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Meet & greet: A couple with three sons, aged 13 to 22, and two bichoodles.
The property: A two-storey, double-brick house that’s been renovated for improved functionality and flow.
A home built on a wishlist is an exciting proposition, and taking the knock-down and rebuild path is often bolstered by talk of getting precisely what you want. However, when an architect suggested bulldozing this harbourside property and starting again, the owner was a little miffed.
“I thought it was such a waste to knock down a double-brick home,” says the doctor and mother of three boys, adding that her parents had raised her with an ethos of recycling and reuse.
She and her husband had bought the home in 2015. They felt drawn to its solid build and the fact that ocean breezes could be felt on the back patio. The exact age of the property is unknown, but tell-tale signs of 1990s renovations existed: swirly ironwork, dark cherry-timber details and drab cream walls.
Dated elements aside, glimmers of charm shone through, and the property’s footprint was a Cinderella fit for the couple and their three sons.
Rejecting any thoughts of calling in the bulldozers, the busy professionals reached out to interior designer Josie Simpson, whose skilful work she’d earlier admired at a friend’s house. The designer was equally horrified at the thought of flattening the two-storey dwelling.
“The original home was in good condition, with a good basic floor plan and orientation. Why throw it out for no reason? The environment doesn’t need more of that,” asserts Josie, who was originally engaged to update the external window and doors, replacing the damaged timber styles with a streamlined look in black aluminium.
“I measured and then drew up the windows and doors and, as part of that, I suggested adding sliding doors to open up the dining space and kitchen to the backyard,” she explains. From this came a reimagining of the kitchen layout, the front entry and the main ensuite, and later a casual yet chic scheme of furniture, lighting and artwork.
Delicate colour and graceful lines now harmonise with the preserved character details of the elegant trims, generous ceiling heights and charming fireplace in the living space. “We took design cues from the house and worked with those features rather than fight them,” Josie explains.
The subtle but effective interventions are gleaned as soon as you step through the arched front doorway – a much-loved original feature. Believing the entry sets the tone for the rest of the home, Josie has revived this space with a smoky glass cluster pendant and a striking curved stairwell balustrade.
“It all ties into how the kitchen and bathroom are designed; pared back and simple but with a little touch of elegance,” says Josie.
While the old kitchen was generous in size, it was closed off to the dining and outdoor entertaining areas. It also failed to offer enough storage and functionality. Downsizing the main kitchen was the surprising solution.
“It was a brave decision to go with a smaller kitchen,” says Josie. “So many people think that a bigger kitchen is better. But this home is a testament to making a smaller, well-designed kitchen work.”
Within the carved-up floor plan, the galley design now boasts bench seating and a good connection to the patio via sliding doors. Meanwhile, they’ve also added more space to an adjacent walk-in pantry and laundry with backyard access.
“The kitchen is not huge,” says the owner, “but it’s comfortable and flows better. It works really well for us.”
When the healthcare professional gets a free moment, she likes to retreat to the calm of the updated main ensuite with its dry sauna and Japanese soaking tub.
“Wellbeing is a priority,” she says, adding that she also finds comfort in daily ocean swims. She reports that her husband and boys also feel happily settled into the home and that they utilise every square inch – “there is no wasted space.”
Tailored to perfection, this revitalised abode quietly but confidently delivers all that is required.
Who says you must knock down and rebuild to get exactly what you want?
Shop this harbourside home renovation style
1. Lainy Dining Chair
$279 at Freedom
The black steel legs and upholstery of this dining chair make it the perfect addition to an elegant dining setting.
2. 500tc Sateen Sheet Set
from $160 (usually from $399) at Sheridan Outlet
With a high thread count, this sheet set adds a touch of luxury whilst also providing maximum comfort.
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