Located in Glebe, in Sydney’s Inner West, this 12-year-old three-bedroom townhouse got a makeover recently, with interior designer Ioanna Lennox at the helm. “The design brief was for a warm, contemporary home with touches of colour and restrained vibrancy,” says Ioanna. The owners, a professional couple, also wanted to maximise the space and make everyday living more functional and enjoyable.
BEFORE living roomAFTER living room
A focal point of the home, the living room was one of the first things to be overhauled; its large stepped hearth fireplace jutted out unnecessarily into the living space. “The hearth obstructed the placement of furniture and the flow around it had to be improved,” says Ioanna who removed the hearth and refurbished the fireplace, rendering it in a dark textured paint; Haymes Paint Artisan Collection in ‘brushed’ finish, ‘Sedimentary’ colour.
AFTER living room
“We chose a dark charcoal colour in a matt chalky finish to disguise the TV above the fireplace and draw the eye upwards. Once the fireplace wall was painted, the room instantly felt more balanced and symmetrical,” says Ioanna of the paint that has a soft, brushed-on, industrial effect.
Ioanna also helped the home’s art-loving owners select an original artwork by Sokquon Tran; it now hangs in the lounge room. “A glorious cloudscape greets you as you walk into the space,” says Ioanna.
The couple chose a new artwork by Sokquon Tran
The original blackbutt timber floors were sanded and repolished and the neutral paint was freshened up throughout the entire home too.
AFTER dining
In the living area, and throughout the rest of the home, soft furnishings and stylish lighting play a key role in creating a homely yet modern feel. “In terms of the furnishings, the owners didn’t want anything too loud, fussy or polarising. They like minimal clean lines, no pattern and they also have a penchant for designer lighting,” says Ioanna.
BEFORE bedroomAFTER bedroom
The couple’s home office was freshened up too – the addition of a stylish but functional bookcase makes the perfect spot to style a personalised shelfie. “I get to know my clients and their lifestyles so we can tell their individual stories,” says Ioanna.
BEFORE studyAFTER study
As for the another standout space, the compact master bedroom was completely overhauled too; a serene Monet-esque mural now hangs on the back wall. “It’s probably my favourite room in the house. The Feathr custom printed Monet Tree wall mural is a show-stopper and once we sourced it, the rest of the palette took its cues from that,” says Ioanna.
BEFORE master bedroomAFTER master bedroom. What a gorgeous mural! New sheer silk curtains add opulence to the space
The mural is paired with dark furniture and the owner’s Asian heirloom chest which doubles as a bench and storage at the end of the bed. The bedroom also has double French doors that open out onto the street. “On sunny mornings you can peel the doors back and let the silk sheers softly sway in the sun.”
Given its utilitarian status, the laundry can often feel like a forgotten space inside a home – it’s frequently cluttered and tired. So, when we heard that Aussie reno royalty Naomi Findlay had overhauled her own laundry recently, naturally we were rather curious to see the results.
“In this laundry, there was over a decade of wear and tear with the old, noisy washer and dryer, rust marks on the benchtop and a huge sink inside a small cupboard that really limited the storage,” says Naomi who overhauled the space with a ‘fresh, functional and fabulous’ brief. We think she nailed it!
BEFOREAFTER
Increased storage Increased storage was a key reno consideration for Naomi. “With this in mind, I put in a smaller sink and clever tapware. I also paid special attention to detail by installing an amazing fit-out inside the cupboards, to maximise the functionality of every bit of storage that I have in this room,” says Naomi.
BEFORE linen cupboardAFTER The linen cupboard is so much more organised!
Luxe details In an effort to make the laundry feel a lot more luxurious, Naomi chose a deep, porcelain sink and paired it with a natural stone benchtop and splashback.
BEFORE sinkAFTER sink & splashback
“To make this space feel more bespoke, I made my very own hanging laundry baskets, installed DIY panelling on the walls and painted some stainless-steel drying racks a deep navy,” says Naomi who paired these details with a statement wallpaper to bring wow factor plus character and texture to the room.
AFTER Wallpaper, hanging baskets and a drying rack were all personalised, welcome additions to the space
Appliances “I do a lot of laundry, but I also know the impact running a washer and dryer can have on the environment and on my water and power bill,” says Naomi. To this end, Naomi chose efficient, quiet and eco-friendly appliances that stack to further optimise space.
Practical considerations “The air in a laundry can be damp, stale and dusty so I opted for a smart vent that stops the flow of air from building up and actually extracts it from the room. This sleek design proves exhaust fans don’t need to be an eye sore,” says Naomi.
AFTER A new streamlined vent
“Ultimately, I am so happy with how this laundry turned out. There is optimal storage space and it feels so good to be in here – even when doing the washing!”
BEFORE One last look!AFTER
Want to see more of the details? Watch the latest episode of The Reno Show below.
Unless you’ve undertaken a kitchen renovation, it can be difficult to understand just how many steps are involved, and just how long they take. But this is where the experts come in and today, interior designer Sarah Nolen, of Birdblack Design, gives us an in-depth look at what to expect.
