Located in Melbourne’s leafy Brighton East, this Tudor Revival residence underwent a pretty incredible makeover recently under the watchful eye of architect Alexandra Ansari. While the home had beautiful original brickwork, it had last been renovated in the 90’s and the south-facing living room was dark, the kitchen outdated, the laundry lacked storage and the bathrooms were badly designed.
BEFORE kitchen. Check out the location of the cooktop on the left?!AFTER kitchen
“Nearly every room was either outdated or not functional for a family,” says Alexandra who, instead of carrying out a whole-house renovation, updated key parts of the house with a budget of $210,000. “Almost half of that amount was spent on cabinetry and stone and the figure doesn’t include furniture, curtains or appliances,” says Alexandra.
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroom
When it came to a design brief, the home’s owners requested a contemporary look and a grey colour palette with the notable exception of the living room which found inspiration in an unlikely spot – the original red marble fireplace. “The owners loved the old fireplace’s warmth but hated its appearance. However, the red marble set the perfect mood for the renovation and inspired the colour scheme,” says Alexandra.
BEFORE lounge roomAFTER lounge room. The fireplace is now a much-loved focal point of the property, and the owners and their children love it.
“In the kitchen, we removed the bar as this was only used for storage. This opened up the space and allowed us to create a bigger, more centralised kitchen,” says Alexandra. Joinery and furniture were then used to establish distinct areas for formal dining, relaxing and family time in the kitchen.
AFTER kitchen and dining
AFTER Dining
When it came to furnishing the property, the biggest splurge was on a series of pieces by Melbourne-based Beeline Design including a dining table, side table and coffee table. “Their Ridge tables are timeless and beautiful and the different tabletops really complement the home’s design,” says Alexandra.
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroom
The laundry overhaul centred around clean finishes and clever storage solutions such as doors that retract back inside their housings. “Skylight shafts were opened up and replaced with more modern alternatives to flood light and fresh air into previously dark spaces,” says Alexandra of a technique that was employed throughout the home.
BEFORE laundry
AFTER laundry
As for the overall look and feel of the renovation? “Both the materials and colour palette make each space look much bigger, lighter and therefore more comfortable to spend time in.”
Before & after: 90’s kitchen renovated on a budget using DIY
Originally built in the 90’s, this home’s original kitchen was in dire need of some love when Melbourne’s Haus of Cruze design studio began overhauling it recently. Completed as part…
Architecturally designed and built in 1972, this Sydney riverside home is located in the leafy Sydney suburb of Riverview. It’s home to interior designer Dani Bartholomeusz who has renovated it with a light, bright and breezy touch. “The design style had to be contemporary, with clean lines and lots of storage to hide away all the usual family clutter while retaining a warm, welcoming and not-too-serious family home,” says Dani.
Open plan kitchen, living and dining
Having lived in the home since 2014, Dani has been slowly renovating it ever since. “Although the house has some funky 70’s features, it meshes perfectly with a contemporary aesthetic. There’s lots of clean lines, diagonals, full-height windows and lots of bright light,” says Dani who drew on a largely monochrome palette broken up with pops of wood and lush greenery. The walls are painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter, the trims in Dulux Vivid White and the timber flooring is Japanese black.
Kitchen
The kitchen features American oak veneer and white joinery with concealed Smeg appliances and a Sirius pop-up extractor. The kitchen bar stools are from Design Nation while the pendant light above is the ‘Coral’ by David Trubridge.
The sitting room is home to a thriving fiddle-leaf fig
The designer lives in the home with her husband Clynton, her seven-year-old daughter Ivy, two adult step kids Aidan and Casey and a pair of budgerigars called Brian and Barry. “The main objective when decorating this house was to make the river and natural setting the star of the show. All of the decor had to complement it as it can be seen from almost every room in the home,” says Dani.
Dani’s commitment to the view extends to the outdoor setting which she picked up for a bargain price. “The outdoor balcony setting had to be almost see-through, so as not to obscure the view. I happened across these black rope outdoor Aruba chairs from Flower Power for $79 each!” says Dani.
The home backs onto the riverDani created a sophisticated teenage retreat for one of her stepchildren.
Having just returned to the interior design scene after years spent raising her daughter, Dani certainly flexed her design muscle when creating this home. “I feel that I nailed the brief! The view is still breathtaking and is the focal point from almost every place in the house. The decor is interesting and beautiful in its own right, without taking away any of the wow-factor of the location.”
Hamptons style house: An amazing before & after in Queensland
Located on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this original Queenslander was built in 1940 and while it’s been renovated over the years its latest makeover is arguably its grandest, with its…
AFTER master bedroom. Stephanie picked up that bedhead of Marketplace for just $50!
With her first child on the way, Sydney interior designer Stephanie Ferrara was keen to move from her two-bedroom apartment into her first family home. The search was proving rather fruitless until an Inner West heritage home hit the market and Stephanie and her husband were the successful bidders at auction. “We purchased the home while I was six months pregnant, had a settlement period of a month and so had to renovate really quickly,” says Stephanie. She transformed the place with just $20,000 within three weeks and while working full time (not to mention seven months pregnant). Phew!
BEFORE front
AFTER front elevation
The circa 1918 home needed a fair bit of work; not only was a lot of the timber falling apart but the home’s palette was an ‘interesting’ mix of aqua blue, brown, turquoise and pink. “We bought the ugliest house on the street and all of the neighbours said that they couldn’t wait to see what we would do with it,” says Stephanie who wanted to carry out a relatively small renovation in the short term with a view to extending the home in a few years’ time.
