space and is it worth the investment?

Photography: Mister Mistress

For more | Another Black and White Projects renovation

Tags before and after, black and white projects, design, home reno, home renovation, interiors, queensland, real reno, reno, renovating, renovating to sell, renovation, styling, sunshine coast

Bathrooms Before & Afters Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Before & after: A fab bathroom reno for under $2000!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 1, 2018
No Comments on Before & after: A fab bathroom reno for under $2000!

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham, this dated brown bathroom received the makeover treatment recently at the deft hands of Amelia Boal from Soleil Styling and Design. Inspired by seeing our story on tile painting, Amelia was able to give the bathroom a dramatic facelift for less than $2000. Impressive!

The bathroom renovation was part of a whole home makeover that was undertaken before the sale of the home. “The owners had gone through the whole process of planning and seeking approval for a complete renovation and extension of their home, which they had outgrown. Then once plans had been finalised and approved, they realised it was a huge thing to take on with two busy careers, two young daughters and a big old Labrador, and decided they’d be better off selling and buying something to fit them,” says Amelia.

With just two weeks to transform the home, and a modest budget, Amelia set about transforming the bathroom from a dated brown space to a much brighter and whiter one. “When planning the vibe for the whole house I set out to add as much natural and artificial light as possible, as it was quite dark. But I didn’t want it to fall flat so we ran with a palette of white, grey, black and soft green and added in a lot of texture throughout,” says Amelia whose favourite design feature of the bathroom makeover is the soft green feature tile used on the front of the bath.

The new bathroom floor features new tiles laid over the original ones and the wall tiles were painted which helped keep the renovation within budget. “I was definitely inspired to try tile spraying thanks to a story on your site. I had heard of it over the years but always been put off by what I heard through others so when this project came up I jumped at the chance,” says Amelia who explains that the process did unfortunately suffer due to her choice of trade. “The contractor who did the work had some issues and had to come back several times and ended up stripping it back and doing it all again, but it ended well. I can’t say I’d use this particular gentlemen again but I’d try it again for sure though. Plus, he didn’t charge us due to the inconvenience,” says Amelia.

AFTER A fabulous result! — AFTER The project is testament to the power of white!

Breakdown of bathroom costs:
Tile resurfacing: $800 (this was waived)
Tiles and tiling : $427.25
Painting: $250
Tap/shower/bath fittings and towel rails and installation: $500

Total = $1977.25

Photography: Tahnee Jade Photography

Six easy ways to refresh your bathroom tiles | Another budget reno using just paint

Tags bathroom, bathroom reno, home reno, interior design, interiors, melbourne, paint, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, tile paint