A recent Birdblack Design kitchen. Photography: The Palm Co
First steps The first port of call when looking to renovate, or build, is to determine your inspiration and preferred styles. Scrolling through Instagram, scouring website galleries and perusing interior designer YouTube channels can assist in discovery. Some basic questions may be: What colours do you like? Are you after a sleek, contemporary kitchen, or a traditional ornate Hampton’s inspired kitchen? Or, do you prefer a fusion of styles?
It is important to highlight likes and dislikes as this will come in handy later on when you think about functionality and practicality. Another trick of the trade is to consider storage requirements – structure and organisation can make your dream home a reality!
A Birdblack Design kitchen renovation
Sourcing an interior designer Like any other profession, interior designers are required to study in order to gain qualifications. Their profound knowledge and industry experience are not to be equated with reading kitchen renovation articles every weekend.
As qualified professionals, interior designers are going to be able to advise you in many ways. They will provide answers for questions you haven’t even thought of before; they will have a wealth of experience under their belt in terms of spatial planning, entrances, wasted spaces, dead corners and creating functionality. Their creativity and knowledge will be well utilised in ticking off wish-list items, sourcing quality materials, and creating cohesion across your space in terms of textures, pattern and colour. By engaging a professional designer, you are guaranteed minimal surprises and a final result that you adore.
The relationship between a client and interior designer can be quite intimate – after all, you are inviting them into your home and into your mind, so that the result will be a true reflection of you and your personality. After all, you will be the one living there, after the job is done! Find a designer you click with – you will be spending a decent amount of time in communication and on-site together. Trust is imperative between designer and client.
Be sure to check their portfolio and social media to ensure they produce the standard and style you are after.
Helpful hint: Meet with your interior designer prior to signing up, simply to familiarise yourself with the design process.
This Birdblack Design kitchen renovation included window seating to take in the coastal view. Photography: The Evoke Company
Client briefing/site measure Every interior design firm will have different processes. There should always be a client briefing. It’s in this first briefing that the overall style will be identified. Your designer should ask a list of detailed questions, ensuring all the client’s needs are met and every detail is considered at this very first brief.
A site measure should be undertaken for renovation projects. Your designer should take note of surrounding rooms. More often than not, a simple wall change could result in more functional space without compromising the overall home layout.
Spatial planning/elevation detailing Interior designers are experts at spatial planning. Oftentimes, new and fresh layouts are presented to clients, broadening their horizons for what can actually happen within their home. Once clients have settled on a particular layout, elevation detailing takes place, including custom joinery design.
Finishes, fixtures & fittings selection Shopping! Woo-hoo! The next step is taking excursions to showrooms and suppliers in order to select your tiles, tapware, handles and joinery finishes. This process can often be overwhelming when there is no guidance, though the process can be exhilarating with a professional by your side, guiding the shopping expedition for overall cohesion and continuity.
Final detailing of drawing and selections schedule After shopping decisions are complete, all the selections are scheduled in and final drawings are confirmed. This is essential as it will be these final drawings that the builder and all the tradespeople will work from. Accuracy and precision are paramount.
Select a builder/project manager & lock them in Now that all your documentation is ready for quoting, make contact with builders and project managers. Together, consider the works you are requiring to be undertaken.
As interior designers, we completely take care of this stage for you. Working with tradespeople daily allows your designer to select the best fit in terms of builder and tradies for your individual project. As they say, sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. In our case, though, it’s both!
Demolition
First on your builder’s agenda is to inspect the existing space and determine what materials it was built from. During demolition, the installation of structural beams to support wall changes or new windows will also take place. Of course, the timing of this will vary, depending on the scope of the work involved.
The demolition process can be rather anxiety-provoking!
Plumbers & electricians ‘rough in’
Once the bare structure is established by the builder, your plumbers and electricians can get involved. They will begin their ‘rough in’ of the plumbing points in the walls and floor, and the wiring for the electrical work.
Sheeting
The walls and ceiling are ready for sheeting and this process commences.
Flooring
What did you decide regarding flooring? Are you going ahead with new flooring or is your existing flooring experiencing a new start in life?
Joinery measure
Once all your walls are sheeted, your joiner will be ready for the on-site measure. This step is crucial in the joinery process. During construction, dimensions slightly change in comparison to drafted drawings. Keep in mind the difference between a drawing and real life. Every millimetre counts!
Joinery installation
After a few weeks of manufacturing in the workshop, your brand-new kitchen is ready for installation. This may take multiple days, depending on the size of your kitchen and the availability of your joinery company. Your kitchen will now look like a kitchen!
Joinery installation
Benchtop measure
Once your joinery has been installed, now is the time for a benchtop measure. Likewise with the joinery measure, every millimetre is crucial. Whether you have opted for stone, concrete, or terrazzo, all surfaces require measuring. The final locations of stone joins require confirmation. The last thing you want in your brand new kitchen is a stone join which unpleasantly draws the eye!
Benchtop installation
Hurrah! The installation of benchtops is a nail-biting process to watch! The details and precision are impeccable.
Splashback tiling (if required)
When tiling splashbacks, be certain your grout colour suits your tile selection. The wrong grout colour has the ability to change the overall look of the tile.
Electrical & plumbing ‘fit off’
It is all starting to come together! With the connection of GPO’s, appliances and lights come to life. Additionally, you now have running water and gas!