BEFORE lounge room
AFTER lounge room
AFTER lounge room
The renovation began outside where the home’s existing rainbow of paint colours was replaced with a much more sophisticated palette of Dulux shades including Domino, Monument, Teahouse and Shale Grey. “I chose Dulux Pink Dust for the front door because I’m having a girl,” says Stephanie. The home’s original iron fence was replaced with a picket fence also, greatly increasing the home’s street appeal.
BEFORE master bedroomAFTER master bedroom. Stephanie found that bedhead on Marketplace for just $50!
Almost a quarter of the renovation budget was spent on the floors where the blue and pink carpet was ripped up to reveal perfect timber boards underneath. A dark stain was applied and then all of the walls were patched up and repainted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter and Vivid White. “I wanted it to be quite monochrome and clean because it’s my signature style and the home also needed to be modernised to some degree,” says Stephanie.
BEFORE “The dining room was like an aquarium with its turquoise walls,” says Stephanie.
AFTER dining
The kitchen underwent a small renovation (the doors and the bench top were replaced) while the bathrooms were overhauled with the Dulux Renovation range of tile primer and paint. “A client of mine did it as a temporary five-year fix and we’ve done the same thing. The bathroom is nice and fresh now,” says Stephanie.
AFTER kitchen
AFTER Tile paint freshened up the bathroom.
The house also needed to be completely rewired and while it was carried out by an electrician, Stephanie’s brother-in-law was on hand too. “He is an apprentice electrician, so he helped with all of the more minor jobs. Even I got involved with chasing cables up the wall,” says Stephanie.
BEFORE bedroom
AFTER nursery. Lovely Wall Co decals adorn the far wall.
“We moved in when I was eight months pregnant and I’m about to have the baby this month. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. It was obviously worth it but I’m exhausted!” says Stephanie.
90s house renovation renders it unrecognisable. In a good way!
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Starting an interior design project can be both an exciting and an overwhelming venture. You have an array of ideas and want your design to come together, and you risk jumping in head first before you even have a plan.
To help Aussies looking to transform a space, Luke Davidson, interior designer and co-founder of online interior design platform Inscene, shares his top tips to translate your design dreams into reality.
1. Discover your personal style
The process of interior design is deeply personal. Not all design styles will work for everyone, so it is up to you to decide how you want the space to feel. One way to help figure this out is to look at your closet. You can spot the colours and patterns that work best for you, giving you an indicator as to what you should look for when designing.
2. Determine what you don’t like
It may go without saying, but another tip to help you find out what styles you like is to eradicate everything you don’t like! This can narrow your options considerably, giving you a smaller pool of design styles to choose from and keep you from being paralysed by having too many choices.
3. Understand your needs
Be sure to focus on the practicality of each space of your home. You’ll want to consider the location and surroundings of your property. This will help you figure out the appropriate styles and materials for your interior design. Additionally, accurate room measurements are vital to ensuring that what you buy fits in your space. Measuring each room ahead of time will prevent purchases being disproportionate to your design or the room itself.
Before and after of an Inscene project
4. Create a mood board and sample everything
Crafting a mood board can help you visualise what your space will look like and is a valuable resource in planning that can help you avoid costly design mistakes. It is also best to sample materials such as paint, flooring, and surfaces. Observing the paint in natural light both in the morning and at night can help you determine how the paint makes you feel when it’s on your walls and not on a little swatch. The same can be said for flooring and surface samples.
5. Quality doesn’t always mean expensive
Quality is always essential, especially when it comes to building materials. Skimping out by going with the cheapest option may save you money upfront, but it will cost you more in the long run when you need to redo or replace it. In saying this, though, quality doesn’t always translate to the most expensive. You can find durable materials that mimic the aesthetic of more expensive ones at a fraction of the cost. Don’t be afraid to mix high and low-price points, either. Filling the space with affordable and practical pieces can allow you to splurge on one or two hero items that will stand out even more.
6. Plan rooms one at a time
Breaking down your interior design process by planning one room at a time can help a larger project become more manageable. This can also help you focus on the individual room and its unique needs. For those worried about the final design not being cohesive or rooms clashing, don’t be. If you have a plan, you can keep on top of this. For those with an interior stylist, they will ensure everything looks seamless when the project is finished.
7. Hire a professional
We all appreciate input from our family and friends, but too many opinions can be overwhelming and confusing. By hiring a professional, you get the expert opinion and help of one qualified individual. You can avoid common interior design mistakes and be confident that the end result will match your original design dream, if not better.
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Originally built in the eighties, this two storey Gerringong home was purchased by Sydney interior designer Aimee McKechnie, and her builder husband Blair, before it was given an extraordinary makeover recently. Designed to function as a holiday home for the couple (and their two children), and a beautiful retreat that could be rented out to guests, the home’s understated luxury is lightyears away from the home’s original dated and dilapidated aesthetic.
BEFORE upstairs livingAFTER upstairs living
AFTER upstairs living. Shiplap boards were added to the ceiling, completely changing the feel of the space.
Affectionately referred to as the ‘80s tiled beast,’ the home was in a state of significant disrepair when Aimee and Blair accepted the renovation challenge. “The home had received a few add-ons over the years but had no love or maintenance which is critical when you’re situated so close to the ocean,” says Aimee.
