Even after months of hard work, navigating around tradies and utilising the deck as an ad-hoc storage centre, Art and Matilda Green are hard-pressed to believe this newly renovated home is their own.
“It’s turned out even better than I envisioned,” says Matilda. “It just feels so warm, functional and fresh – and stylish. That’s what I love about it. Everything feels interesting. We’ve tried to add little elements of surprise and delight throughout the house. I’m just so proud of how it’s all come together.”
Home to the couple, their children, Milo, six, Autumn, five, and Penny, two, and the family’s grey-whiskered Jack Russell, Buster, the Greens’ architectural 1990s home in Warkworth has undergone a dramatic transformation since it was purchased last year.
The kitchen has been gutted, walls have been removed, the bathroom is freshly fitted out and the laundry is sleek and blush-toned – a far cry from its previous iteration as a cramped afterthought. Fresh Resene paint finishes, new Econyl-fibre carpet from Carpet Mill and thoughtful design details throughout have completely transformed the look and feel of the home.
While renovations of this scale can drag on for a year or more, the bulk of the work here was completed in a few months, something the couple credits to an “outstanding team of tradies” and supportive suppliers.
I feel quite proud of how we’ve done it,” says Art. “We smashed it out pretty quickly. I’d say it all went to plan, but honestly, we didn’t really have a concrete plan, so we’ve been pretty lucky. We had ideas that we tweaked and built on as we went, and the final product is quite different from what we first imagined, but it’s been a really fun evolution.”
“All the dominoes have fallen into place quite nicely,” adds Matilda. “We’ve been lucky to have such great tradies: really communicative, super-efficient, and they’ve actually made the whole process enjoyable.”
From the dining table, the couple can look out over their sleek new kitchen, designed with the help of Louise Robertson at LaBella Kitchens. The curved kitchen island is a standout, thanks to a Beverly Rose honed marble benchtop supplied by CDK Stone and fabricated by Unique Stone Benchtops. The fit-out of Haier appliances, including two 600 Series ovens and an 87L 300 Series Beverage Centre, is one that many home chefs would envy.
“I never thought I’d have a kitchen this snazzy,” says Art. “I can’t believe all the bells and whistles. It’s so sleek. Even when we were planning it, I never imagined it would turn out this high-spec and cool.”
One of his many favourite features is the addition of Blum Servo-Drive drawers, which open with a gentle push. “You can nudge them open with your knees or your feet, which is awesome when your hands are dirty, or you’re carrying heavy pots and pans.”
Matilda’s favourite space in the house may come as a surprise to those less enthusiastic about housework. “The laundry is fulfilling all my washing dreams. It’s incredible. The pink tones, the marble and copper accents – it’s so beautiful. Once that Resene Bone shade went on the walls, it brought the space to life.
“I love the Haier washer and dryer, especially the washing machine’s auto-dose feature. And I love the two Hideaway Concelo hampers. Instead of everyone dumping their clothes on the floor, the washing goes into a beautiful, hidden spot with a lovely copper handle and a pink drawer. The whole experience is just so much nicer and I just love being in there.”
The family bathroom and upstairs ensuite also underwent major renovations. “Originally, the toilet was in its own tiny separate room beside the bathroom, and it just felt so enclosed,” says Matilda. “It drove me mad that there were so many doors in such a small space.”
The couple decided to remove the dividing wall and create one large bathroom, despite being cautioned about sacrificing privacy.
“People told us not to do it because someone might need the toilet while another person is in the shower. But honestly, we’re a family where that already happens anyway. Plus, we’ve got the ensuite for the kids to use if needed.
“Making it one room was absolutely the right decision. It completely changed the light and feeling of the space.”
Tile Warehouse tiles, Athena vanities and showers, and brushed copper Voda tapware create a cohesive, luxurious feel throughout the bathroom and ensuite. Given Warkworth’s hard water, which can be harsh on tiled surfaces, they chose Athena Slateforma shower trays in both showers, achieving a stone-like look while remaining practical and easy to maintain.
“It has this beautiful concrete-like finish, but it’s incredibly easy to clean,” says Matilda. “And the shower detailing is so clever: the fittings sit flush with the glass, so when you squeegee it down, it’s all at one level and everything wipes clean easily.”
The sculptural centrepiece of the family bathroom is the freestanding Cassini bath from Athena. “It’s so elegant and timeless,” says Matilda. “We considered doing something more colourful or trendy, but this feels chic and classic. It’ll stand the test of time. All three kids can pile into it together. Penny points at it every time she walks in and says, ‘new bath’. She absolutely loves it.”
Tying the bathrooms together is the brushed copper Voda tapware, a finish repeated throughout the home.
“It’s become a real theme through the house,” says Art.
“The tapware is beautiful, but it’s functional too. The shower feels amazing.”
While the larger renovations have transformed the house, it’s some of the smaller details that have had the biggest impact.
“I completely underestimated how much difference lighting makes,” says Matilda. “At the start of the renovation, I barely even thought about it.”
Working with the lighting specialists at Mr Ralph helped elevate the spaces in unexpected ways.
“We made some fun choices, like different-shaped pendant lights in the lounge,” she says. “It’s completely transformed the feel of the rooms. I hadn’t realised lighting could make such a huge difference.”
The new Haier Smart Power Ducted Air Conditioning System is a “game-changer”.
“That might be the biggest one for me,” says Art. “It’s changed the feeling of the whole house.”
And as any renovator knows, the feel is just as important as the look. With all-new tiles, colours, appliances and furniture, your own home can sometimes feel like someone else’s.
“I love interiors and styling, but I wouldn’t say I’m naturally good at creating cohesion,” says Matilda. “I’m more of a collector; I like finding interesting little bits and bobs and putting them together. But I really wanted someone with a great eye to help tie it all together.”
To ensure the home still felt personal and lived-in, Matilda enlisted the help of local interior stylist Kate Arbuthnot.
“I got in touch with her and said, ‘Can you help me? I want a warm, interesting, lived-in family home.’ I didn’t want it to look like I’d just bought the shop. I wanted personality and uniqueness – and she absolutely understood the assignment. She’s been brilliant.”
The renovation project became a passion project for Art, whose wife says he has been “in his element”.
“I’ve definitely loved it,” Art admits. “I’ve learned so much and I’d happily do more renovations in the future. Although hopefully this is our forever home.”
That doesn’t mean the projects are over, though. Next on the list is “attacking” the outdoor spaces.
“We’ve got these beautiful trees and native bush, but there aren’t many inviting places to actually sit and enjoy it,” says Matilda. “The next step is creating little areas outside that feel welcoming and connected to the landscape.”
And then there’s Matilda’s ultimate dream project: a creative studio cabin tucked into the bush.
“Art says it’s probably 10 years down the priority list,” she laughs. “But I disagree. There’ll be sewing and knitting…”
“Sticking shells onto things,” Art jokes.
“General creative bits and bobs,” Matilda adds.
But for now, the next item on the to-do list is putting the tools away and celebrating.
“I can’t wait to have a wee party,” says Matilda. “It’s crying out for an end-of-renovation celebration.”
Read about the Greens’ renovation journey in part one and part two of the My New Home series.
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