Painting
The final layer: the colours you chose! This will include all your walls, ceilings, doors and trims.
With all this in place, is time to invite your family and friends over and time to get cooking. Enjoy!
Barn doors feature throughout The Designory's latest project
Aside from being a fabulous space-saving option, the barn door has fabulous design versatility – it complements virtually any interior (from industrial to farmhouse) and works in almost any room. The barn door also happens to reign supreme in The Designory’s latest project, courtesy of Corinthian’s brand new ‘Moda Barn Door Collection’ which you can see pictured here.
Barn doors feature throughout The Designory’s latest project
“The new designs are an extension of the popular Moda interior door range, which takes cues from the simple yet elegant shaker style. Acting as functional feature in both small apartments and more spacious houses, the Moda Barn Door Collection provides homeowners with a solution of a sliding door that is perfect for walls where there is no cavity pocket and can be used in a variety of applications, from kitchens to living rooms to bathrooms,” says Corinthian Doors Marketing Manager, Amy Ryan. (They must be nice because Jen has the MODA doors throughout her home too!)
The doors are crafted from sustainable solid timber, and available in two finishes; a light American white oak veneer that’s perfect for staining, or primed, which allows for a smooth paint finish. We’re rather excited about this feature, as we have a penchant for coloured doors!
The Corinthian barn doors come in a primed, paintable option
There are multiple designs across the range including a diagonal brace, centre brace and British brace and all of the designs are mirrored on both sides.
Obviously, hardware is vital to the barn door aesthetic with tracks and rollers left purposefully exposed. As such, the Moda range features a matte black face-mounted barn door track and hardware kit including a two-metre track, rollers and anti-jump stops for smooth gliding.
A barn door worked a treat in the bedroom of The Designory’s recent project
Stability can be an issue when it comes to barn doors, but Corinthian have covered that too. “Poor anchoring can be a common pitfall for barn doors and results in them swinging away from and into walls, causing potential damage,” says Amy.
The range features two types of door guides to prevent this from happening, and they are both simple enough to DIY. The classic floor-mounted version secures doors discretely (and comes included in the barn door track and hardware kit). And for floors that are difficult to drill into (tiles, cement, stone, marble), there is a wall-mounted door guide (sold separately) that can be affixed to the adjacent skirting or wall.
Photography: The Designory & Andy Macpherson Studio
AFTER Naomi styled the deck with all-important finishing touches including plenty of greenery
Rapid reno star, and good friend of Interiors Addict, Naomi Findlay is back this month with a fabulous outdoor deck makeover. Here, she talks us through her latest project – one that was completed just in time for the warmer months.
BEFORE The old deck was looking a bit tired
“I’m a big believer that your outdoor space isn’t complete without a gorgeous timber deck. But in our Australian climate, our decks are under a lot of strain from the elements, which can result in serious maintenance for homeowners,’ season after season,” says Naomi who decided to use a wood-composite option for this renovation, rather than traditional timber.
“I did it to minimise maintenance. Specifically, I used Trex’s ‘Transcend’ decking system and, I’m so glad I did!” says Naomi.
AFTER A fresh, clean look
For this transformation, Naomi decided to simplify the process and lay the new deck over part of the existing sub frame. This meant that all she needed to do was rip up the old boards, and prep the sub frame for the new one. “It was really easy to install the decking boards. I did have a team to help but those of you who love DIY, I think you could lay these yourself,” says Naomi.
As for her colour choice, Naomi chose Island Mist – a colour that would complement most outdoor spaces. “It can suit contemporary, rustic, country or even cottage style homes which means it’s super versatile for any property,” says Naomi.
Removing the old deck
With no screws popping up out of the boards, the deck is completely streamlined and has that lovely concealed finish. And, aside from looking slick, the design means that you don’t need to worry about stepping on loose nails either.
AFTER Naomi styled the deck with all-important finishing touches including plenty of greenery
“To finish the outdoor space, I brought in lush greenery, a divine concrete table and chair setting, plus art and accessories to complete the look. It’s so important to style your outdoor space the same as you would for your indoor space and now it feels like the perfect entertaining area, just in time for summer!”
With summer well and truly on its way, now is the perfect time to freshen up your backyard as it becomes one of the focal points for relaxing and entertaining during the summer months.
Outdoor spaces can become neglected during the cooler, wetter months of winter meaning that come spring, these areas often require some extra effort to spruce up. And whether you’re your pathway needs a refresh, or your patio is looking worn and tired, landscape expert and Adbri Masonry ambassador Jason Hodges, shares his top three renovation ideas that will have your backyard guest-ready in no time.
“Spring is the perfect time to be out with the cold and in with the new. By starting on one of these three DIY projects now, you can have a beautiful new outdoor room finished for Christmas, just in time to share with friends and family,” says Jason.
Create an entertaining ‘canvas’ Summer entertaining remains the most popular use of the backyard for many Aussies. The outdoors brings an entirely different dynamic to enjoying time with family and friends – the freedom, natural light and open space creates an environment where conversation and socialising thrives
“When creating an entertaining area, it’s important to plan an area that promotes comfort and conversation. The comfort piece of the puzzle is building the essentials, the pavers that provide a flat, dry place for you to set up on. The other basics are the lighting and heating which allow you to use the space year-round,” says Jason.