None of the sliding doors closed, due to corrosion from the salty air, and the balcony was comprised of rotten timber, rendering it completely unsafe.
BEFORE dining
AFTER kitchen and dining
With a renovation timeline of six months, and a budget of $700k, Aimee worked to a specific brief (warm minimal with a Mediterranean vibe), and sourced lots of local furniture and art with that in mind.
“In all of my projects I’m quite passionate about showcasing Australian artists and craftspeople. In this house, I combined these pieces with wall hangings and ceramics from Morocco as well as a selection of beautiful tiles throughout to add interest and warmth,” she says.
BEFORE master bedroom
AFTER master bedroom
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroom
Key to the design brief was the use of natural materials. From engineered oak floorboards to travertine tiles as well as soft furnishings made from linen and leather, the spaces have a textural, comfortable feel. “We then added in a bit of brass and a few unique vintage items to elevate the look,” says Aimee.
BEFORE downstairs kitchenette
AFTER downstairs kitchenette
With its vaulted ceiling and northern ocean and mountain views, the upstairs living area is the undisputed centrepiece of the home. The kitchen was reorientated to face the living space and views, while the ceiling and upstairs balcony were lined with shiplap boards which completely transformed the space.
“The renovation really focussed on this area as the social hub of the home and the whole area became one large cocoon. You can cook while friends sit at the bench, banquette or nearby fireplace. It’s such a fantastic entertaining space now,” says Aimee.
BEFORE kitchen and dining
AFTER The kitchen area features Aimee’s beloved banquette seating
As for holiday bookings, the property has been fully booked out for almost six months in advance since launching. “It’s been a COVID success story given people are so limited in their travel options at the moment. We’ve hosted so many wonderful guests that have celebrated everything from weddings to 80th birthdays. I love the variety of guests we have and the feedback from those that have stayed has been so positive.”
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Part of a wider home renovation (that interestingly was managed entirely online), this Gold Coast kitchen was the final room to get the makeover treatment. “The only room letting down the style and functionality of the home was the kitchen,” says interior designer Mel Hoekstra who was responsible for the overhaul.
And although it wasn’t falling apart, the size and layout of the room didn’t suit the home’s occupants (a family of three) and nor did it allow space in which to entertain family and friends.
The new kitchen features a large and functional island bench
Tasked with creating a coastal farmhouse style kitchen that complemented the rest of the renovated home, Mel started the job with some clever spatial planning. “We doubled the kitchen space by extending into the double garage, which our clients only used for storage. We also removed a small entry wall giving us much needed space for a large stone island bench,” says Mel.
Positioned in the centre of the kitchen, the island allows for serving, working and homework as well as acting as a space for the family to congregate and interact. It’s a far cry from the home’s previous kitchen which was only large enough for two people to be cooking in the space.
Another key design feature is the room’s new breakfast bar which is located near the back door. “It’s a space for overnight guests to feel comfortable making themselves a drink or coffee while the owners are cooking or washing up,” says Mel. That kitchen zone was designed to make everyone feel like they had space.
The ‘breakfast bar’
Neutral cabinetry was paired with matte black handles and taps for design continuity. And two of Mel’s favourite design aspects include the ‘floral’ cut-outs at the top of the tall cupboard doors, the timber shelves (which are ideal for ever-changing shelfies) and the classic glass feature pendant lights that hang over the island.
The tall cupboard doors feature pretty floral cut-out detailing at the top
The kitchen also features a secret door to the laundry chute, that looks like it’s part of the wall while another ‘cupboard’ is actually a doorway into the garage storage area. “It is these quirky and unique features that have helped to personalise the kitchen for our client’s lifestyle, and they couldn’t be happier!”
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Part of a wider Sydney family home renovation, that involved both layout and material changes, this clever laundry relocation piqued our interest recently because it’s not something we’ve seen before. Keen to gain more space for a combined home office/rumpus room, the home’s original laundry was relocated to a small spot, concealed behind stylish doors, under the stairs. Genius!
Before: The space under the stairs housed a random assortment of toys
After: A much more clever use of space! Fish scale mosaics from Kaizen Tiles, Polytec Ravine Natural Oak veneer and brushed bronze Castella handles complete the look.
“The first stage of a project is nearly always space planning, but in the case of the under-stair laundry, my clients had already worked it out. It may have seemed like crazy thinking at the start, but it turned out to be a masterstroke!” says interior designer Joanne Yeomans of Issy and H Creative who presided over the renovation.
Originally housing some impractical toy storage, the laundry relocation has resulted in a far more sensible use of space. And while the area under the stairs is smaller than the old laundry, clever joinery means the family still has everything it needs. “It’s neat and compact, with a stacked washer/dryer, overhead storage, sink and pull-out laundry drawer. What more do you really need?” says Joanne who also included more storage under the foot of the stairs to house towels and linen.
And the best part about the design is that you can close the laundry off completely when it’s not in use, and you wouldn’t even know it was there. “The doors were designed to look as if they were part of the wall,” says Joanne.
But while the family had fairly solid layout ideas, Joanne’s expertise was sought when it came to the material selections. “They wanted to go with a real Hamptons feel but weren’t confident they could do it themselves,” says Joanne. The original harsh black and white palette didn’t sit well with the family who wanted a much lighter feel for their home that is located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
“They always wanted splashes of blue and I suggested the limed oak floor. The overall result is that the home feels a lot lighter and airier.”
