The extension and restyling of this Melbourne family home was a labour of love.
Original property: 1930s red brick bungalow.
Time frame: 12 months of planning and nine months of building.
Why the reno? To create a home that would meet the growing needs of a family – for example, quiet spaces for kids to study in, a home office for as well as separate living zones for parents and the kids."
The works: A second storey was added and the downstairs level reworked and extended, with the help of architect Peter Pontifex.
Major changes: The new upstairs level has become the kids' zone, complete with three bedrooms, a sitting area, a bathroom and balcony. On the ground floor, the sitting room, master bedroom and bathroom at the front of the house were restored and the light-blocking entrance cleared for a seamless passage into the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area.
The windows are painted in Dulux Natural White and the space furnished with chic neutrals and plush textures. The room confirms that good design adapts to its surroundings – the 10-year old Jardan sofa was brought from the family's previous house and has lasted the distance. A custom-made marble-topped coffee table and metallic ottoman from Turner & Lane add a touch of luxe.
The oak floorboards are a robust choice for the front hallway, while bursts of colour come courtesy of the vignette arranged on the console, with a yellow Holmegaard vase, Maidenhair fern and David Band artwork.
The back of the house was demolished to make way for a fresh new living space. Contemporary furniture designs, including a Jardan 'Nook' sofa and rattan chair from Feelgood Designs, bring a sense of contemporary cool. Walls and custom-built joinery in Dulux Natural White provide a pared-back base for a pigmented Matthew Johnson print from Block Projects, smaller Rachel Castle print and Anita Bell bird house and cube sculptures.
An open layout, glossy Caesarstone benchtops and bright white vinyl wrap joinery were the key ingredients in the kitchen transformation. The mirrored splashback was chosen to enhance the sense of space, but it has also proved practical. The Miele appliances were purchased during a sale and stored by the retailer until they were required on site, while Benjamin Hubert pendants preside over the space.
A 'Winter' American oak dining table by Jardan and '172' chairs from Feelgood Designs steep the area in natural warmth. Custom-made curtains in sheer linen gently filter incoming sunlight.
Minimalist yet cosy, the bedroom is a breath of fresh air. A pleated wall lamp by Danish brand Le Klint and an original woodblock print by Melbourne artist Ellie Malin from Modern Times showcase the home's signature style – pure, unprecious and with a hint of colour.
The north-facing backyard was what initially attracted the family to the home, but it needed a revamp. Cue Kiama Landscapes & Pools, who drained and acid-washed the pool, built the spotted-gum deck and added lush plantings. The home's redbrick exterior was replaced with weatherboard in Dulux Namadji and exterior render in Dulux Soft Beige. The muted tones, instead of red, freshen everything up. Bluestone paving ties in with the earthy palette – the ad hoc appearance actually took weeks to cut and lay on site.
To see this home's bathroom renovation, click here.
Take a closer look at the kitchen renovation here.