To create comfort, the big focus is on selecting the right outdoor furniture. The key criteria are; using products that are made for the outdoors, creating connection between the pieces that stimulate conversation and togetherness, and lastly, selecting settings that are the right size for your space.
An outdoor dining setting makes alfresco summer meals a breeze
“A great option for entertaining is blending formal tables and chairs with informal seating like garden walls with benches on top. It creates extra spaces and allows you to adjust your entertaining for the occasion. The other absolutely essential thing is that you don’t buy a setting for the one night a year you have the entire street over, but rather choose a setting that is the right size for how you will most often entertain,” says Jason.
Whether you’re looking to create a feature zone for dining or entertaining, building a garden path or completing a poolside area, concrete pavers are a clever and effective way to really make the best use of any space to be enjoyed day and night in summer.
Darker pavers are less likely to show stains, and are easier to maintain
When it comes to pavers, other things to consider include what colour to use (light pavers will make a small space look larger), textures, and the overall size and shape of the paver because this allows you to work with different paving patterns, depending on the look you want to achieve.
If your aim is to transform existing paved areas, try pressure cleaning. Not only is it a quick and easy way to improve its appearance, but you may also remove any oil or moss and restore the slip resistance of the surface.
Make the most of the space Not all yards are created equal, in terms of available space, but where there’s a creative will, there’s a way to make the most of outdoor areas, big or small. “There are fewer constraints improving your outdoors than there are renovating indoors, and the key to unlocking the potential of your yard is creative thinking,” says Jason.
If your yard is sloped and you aren’t using every available square metre, you’re sitting on very valuable wasted space. Use retaining blocks to create terrace areas or install garden beds to bring a lively element into what would be otherwise dead space. If you don’t have lots of space in your backyard, you can always build up. Create a raised entertaining area out of nothing by framing the space with a freestanding, double-sided wall using concrete retaining wall blocks. This DIY project will define your backyard this summer, while doubling as an informal bench seating for unexpected guests.
Raised walls create garden beds and extra seating
Make a pathway unique In times gone by, pathways have been a forced consideration to provide a stable thoroughfare to get from one side of the backyard to the other. In some instances, the side of the house has been completely forgotten, transforming this under-utilised part of your home into a mud pit in winter and dust patch in summer. Luckily, there are many great ideas to transform these areas into functional spaces that look great.
A feature stepping stone path is not just aesthetically appealing, but it also activates a generally unused space and ensures that muddy floors, after a trip to the clothes line down the side, are a thing of the past. For added wow factor, lay the pavers offset in a stretcher bond pattern and fill the voids with decorative stones or greenery. Large format pavers are recommended to achieve the designer look.
What’s more, a stepping stone path leaves a gap between the stones allowing the water to infiltrate into the ground, as opposed to pooling and running toward the house or your fence. This makes it a great option for those narrow areas down the side of a home.
“The homeowner has a great love of travelling, Morocco being a highlight. They wanted to make their own little Moroccan haven within their home,” says interior designer Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design, of this recent kitchen renovation. From the teal blue v-groove joinery to the patterned encaustic tile, this kitchen is certainly no wallflower.
Kitchen
Part of a 1960’s brick home located in Wollongong, aside from aesthetic changes, Sarah was employed to create an open-plan living space of the home’s former rabbit warren of rooms. “The existing home lacked a functional layout. It had separate living, kitchen and dining areas typical of the era,” says Sarah who let more light into the home too, courtesy of three new skylights.
The centrepiece of the space, the kitchen joinery combines solid blackbutt timber with v-groove teal polyurethane cabinetry for texture as well as a statement encaustic tile on the splash back and bench top. “Encaustic tiles are popular in Morocco but when selecting the tile, we wanted to reflect the location of the home and introduce some coastal elements,” says Sarah of the the blue and white tiles.
The new kitchen also houses a white ceramic butler’s sink, a custom blackbutt timber pendant light above the kitchen island, a gunmetal sink mixer as well as white Corian benchtops. “We also included open shelving to display our client’s travel treasures,” says Sarah.
With the home’s main laundry on the ground floor, and the kitchen on the second floor, Sarah also designed a little laundry in the kitchen to improve the functionality of the home. “It was ideal to have a secondary laundry area. We achieved this through installing a washing machine under the kitchen bench, along with incorporating a cleaning cupboard within the joinery,” says Sarah.
Adjacent to the kitchen, there’s a lounge and dining area – both of which feature the same teal shade. “They act as art within the space, picking up on the colours featured throughout,” says Sarah of the hand-blown Mark Douglass glass pendant lights that hang in a cluster about the timber dining table.
Dining
The custom teal joinery continues in the TV area where a teal velvet upholstered sofa sits covered in neutral cushions. Alongside, a monochrome Moroccan inspired rug helps to break up all the blue.
Lounge
A matching upholstered bench seat sits nearby; it’s position ideal for taking in the view. “It’s the perfect location to enjoy a morning coffee and breakfast overlooking the escarpment,” says Sarah.
Photography: The Evoke Company | Styling: Jessi Eve
Nestled in the Sydney coastal suburb of North Curl Curl, this 20-year-old bathroom got a stylish upgrade recently by interior designer Deanne Crowther, of Bathrooms by Oldham. And while there was nothing ‘wrong’ with the former space, the new bathroom is not only more functional but it’s much more beautiful too.