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Tired 40s house given colourful new lease on life by interior designer
Located on Sydney’s North Shore, this 1940’s family home was updated recently by interior designer Joanne Yeomans of Issy and H Creative who was engaged to overhaul three key spaces…
Located on Sydney’s North Shore, this 1940’s family home was updated recently by interior designer Joanne Yeomans of Issy and H Creative who was engaged to overhaul three key spaces – the master bathroom, laundry, study and lounge.
“My clients loved the charming Victorian architecture of their home, but despite its graceful ageing, the more tired spaces needed some magic to bring them back to life,” says Joanne, who used vintage-inspired colours and finishes to update the home.
BEFORE laundry
AFTER laundry
First up, Joanne tackled the laundry which was disorganised, cramped and lacking in functionality. “We took advantage of the fact that our client loved colour and pattern,” says Joanne who specified Shaker style cabinetry in duck egg blue, a butcher’s block bench top, butler’s sink and statement black and white floor tiles that reference the home’s Victorian origins. “This is my favourite space as I love the combination of finishes – especially the pop of mustard which works so well against the blue,” says Joanne.
The new laundry features lots of gorgeous period-inspired details
The master bathroom was previously lacking in functionality too, its outdated finishes ripe for renovation. In this space, sage green subway tiles from Kaizen Tiles perfectly complement a custom vanity (Lamicolor Chalet Oak Tabac) and a Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo benchtop.
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroom
“Brushed brass accents add an elegant touch, with the hexagonal mirror from Life Interiors giving it a modern twist,” says Joanne.
AFTER bathroom
The home’s formal lounge had great existing features including whimsical wallpaper and period details such as a red brick fireplace. The space was softened with custom curtains, custom scatter cushions in Art Deco-inspired fabrics, a large Freedom marble coffee table and west elm floor lamp.
“This has become a great adult entertaining space and has been well used as an escape from the busyness of family life, especially during the last few months,” says Joanne.
BEFORE lounge room
AFTER lounge room
AFTER lounge room
The nearby study was given an aesthetic and organisational overhaul with a fabulous new bookcase becoming the hero of the space. The full height bookcase wall is complete with a reading corner and built-in drinks cabinet.
“We created a two-person, 3.5 desk in recycled Blackbutt timber and the wall paint colour, Taubmans Red Squirrel, was chosen by my clients. It adds a wonderfully warm and vibrant feeling to the room.”
BEFORE study
AFTER study
Fabulous full-height book shelves house the owners’ large collection of books
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This sun-drenched Art Deco apartment in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay was the perfect blank canvas to create a retreat for a busy young professional couple, and interior designer Liz Hayward thoroughly enjoyed the project.
The apartment is a great reminder that even homeowners with great taste can need a little helping hand in bringing it all together. Interior designers are definitely not just for people who have no idea!
“The brief was to design a classic timeless concept with touches of soft colours. The couple loved to entertain friends with intimate dinner parties, which meant the dining area was a real focal point,” says Liz, of Hayward & Co.
A client with a great eye for design which made the process run very smoothly. “She knew what she wanted and had her eye on a few key pieces but just wasn’t sure how to make them all work together.
“We ended up using such a great mix of pieces including custom dining chairs from Spence and Lyda, mixed with a West Elm rug and lamps. The artwork was all selected by the client and was used as a guide for the decor selection by picking up the blush tones and working those in.”
Being a one-bedroom apartment, Liz decided to keep the colour scheme consistent throughout, making it feel like one cohesive space.
“I loved having the opportunity to reach out to local and international artisans and incorporate their works into the space. The wall hanging was from LA-based artist Cindy Zell. I stumbled across her work on Instagram one night whilst mid-way through the project and knew it was the absolutely perfect piece. After a quick message to the client, the piece was on its way to us just a few hours later!”
The sofa showcases cushions from local textile designer Grace Garrett whose work Liz loves using in her projects.
“This final result is a classic design with elements that can be switched out and updated if the clients choose to in years to come. I was so fortunate to work on this project and be able to create a beautiful and calm space that they can come home to after a busy day and feel instantly relaxed in.”
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Read to the end for your chance to win a $997 virtual interior design consultation!
We all want our house to look like the pictures that grace the cover of home magazines but justifying the spend of an interior designer to help us achieve that goal can feel unattainable. Well what if I told you that using an interior designer can save you money? Seems a little odd right given it’s an extra expense that you need to fork out on top of the largest purchase you’ll ever make in your lifetime. But wait, let me explain how in fact we can save you money and time and create a beautiful space for you to enjoy!
Avoid expensive mistakes. Fixing a preventable mistake can end up blowing your budget and it’s an interior designer’s job to recognise these errors before it’s too late. Combining your vision and our know-how is why a designer should be hired as early into a project as possible.
Take advantage of trade discounts. Simply put, we receive special pricing on all items to do with interior design including fixtures, tiles, paint, furniture, appliances and décor. So, all that stunning furniture and décor you have been pining over is now attainable and at a very significant discount from retail pricing. By doing the maths on trade pricing, it can give you a basic idea of how much money can be saved at the very least. It’s as easy and awesome as that.
