Interior designer Lauren Li stuck to a tight budget when renovating a 1970s two bedroom unit
Renovating on a strict budget, interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä still managed to employ a whole host of great ideas to make her Melbourne, 1970s brick-veneer unit a comfortable, light-filled home – and include a few luxury items to boot.
The 68-square-metre, two-bedroom unit is also home to husband Phil and daughters Indigo and Coco, so practical, space-saving, airy solutions were a must. “We use every inch of space so I’m really pleased with the minor alterations we made to the floorplan,” says Lauren.
Investment pieces
- Around the home, a few pieces were splurged on “to trick up the inexpensive items”, says Lauren
- She couldn’t resist the “super-comfortable” Arflex Pecorelle armchair from Poliform in the living room.
- In the renovated kitchen, Anthropologie knobs add interest to Ikea cabinets, and a Stone Italiana bench and handmade Perini tile splashback add luxe.
- While original timber floors feature, there’s carpet in bedrooms. “It’s beautiful to walk on and adds luxury.” Luxe for less.
Words by: Diana Prichard. Photos by: Eve Wilson. Styling by: Studio Moore/Real Living.
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Interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä used every inch of space to transform her 1970s brick-veneer unit into a comfortable, light-filled home. Photo by Eve Wilson.


Interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä used every inch of space to transform her 1970s brick-veneer unit into a comfortable, light-filled home. Photo by Eve Wilson.