“Our client wanted to update their ensuite while retaining its layout. They wanted a concrete inspired bathroom whilst keeping it soft and warm,” says Deanne. A modern, timeless look ensued courtesy of a trio of gorgeous finishes; concrete, brass and American oak.
BEFOREAFTER
One of the major contributors to the transformation is the tile selection – smaller white tiles were replaced with concrete-look 600mm x 600mm porcelain ones. “Choosing a large tile throughout the bathroom gives the illusion of a bigger space,” says Deanne.
The tired white cabinetry was usurped by a custom American oak vanity and new mirrored shaving cabinet. “Underneath, we designed a custom concrete bench top with brass plug and waste,” says Deanne.
The new vanity features a custom concrete top and aged brass tap wareInternal power points feature inside the new mirrored shaving cabinets
The metallic finish is repeated throughout the space via Wood Melbourne aged brass tapware as well as a nearby in-wall toilet cistern that features a brass flush plate. “The aged brass will change over time giving the bathroom an ever changing look,” says Deanne.
The vanity unit also houses concealed strip lighting on a sensor – a luxe ‘extra’ that is useful for late night bathroom trips. “It adds an element of luxury and highlights the design features in the space. It also runs under the wall hung vanity which makes the room feel larger,” says Deanne.
Storage niches were installed on both sides of the shower providing a place to store things within the shower, and a space to add decorative pieces on the other side. And aside from a new niche, the shower area now features a luxe brass rain shower head.
BEFORE
“Ultimately I love that we created the ensuite our client desired. The coolness of concrete combined with antique brass accessories and American oak joinery achieved the warmth and softness she was after.”
The second floor of the new extension sits wedged between its neighbours on either side
“Fortunately, there are a lot of recreation facilities in the inner north of Melbourne, so this site didn’t necessarily need a big backyard,” says architect Paul Gardiner of this project; a renovation set on a 204 sqm sliver of land in Brunswick, wedged between buildings on either side.
The home’s new timber and concrete clad extensionThe home is nestled between neighbours
While close to cafes, transport and parks, the site is small, long and narrow with a childcare centre on one side, and a two-storey large red brick home on the other. “Due to these neighbours, the house felt quite crammed in on both sides. The site still held opportunity, though the original building was in a very poor state,” says Paul.
Kitchen
The original home consisted of two rooms at the front with a kitchen, living and dining area at the back. “The back of the house consisted of a typical lean-to extension,” says Paul who retained the very front part of the house, despite there being no heritage overlay on the site.
“Keeping the front of the house, along with being a more sustainable approach, felt like a more sensitive response to the street frontage. Numerous heritage facades in the area have been lost as new developments replace the traditional style single dwellings,” says Paul.
The home has a small courtyard in the centre
A central courtyard now sits at the rear of the home, allowing northern light into the ground-level living areas that include a kitchen, living, dining, bathroom, laundry and study nook. “Large, east-facing windows ensure the passage through the house, that connects the old and new areas, is full of natural light,” says Paul.
Hydrotherm radiators ensure the home stays warm in winter
The home’s colour scheme was developed around its connection to the outdoors and is intentionally neutral and pared back, allowing future owners to put their stamp on it.
EnsuiteMaster bedroom
“We wanted to create spaces that were enjoyable, light and interesting, allowing anyone to be able to come in and incorporate their own taste,” says David, referencing the home’s rental status. Coloured tiles provide a splash of colour in both the kitchen and bathroom – a nice complement to the light wood tones that feature throughout.
When interior designer Lori Murray, of March Twice Interiors, was approached by the owners of this home to assist with a couple of selections (tiles and carpet), little did she know the job would end up expanding in scope. “As we spent more time together, we developed a great working relationship, and the brief came to include more areas of the home,” says Lori who ultimately finished up working on paint colours, furnishings, artwork, custom upholstery, lighting and window treatments too.
Linen curtains work to soften the vast amount of glazing (and light) in the living room
When Lori’s skills were engaged, the home’s owners had just moved back to Australia, from Hong Kong, and were excited about setting up a permanent base in Sydney’s leafy Mosman. Many aspects of the home couldn’t be changed (stone flooring, aluminium windows and lots of glass), but the designer introduced texture to soften the vast glass spaces. “Notably, we introduced soft linen curtains to frame the vast windows in the main living space,” says Lori.
A LightCo pendant light hangs above the dining table
“The window coverings throughout the home really make an impression and work beautifully with the custom upholstery pieces we designed and made for the client, such as the bedheads in the master bedroom and daughter’s bedroom,” says Lori.
The master bedroom features a custom bedheadThe master bedroom features an open-plan ensuite
As for the daughter’s bedroom, it’s a standout space in the home due its stunning wallpaper – Chiswick Grove by UK company Sanderson. “We were after a wallpaper that would fulfil the brief of this room, that being pretty and feminine, but also be sophisticated enough to grow with our teenage client over the years,” says Lori of the gorgeous green floral feature that really takes the room to the next level.