Time is money. That old saying applies here for a couple of reasons. Whilst it may take you months to figure out which paint, tiles, fixtures and design you want, we already have an excellent working knowledge about all of these options and can get this sorted and confirmed relatively quickly. The project management aspects of a renovation can be equally time consuming and frustrating. It’s our job to take this on for our clients and make sure everything runs smoothly – we liaise with your builders and give them precise, documented instructions so there are no miscommunications and costly mistakes made. We also can help ensure you employ the best trades for the work you require at a reasonable cost, both saving you time and money. A good designer makes the entire process easier and faster so that you can move on with the rest of your life.
Designers don’t follow trends. Designers simply don’t follow trends and replicate magazines that tend to focus on a current trend at any given time. This means you won’t have to re-do the space the minute the trend changes. A great interior designer helps you to identify which purchases matter for the future of your home and can spot quality immediately, helping you to make investments in pieces that will be both timeless and durable. Additionally, a great interior designer should focus on a little-known term called space medicine. This ensures that your space is designed taking into consideration our physical environment and the space we have to work with. Harnessing the power of light, colour, spatial arrangement and of course functionality, is a key. Interior designers save clients the heartache and unnecessary expense of a badly designed space.
Recycle, recycle, recycle. I personally love to upcycle anything I can, and give it a new purpose. And if you don’t have the budget to replace everything or want to save some existing pieces for keepsake reasons, who better than a professional designer to accomplish that for you?
Upcycled desk ideas: from drab to fab for under $100
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Maximise the value of your house. We are trained to see the potential in a property and are skilled at maximising that potential to maximise your investment. Having a smart and professionally designed, beautiful space, will only increase the value of your home along with the number of potential buyers. While you may end up paying an interior designer for their services and the cost of materials now, this ends up saving you money along the way and potentially making you a profit when you receive a higher bid on your home. Investing money into your home right now can pay off later.
Naomi Findlay is a renovation and interior design expert, author of the best-selling books Sell Your Property for More Money and The Start Up Guide to Renovating For Wealth, design expert on the TV series Changing Rooms as well as the producer and host of YouTube shows, Renovie and The Reno Show.
She created Design Decisions to allow allow everyone from around the country the access to a professional interior designer offering advice, a moodboard, design schedule with exact details on all items you require, all carried out online, from the comfort of your home, anywhere, anytime. We all deserve an amazing and beautiful space to live and work.
Win a virtual interior design consultation
For your chance to win a virtual interior design consultation with Naomi, worth $997, complete the form below by 11.59pm AEST on Thursday 9 July 2020 and ensure you’re following @naomifindlayofficial on Instagram
The prize includes a one-hour video consultation with Naomi, a moodboard, a physical sample box through the mail where applicable, a design schedule which specifies every last detail and can act as a shopping list for your trades, and more.
Open to Australian residents only.
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Today’s blog post is all about showing you how it’s the little touches that can take your home to the next level and how sometimes you may need a bit of expert help to really breathe life into your space and make it all work together. Cohesion, commonly called “flow” can be an elusive thing when decorating.
Interior designer Sarah Yarrow added cohesion, warmth and personality to this home and she shares her tricks
Interior designer Sarah Yarrow illustrates this beautifully in this short video about what she did with a recent client’s home for their young family.
Sarah has kindly walked us through what she did and how you could do the same in your home…
The design brief for this home was largely, to make the spaces feel cohesive and inviting. Before the update, the home lacked any sort of specific style; there were no distinguishing features or key focal points to draw the eye around each room. The spaces looked okay, as in, there were no glaring acts of design faux pas, it was more that it lacked warmth, personality and the scale of many existing furniture pieces and accessories were all wrong.
My first step was to really nut out the desired aesthetics the clients were after (contemporary coastal), then it was all about sticking to that style and constantly referring back to the agreed concept before making each selection.
The final result really answered the brief in terms of ensuring cohesion and flow throughout the spaces. I did this by keeping the colour base quite neutral with cool whites then added warmth using dusty “dirty” pinks, warm greys and olive into the palette.
I added interest by creating a focal point in each space so there was something to anchor and draw the eye into. For example, the black pendant light in the kitchen catches your eye in the tall ceiling and then naturally guides you down to the hardwood timber shelves which are lovingly stocked with soulful treasures and practical wares.
AFTER kitchen
Kitchen shelf details
BEFORE kitchen
The tiny study, once a nothing sort of area, now has a fun but very simple wallpaper which completely changes the feeling. Cladding the fireplace horizontally in VJ boards counterbalanced the dominating scale and really added some comfort to the previously bland facade.
AFTER study
BEFORE study
Repeating these principles throughout the whole home helped me connect each space and ensure there was an overall flow throughout.
It’s the little touches which give the home its character and personality though. Given the ceilings were very high at over three metres and the base colour palette of wall paint and kitchen finishes were all cool whites, it was imperative to add lots of texture to help ground and deliver warmth.
Furnishings full of cool colours, with no pattern or texture would have left the home feeling cold and cavernous. Instead, I added sheer curtains to soften the large wall of glass, incorporated wool textured rugs and throws, patterned cushions and of course, the personalised accessories, were ways I was able to achieve the desired feeling.