Daughter’s bedroomA close-up of that stunning Sanderson wallpaper
Another area in which Lori added much-needed warmth and texture is the master bathroom, which features handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles on the wall of the shower recess. “They transformed the room from just another bathroom, to a real feature in the master suite,” says Lori.
Master bathroom shower recess
Lighting also provided the home with extra warmth and Lori selected a variety of floor standing and pendant lamps to this end. “The floor standing Moda Piera lamp, in the corner of the living room, looks like it was made for that space, while the LightCo pendant over the dining table provides the warmth of natural brass,” says Lori. The daughter’s bedroom features another lovely LightCo pendant that floats above the room’s desk.
A LightCo pendant floats above the desk
“Overall, we feel proud that the scope of the project expanded the more we worked with the client. The whole family loves the home, and the client and I have become great friends, which is a huge compliment.”
A LightCo floor lamp makes a statement in the living area
Nestled in the historic Perth suburb of East Fremantle, this heritage-listed workers’ cottage was transformed into a modern family home with the addition of a super modern extension. Nero Marquina marble, concrete floors and gloss black timber stand in contrast to original home’s raw, matte finishes. The project was the winner of the “Best in State” award at the 2018 Australian Interior Design Awards.
The heritage listed original cottage forms the front of the abodeNew red bricks to the extension (right) echo the heritage red bricks from the original home (left)
“The brief called for a modern working family home; to be respectful of the much-adored cottage yet provide additions that are functional and exciting. The owners loved the character of the area, but they also wanted something very modern, that had a luxury hotel feel at the same time,” says the project’s architect Simone Robeson of Robeson Architects.
An original fireplace is complemented by new joinery and artworkA small site, sight lines from the entry to the courtyard are key in creating a sense of spaciousness
The original cottage was left largely intact save for the insertion of skylights to the hallway and the reinstatement of the original bullnose verandah. Most of the changes occurred at the rear of the home where a kitchen, courtyard, office, garage and upper floor bedroom and ensuite were added to the home.
Bathroom
Sitting on just 228 square metres, some creative design solutions were hatched to make the home fit for family use – the kitchen island being one of the more notable. “The kitchen island bench is an example of working with the small house footprint. Since there was no room for a separate dining table, we designed a table that can be used as an extension to the island bench. When used as a table it can be pulled to the side and used with the window seat,” says Simone.
The kitchen island bench features a movable table that allows for flexible use of space
Another aspect that increases the sense of space in the home is the flooring – the kitchen’s internal floor runs seamlessly to the external courtyard. “The flush threshold makes the kitchen and courtyard feel like one big open space,” says Simone.
The external courtyard connects the old and new parts of the home
The design brief also emphasised the importance of creating flexible spaces. Due to the mixed-use zoning of the site (one side sits on historic George St), the extension also includes a self-contained office and bedroom that can be leased should the owner desire.
The self-contained office leads to an upstairs bedroomEnsuite
The inaugural Design Files Design Awards were handed out last week with Matt Woods Design taking out the ‘Interior Design’ award for its beautiful Sydney apartment project ‘Perfect Storm’. Dubbed the “concrete bunker” due to its deliberate use of rendered finishes (the design was inspired by Brutalism), the loft space still feels homely through the use of timber, brass, curves and some rather spectacular joinery.
The mezzanine bedroom sits above the kitchen below
A warehouse conversion in inner-city Camperdown, the apartment is home to a couple of design professionals who were seeking a minimalist lifestyle with an interior to match. The owners sought to create a clutter-free space while celebrating the history of Camperdown’s industrial heritage, all while not falling into warehouse-conversion design tropes.
Bathroom
The open-plan apartment features a mezzanine bedroom that overlooks the living room and terrace. Double-height glazing ensures the apartment is light-filled and provides a nice contrast for its dark and brooding finishes. The curved ceilings are a unique and fascinating detail too.
The loft bedroom features stunning timber joinery that highlights the curved ceiling
The custom kitchen features more than a passing reference to Mid-Century design –American Oak joinery combines with brass accents and statement lighting. Complementary geometric forms can be seen in the nearby lounge area – tan and teal blue sofas punctuate the apartment’s otherwise muted palette.
And while you could say that concrete elements are the defining feature of the home, very little cement was used in its creation. The concrete finish on the walls was achieved with a Porter’s Paint French Wash and the more ‘solid’ concrete elements were created using light-weight Glass Reinforced Cement (CRG).
The lounge room looks onto the terrace
Eschewing the typical Sydney aesthetic (ie natural, coastal and light/bright elements), the apartment was no doubt recognised due to its stylish and singular approach. Restrained and resolved, it’s easy to see why this project was singled out (from literally hundreds of entries) to take out the esteemed prize.
Located in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Balaclava, this compact 2001 townhouse was creatively redesigned recently, on time and to a tight budget, for a father and his two sons. “This was an exercise in tailoring a space to a client’s needs,” says the project’s architect Richard King of RK-D.
The architect maximised storage space and turned the former maze of rooms into a much more open plan environment with the striking blue kitchen undoubtedly the star. “My client loves the blue and how it juxtaposes with the timber floor and nearby white library,” says Richard.