AFTER Sheer curtains and textured homewares soften the room and the glass
My clients love to travel so many of the chosen accessories reflected that passion: books, collected vintage wares and family photos. While I started the ‘story’ for them in terms of the accessories, I was also conscious of leaving empty spaces for them to fill out the shelves with more special collected pieces as time goes on. That way, it becomes an ever-evolving memory display of their lives together as a family. That’s what a home should be in my opinion!
AFTER dining
BEFORE dining
At the end of the day, my goal is always to leave my clients with a home that’s entirely reflective of them, not what’s in the showroom or the magazine or what the Joneses have up the road. Take inspiration from those sources of course, but the only way to truly have a home with soul and style, is by being YOU! Be true to that and follow those key design techniques, and you’ll end up with a truly cohesive home that makes you feel good.
The heritage home with modern extension, is certainly not a new concept. Regardless of heritage restrictions, many a run-down old character home has been lovingly restored simply because people love a slice of history. From solid timber floors to architraves and unique ceiling details, a heritage home simply cannot be recreated with modern materials; something that was acknowledged by the designers of this gorgeous renovation, located in the well-heeled Perth suburb of Mosman Park.
Front elevation
Owned by the co-founders of Perth architectural and design company MAEK, the home was renovated recently after being purchased in less than ideal condition. And while it would have been easier (and possibly cheaper) to demolish the original abode and build something new, the MAEK team couldn’t resist the old bones of the once-loved home.
“It seemed sad to let the historical façade, and the history within it, disappear from the streetscape. People have since remarked at how glad they are that we had kept the old house and brought it back to life. We feel like we’ve made a real contribution to the neighbourhood and the value of our street,” says the co-founder of MAEK and one of the home’s owners Sophie McComish.
Kitchen
Lounge
“We believe there is something very authentic and beautiful about a heritage home; something that is hard to replicate new. We get an immediate sense of quality and solidness; a sense that great care has been taken to craft it. This was another driving factor for us to bring the old home back to life – not losing all that beautiful detailing and workmanship,” says Sophie who rebuilt the front façade (the chimneys were strengthened and repaired) and repaired the home’s original six-metre-long jarrah floorboards too.
And when it comes to the home’s stunning rear extension, a commitment to ‘beautiful details and workmanship’ is evident where MAEK settled on a unique blend of old and new. “Whilst we have not imitated the old, we would never do this, it’s difficult to know where the old house ends and the new addition begins,” says Sophie.
For example, the living room (a highly contemporary addition) features heritage sash windows, plus detailed skirting and cornices; and it’s one of Sophie’s favourite places to inhabit. “From an aesthetic perspective, the kitchen and living area is a delightful space to be in. You feel as though you are nestled in your own secret garden with its lush green outlook. It’s beautiful all year round,” says Sophie.
Sash windows (right) feature in the home’s new extension
The bathrooms, with their generous proportions of marble and stone, are some of the home’s standout spaces. One of them is situated in an original bedroom, and now sports a vintage freestanding bath in front of an original black and white fireplace. “The heritage features are complemented by a generous ceiling height, large proportions of statuario marble, limestone floors and supersized mirrors. The result is grand and luxurious, but also calming,” says Sophie.
The gorgeous guest bathroom
Ensuite
The beautiful garden features a few large boulders, nestled beneath trees among plants and rocks, giving the garden a lovely organic feel. “From kids’ playdates to grown up barbeques and lazing about on a Saturday morning, the house works perfectly for us. The kitchen, living area and alfresco are surrounded by an oasis of lush green gardens and pool, which makes for a very tranquil space to enjoy.”
Alfresco
The unique pool fence appears to be floating on grass. “It hardly requires any cleaning!” says Sophie.
Located on the Mornington Peninsula, this 1980’s rough diamond got the makeover treatment recently, courtesy of interior designer Tara Daniels of Seahaven Interiors. Nestled on a large bush block, 10 minutes from the ocean, the revamp highlights the home’s natural elements and features gorgeous pops of on-trend pink and green.
BEFORE lounge
AFTER lounge. The artwork is from Kimmy Hogan and chandeliers are from Beacon Lighting.
“About a year ago out clients asked us to transform their newly purchased 1980’s shack to a cosy coastal retreat. It was a pleasure to create the perfect holiday home for their extended family,” says Tara Daniels of the four-bedroom, two-bathroom, single-storey home.
BEFORE lounge
AFTER lounge
The home was in need of a lot of love; much of it was rotting but there were a couple of original features that had a lot of potential. While both needed painting, the timber wall panels, were one highlight together with the cathedral ceilings which have arguably become the highlight of the home.
BEFORE dining
AFTER dining
“The cathedral ceiling and beams are spectacular. One side of the house had the cathedral ceiling while the other was lower which felt quite claustrophobic,” says Tara who elected to paint the lower side and all the beams white (Taubmans ‘Miss Universe’), instantly opening up the space. “It focused attention on the gorgeous ceiling,” says Tara.
AFTER bedroom
AFTER bedroom. All of the home’s Abode Living bed linen was handmade in Melbourne.
“The timber wall paneling was already there and it’s a real show-stopper,” says Tara who painted it in Taubmans ‘Flint Smoke,’ a lovely soft green that echoes the bush landscape outside. Green features in the home’s kitchen too; a unique choice, it was one of the first that the clients made.
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchen
“The colour that we chose for the kitchen cupboard was pointed out in our first consult. It jumped out at the clients as it’s very natural, earthy and reminds them of the bushland that surrounds the home,” says Tara of the cupboard fronts which are Laminex ‘Possum.’
AFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen
A monumental transformation, Tara is understandably very proud of the entire project. “I loved transforming it to a warm, cosy and welcoming holiday home. The flooring, paint and window furnishings have given the space a new life.”
Perched atop a hill in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill, and boasting enviable bay views, this gorgeous home was renovated recently with interior designer Kathryn Bamford at the helm. “A driven, entrepreneurial CEO lives there with his partner and two dogs,” says Kathryn of the home that is part of an old mansion that has been divided into four separate residences.
Kitchen. The custom-made velvet bar stools are from Cocolea
“Absolutely everything was gutted, removed and redone. Walls were removed and moved – the lot!” says Kathryn of the home that has been renovated with a modern Hamptons-inspired aesthetic and a punchy colour palette of bold blue and green. The builders were Integriti Projects.
Guest bedroom. The custom-made bedhead is from Heatherly Bedheads.
An elegant space, the lounge room features open shelving styled with an array of interesting books and objects. Dulux ‘Blue Lobelia’ adorns the fireplace, with a Samsung ‘The Frame’ television atop. “With such beautiful finishes we didn’t want a TV to detract from the space. This way the client can alternate the artwork and still use it as a TV. The shelves also have mirror backing, so when facing them, you can also watch the city skyline and bay,” says Kathryn.
Lounge room
Arguably two of the home’s most striking spaces, the bathrooms certainly deliver a luxe hotel vibe too; both have been furnished with statement feature walls created with Bisazza mosaic tiles. “Given they were from Italy they had a bit of lead time, and they weren’t cheap. We spent $29,000 just on tiles for the two bathrooms!” says Kathryn.
Main bathroom
Main bathroom
The luxe hotel feel continues in the guest suite where Bisazza mosaic tiles feature alongside a custom Heatherly Designs bedhead and chic pendant lights. The room also has double doors that lead to a private courtyard.
Guest suite
As for what she is most proud of in the renovation, Kathryn loved being able to deliver more storage and functionality without extending the property. “Also, seeing the transformation from the existing space and how much it’s changed has been great. It’s been both lightened and opened up.”
Photography: Michelle Young from Lantern Studios | Styling: Kathryn Bamford
A Melbourne CBD pied-à-terre for social entrepreneurs Anna and Robert Fleming (and their three grandchildren), this stunning residence was originally built in 1891 but underwent a renovation recently by interior designer Penny Del Castillo of In Design International. Rather than going down the well-trodden path of complete modernisation, Penny looked to the building’s history instead.
“Honouring the heritage listing and giving consideration to the tiny footprint, we elected to recreate the grandeur of the times, rather than align the design to a more urban look,” says Penny.
Lounge room
Located within the 1890’s Victorian Railway Headquarters building, the project began with the removal of an unsympathetic late 20th century renovation, before the whole home was redesigned.
Kitchen: The stone benches are by CDK
Dining: The wall lights are by Articolo
“The decoration and detail demonstrate the ongoing importance of paying homage to those creatives who came before us. We injected a a contemporary vision to reveal how the seamless integration of contemporary Australian design, within historic spaces, can be achieved to ultimately create a layered narrative. This project tells the story of a juxtaposition of past and present and its successful coexistence,” says Penny.
Bathroom
Bathroom: The bathroom tiles are from Earp Bros & Perrini
Given the owners’ three grandchildren are often living at the home too, improving its general liveability was a major part of the design brief. “This required practical solutions to the layout along with the selection of materials and finishes. It still needed to be sophisticated for when the grandchildren weren’t visiting, but practical when they were!” says Penny.
Children’s room
The living area was completely redesigned, totally transforming the way the family entertain and interact. “For such a tiny footprint, we have squeezed a lot into a small space,” says Penny. The room houses Great Dane sofas, Italian floorboards by Veneto Group and a pendant light by Christopher Boots.
Living room
The new master bedroom features Osbourne & Little wallpaper, Grazia & Co mirrors, an ECC pendant and a statement armoire and bedside tables by Zuster. Andrew Martin wallpaper stars in the kids’ bedroom alongside practical, custom joinery.
Master bedroom
That Zuster armoire is something else!
“Everyone who visits the property is truly in disbelief that the architectural details are not authentically original. It is assumed that we have uncovered what had been hidden for over a century!”
This serene infinity pool, another winner, was created by Living Style Landscapes
Shining the spotlight on just 3 per cent of its professional community, the 2020 Best of Houzz awards have been announced, honouring those whose work was the most popular on the platform. Receiving an accolade is no small thing, especially when you consider that the Houzz community includes 2.5 million active home professionals and interior and architectural photographers.
This bathroom, by Studio Black Interiors, is one of this year’s winners.
“This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home renovation and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app. This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across Australia and around the world,” says Tony Been, managing director ANZ at Houzz.
The awards are handed out annually across three categories including design, customer service and photography. Design awards recognise the professionals that were the most popular among the Houzz community, while customer service honours are based on factors including a professional’s overall rating and client reviews submitted in 2019. Photography honours are awarded to architecture and interior design photographers whose images were the most popular.
Another winner, this kitchen is by GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Winners will be able to display a “Best Of Houzz 2020” badge on their page, specifying the category won, which helps homeowners identify popular and top-rated professionals. The badges are highly sought after within the Houzz professional community, as attested to by some of this year’s winners.