The kitchen joinery is finished in 2-pack polyurethane (10% gloss) in Dulux ‘Crew Deck’
“A simple, blue block of built-in-joinery defines the new kitchen/pantry and WC. I wanted to create a singular element that neatly collected everything together. I also wanted for it to add a pop of colour,” says Richard who designed it in such a way that the laundry and WC are efficiently tucked away at the back while the pantry, fridge and rangehood are at the front.
“The blue wall is a cluster of built-in joinery. It’s a simple element that neatly contains everything whilst hiding its useful contents from sight,” says Richard who came up with the concept after seeing a similar wall at a London art gallery.
This simple white laundry is concealed behind the blue kitchen
A clever joinery solution was also employed in the adjacent lounge area – the multitasking space functions as a library, place to watch television and study area. “My client wanted to add in more storage capacity, so I designed a bespoke library/storage wall. He also wanted a space to do out-of-hours work so I included a study nook into the library wall,” says Richard.
Study nook
The multi-purpose wall unit has a space for a large television, hi-fi system, as well as shelves to display the owner’s beloved record collection too.
Considered lounge room joinery allows things to be stowed neatly away
Nearby, a bathroom and WC were combined to create one larger, light-filled space. “We converted an enclosed WC into a walk-in shower room and relocated the WC to the other side of the bathroom, allowing for a large freestanding bath and new purpose-built vanity,” says Richard.
Bathroom
The bathroom’s light material palette and reflective surfaces also contribute to a greater feeling of space. And again, the room showcases a flash of blue – a gutsy tile choice that has really paid off.
While we’ve always believed in the transformative powers of paint, this latest ‘before and after’ proves, yet again, just how wonderful it can be. The lounge room of stylist and blogger Nikki Parkinson of Styling You, the former sombre space is rendered almost unrecognisable after a crisp new white paint job.
BEFORE Nikki Parkinson in her living roomAFTER White paint has really freshened the space!
“I wanted to create a fresher, lighter and brighter area, quickly and cost effectively,” says Nikki who achieved the result using the British Paints TimeSaver series and shares the key things she took away from the experience below.
Sample pots
When it comes to paint, trying before you buy is a no-brainer really, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this step. “We bought four different white paints from Bunnings, painted them on each wall and observed how they all looked at various times throughout the day and night,” says Nikki who ultimately settled on British Paints’ ‘Star White’ in half tint.
Nikki in painting mode
Get the right tools and do the prep As with any DIY project, it’s important to get hold of the right tools and carry out the appropriate prep before commencing. Nikki found that British Paints Paint&Prime wall and ceiling paint really helped move things along in this regard.
“The main barrier for me starting the project was the time and skills involved. As a paint and primer in one, British Paints Paint&Prime hides surface imperfections in just two coats without compromising on quality – it’s perfect to achieve the makeover in less than a weekend,” says Nikki who used the paint brand’s “Plan, Prep, Paint” guide and online videos in preparing for the project too.
Nikki’s indoor plants really pop against the fresh white paint
Final touches Paint aside, Nikki changed the room’s furniture layout, added some new soft furnishings and incorporated existing items. “We added accent colours of black and pink through some new cushions and light fittings and are really happy with the outcome. It’s amazing what a simple paint refresh and some clever revitalisation of décor items can do to really transform a room!”
Originally built in 1936, this two storey Art Deco home was beautifully renovated recently for its inhabitants who have lived in it for the last 25 years.
“Our clients raised their family in this home without any modifications over that time, but the house needed to reflect the way they live today which has changed over time. They now have adult children coming and going,” says the project’s architect Luke Fry of the home that is located in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda East.
Backyard. New square structures are offset by the home’s original curves and triangular shapes.Bedroom
First up, the family wanted to improve upon the dark and dysfunctional spaces in the home; primarily the ground floor kitchen and dining areas. The result includes a gorgeous kitchen that is a standout space in the home – Blackwood timber joinery complements the original blackwood timber panelling found throughout the original abode. Sirius natural stone in black, brass tap ware and Japanese tiles are just some of the details that elevate this space.
The stunning new kitchen features layers of textureThe kitchen takes its timber cues from the home’s original staircase
Another key part of the renovation brief, the family wanted to open up the rear of the home to the outdoors. Luke’s solution to this was to create a concrete deck that is accessed via a very elegant set of square steel windows complete with Art Deco inspired decorative glazing.
DiningBespoke glass door detailing
Sympathetic to the original home, the renovation certainly has a timeless quality about it, and this was achieved in part through a clever selection of finishes. “The use of light and dark materials creates moody spaces that you’d expect to find in a home of this era,” says Luke.
Bathroom
“The execution of this home sets a precedent for how best to renovate and prolong the life of a period home without an excessive cost or extensive demolition.”
Located in the Melbourne suburb of Albert Park, this minimalist, monochrome renovation is the work of interior designer Eve Gunson (of Dot + Pop) and her builder husband, Matt Benetti, from New Living Constructions. Originally built in the 1880s and transformed into a corner store in the 1950s, the couple’s updated abode now boasts five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a second storey and studio – the build ideally timed for the arrival of their first child.
Master bedroom
The monochrome palette combines white walls with black accents and pops of greenery for interest. “We chose neutral tones, natural materials and sleek finishes, with an overall feeling of ‘less is more’,” says Eve. A standout space, the kitchen exemplifies this approach – it is all black save for a stunning marble splash back and bench top.
Kitchen
“Over the years, the shop has housed a number of businesses, including a hairdresser, real estate agency and fruit shop. It was running as a bookshop when we first purchased it,” says Eve. With the shopfront a later addition, the couple sought planning approval to remove it and restore the front of the home to its original Victorian glory.
All that is left of the old home is the front bedroom and hallway and a new extension sits to the rear. Notable too is the addition of a rear garage complete with a studio above – this sits at the back of the home beyond a light-filled courtyard.
Internal courtyardPhoto by Simon ShiffNursery
As for any renovation stumbling blocks, the home’s unique corner location was one of the more challenging aspects of the project. Not only does the full length of the boundary wall run down a public street, but the front of the home faces a road with a tram. As you can imagine, minimising noise was a chief concern and this was achieved with CSR Gyprock Superchek plasterboard together with acoustic insulation and double-glazed windows.
Bathroom
And having just welcomed their first child, you could say the completion of the home was perfectly timed. “We built this house as our ‘forever for now’ home, because forever is a long time when you love building and designing homes.”
The old and new parts of the home are connected via glass hallways
We’re big fans of Austin Maynard Architects and their latest project further cements the firm’s place as one of the most innovative in Australia. Having already won two significant awards (the prestigious Canberra Medallion and Gene Willsford awards), Canberra’s ‘Empire House’ is also a finalist in the upcoming Design Files Awards.
Designed in opposition to the current trend (to build swiftly and cheaply), this home is a relatively small, bespoke home filled with unique features and beautiful architectural detail and craftsmanship. A post-war bungalow, Austin Maynard Architects decided to preserve the original cottage and add a sympathetic extension instead of heading down the McMansion route.
The original cottage is connected to the master bedroom pavilion via a glass hallway
“Empire House is an exercise in considered intervention and restraint. It would have been easier, and a lot less fun, to demolish and start again. The aim was to retain as much of the existing character of the site as possible and avoid the common trend of knocking down or adding a dominant, unsympathetic addition,” says the firm.
The extension houses a new timber-clad kitchen
Owned by a couple of well-travelled professionals, who occupy it with their teenage daughter, the family wanted a long-term family home that would catch the sun and Austin Maynard Architects added two light-filled pavilions (with kitchen, dining, bedroom and ensuite) with this in mind.
Dining
The kitchen/dining and living spaces are now located in what was the old garden and the new design has a much better connection with the outdoors. “We opened up to the outdoors and celebrated the exterior, giving clarity and creating a discussion between the old and the new,” says the firm.
Period features were retained in the original part of the home
As for the original part of the home, the original hearth and fireplace in the living room were retained, along with light fittings, windows, timber picture rails and skirtings. The kitchen was relocated from the old part to one of the new pavilions and the other pavilion houses the master bedroom and ensuite. The pavilions are connected to the old house via transparent glass-lined hallways.
BathroomBathroom
One of the most striking features of the renovation are the shingles that clad the new pavilions – made from Colorbond (in Surfmist), each one was handmade and hand-fixed. “They form a snakeskin-like covering that merges roof and wall in one surface, contrasting with the white rendered brick of the old part of the house,” says the firm of the unique feature.
The old and new parts of the home are connected via glass hallways
The timber-battened pantry hides structural support for the second floor too
From arched mirrors to rounded furniture shapes and arched hallways, there’s no doubt that curves are trending which is why this unique Sydney renovation piqued our interest. Located in Balgowlah Heights on the Northern Beaches, this 1980’s era family home was overhauled recently and now sports a new extension, granny flat and pool area characterised by a rather sensuous series of curves – a design choice that was both practical and aesthetic.
The kitchen looking into the dining room
“The original renovation was horribly constructed, dark and compartmentalised. It’s not uncommon in homes that people are looking to renovate but this one had it all!” says the project’s architect Adam Hobbs of Hobbs Jamieson who replaced the rabbit warren of rooms with a series of curved, open-plan spaces that allow the light and breezes to permeate.
“We were asked to open up the space, make it more contemporary and employ a classic, natural colour palette. And although it’s a new structure, the same brief applied to the granny flat,” says Adam.
Living roomPowder room
Home to a professional couple with primary school aged twin daughters, the granny flat was added with a view to future-proof the home. “It’s for when the children are teenagers, but in the short term it acts as a second living space associated with the pool so the owners can entertain – like a pool house concept I guess,” says Adam of the new building that opens onto the pool area and sports a bar area and covered cabana space too.
Granny flat
And when it comes to showcasing the curves, the kitchen is a rather show-stopping space. “The kitchen was a rare venture for us with curves, but it made sense given it allows smooth circulation through the house, it opens up and connects the spaces and it adds a real opulence to the space,” says Adam.
The timber-battened pantry hides structural support for the second floor tooBeautiful bespoke curved joinery features throughout the kitchen
Clad with bespoke Blackbutt timber battens, the pantry hides structural support for the upper level while acting as a device to separate the living areas. It’s also been designed in such a way that sight lines are maintained through the home. “We are really proud of the way we worked with the curves. The whole feel of the home’s living areas was completely changed by them.”
The view from the back deck takes in the new granny flat and refurbished pool