This serene infinity pool, another winner, was created by Living Style Landscapes
“Houzz has such a large following and is a platform for renovators and homeowners around the world. Winning the Best of Houzz Awards consecutively since 2017 is something I’m extremely proud of. Houzz continues to support my business and brings genuine clients with different size projects and budgets,” says Julianne Bull, principal designer at The Den Interiors.
Having won several Best of Houzz awards over the years, architect Rebecca Naughtin agrees. “Prospective clients are more likely to reach out if they have confidence in your business. A Best of Houzz badge improves our exposure, gives credibility to our profile, assures clients that we are competent professionals and boosts our team morale,” says Rebecca.
With its sweeping ocean views from almost every room, this home makes the utmost of its cliffside seaside location in Mount Martha, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Built in the 1960’s, its owners (a family of five) decided to renovate it recently with interior designer Jasmine McClelland at the helm.
“The 1960’s property was in mostly original condition, with lots of little rooms that didn’t make a lot of sense and were not meeting the needs of the family’s modern lifestyle,” says Jasmine McClelland who set about transforming the property into an open-plan, spacious home that celebrates its ocean backdrop with a palette of natural timber, blue and grey.
Lounge. What a view!
A standout feature of the renovation is the pool that sits at the entrance to the property. The pool was once an enclosed brick and glass room and is now an airy space with views all the way to the ocean. “The mid-century pool in the front portion of the house was absolute gold, the clients kept the existing form and gave it a facelift, with new tiling and landscaping,” says Jasmine.
Pool and outdoor shower
Opening out onto the pool, courtesy of a custom servery pivot tilt window, the expansive kitchen sits at the heart of the home and is the ultimate in entertaining. “Allowing the kitchen to extend into the outdoors was a key design component. It was through this detail that we were able to create a real sense of connection in the space, even though it is so large,” says Jasmine.
Kitchen. “Both day to day family meals, and fabulous summer parties are made so joyful in this space,” says Jasmine.
The space features generous work benches, ample amounts of storage and a walk-in pantry. The Arcade Tee tile from Perini is a design highlight (the features in the outdoor shower too). “It worked in perfectly with the palette and added a quirky touch to the otherwise clean lines in the kitchen. It is also a bit of a nod to the mid-century roots of the property,” says Jasmine.
The master bedroom is another standout space. Firstly there’s the bedroom details (geometric wallpaper and metallic pendant lights), but there’s also a fabulous his and hers ensuite with unique organic shaped mirrors and custom timber vanities. In addition, the view from the shower is pretty incredible too!
Master bedroom
For a sentimental touch, the cabinetry fronts in the master ensuite were made from recycled timber from the original home.
Shower
The nearby walk-in robe is a triumph of gorgeous design paired with fabulous functionality. “Cabinetry design is a real passion of mine. I love considering everything that my clients’ want and then taking it to the next level with what they imagine is possible for the space,” says Jasmine.
Walk-in robe
The glass fronted luxury wine cellar is another notable area and it’s one that Jasmine designed in what was once an unused space. “A low ceiling space, with no natural light, provided a unique opportunity to create a cellar,” says Jasmine of the room that features gorgeous exposed natural brick too.
Cellar
A downstairs kitchenette allows for a separate self-contained space on the lower ground floor
“All in all, the home is a sophisticated take on a beach style. We really wanted to hero the surrounding landscape, and feel we managed it.”
Located in Sydney’s Buraneer Bay, this 1970’s family home underwent a sympathetic overhaul recently taking plenty of cues from existing features. The floor plan remains the same, as do the cedar framed windows which are a key reference point throughout; there’s pops of complementary timber in every room.
Dining
Formal lounge
“Our clients briefed us to work with the existing features of the house, such as the cedar windows and solid structures. These elements truly give the house its character and soften the space to make it feel more homely and welcoming,” says EB Interiors director Emma Buchan.
Master bedroom
Master ensuite. Timber cabinetry offsets the sage green feature tile beautifully.
The home’s new colour palette does wonders in conjuring a homely vibe; there’s peach, pale blue and grey which all bring a sense of calm to the spaces that are inhabited by two teenage daughters and their parents.
“The client liked the grey tones, but we wanted to warm this up and connect this back to the cedar windows. This is where we introduced the blues, peaches, oranges and mustards, which really offset the greys and added a sense of fun and playfulness to the home, without being obnoxious or overwhelming,” says Emma.
Bedroom
The colour scheme is consistent and cohesive throughout the home but to avoid repetition, Emma specified a mustard coloured sofa in the living room, green tiles in the bathroom and orange and burgundy styling pieces. Art, accent lights and soft furnishings were all crucial pieces of the puzzle when it came to finishing the spaces too.
Kitchen. The home features natural stone flooring from eco outdoor, which looks rustic and lived in.
The kitchen features a nero marquina marble splashback, with white gloss cupboard doors and custom-made walnut handles. “With a minimalistic design approach, it is these little details that prevent a clinical feel and make the home feel balanced, unique and welcoming,” says Emma.
Custom walnut timber handles are a unique kitchen detail
The nearby living room is a welcoming, light-filled space. Emma chose ottomans instead of a coffee table to maximise comfort and flexibility; there’s always the option of additional seating. “We made use of the gorgeous windows that face towards the backyard, adding plenty of natural light into the space which makes it feel larger than life,” says Emma.
