Photography: Three Birds Renovations
Home to a family of five, this suburban Californian bungalow in Sydney needed some TLC and extra space to accommodate a growing family and their busy lifestyle. With a dream of polishing their rough diamond into a sparkling jewel, the family handed Bonnie Hindmarsh, Erin Cayless and Lana Taylor of Three Birds Renovations their keys, budget and trust, then moved out. The vision? A “Cali Cool” family retreat that’s both stylish and functional for everyday life.
Cali Cool is a relaxed yet refined design inspired by the laidback California coast. It blends natural textures, soft neutral tones and open, light-filled spaces to create a calm and inviting vibe. Layered textures, ceramics and greenery add warmth and character, while a strong connection between indoors and outdoors keeps things relaxed.
The transformation was dramatic. A demolition derby at the back of the house kicked things off, clearing the way for a stunning rear extension and sparkling new swimming pool. The front facade got a glow-up, adding much-needed street appeal. Inside, beautiful bathrooms were added, cosy yet stylish bedrooms took shape, and the company’s boldest nursery yet was created for a beautiful baby girl.
Seeing the family walk through their transformed home for the first time was pure magic (tissues required). This reno was a true labour of love.
Not all glass is created equal
A key factor in a winning interior design is how your home feels, and the type of glass you choose (or don’t choose) plays a big role in that. Ideally, “performance glass” would feature throughout your home, but if your budget doesn’t allow for that, prioritise a few key areas where it will make the biggest impact. For instance, if your main living space is exposed to direct sunlight, like in this home, consider glass that reduces UV exposure and harsh glare. Trust us, it’s a worthwhile investment – your family (and your furniture) will thank you.
You should also check with your local council and consult MBIE’s guidance to see if a building consent is required for the upgraded windows. Check with them before you start.
Bonus tip: Decide on your glass early and include it in your builder’s scope of work, as your choice will affect your quote.
Should you keep the existing roof tiles?
Get your builder to check they’ll go the distance. These roof tiles started crumbling during the installation of the skylight, so we had to pivot and replace them with new concrete tiles instead of just a fresh spray of surfmist.
Arched elegance
Why stick to straight lines when you can go for gorgeous arches? These beauties add timeless charm and a soft, welcoming vibe to this entryway. We paired them with patterned tiles for a playful twist that’s the perfect blend of sophistication and fun.
Exposed and elevated
Let your bricks shine. Exposing existing brickwork adds instant charm, warmth and buckets of character to any interior. It’s the perfect way to embrace your home’s personality while keeping things effortlessly cool.
Kitchen upgrade
If your kitchen island is the heart of your home, why not make it a statement piece? Adding a feature column, such as this classic-meets-modern beauty, gives your bench a touch of timeless elegance and that extra wow factor.
Make your rangehood a masterpiece
Transform your rangehood into a standout design feature by customising it to extend all the way to the ceiling – no matter how tall. This creates a dramatic focal point while adding height and grandeur to your kitchen. Make sure to choose your rangehood well in advance, so your builder and cabinetmaker have the size and specs to design your masterpiece around.
Stylishly seamless, Bonnie says…
“When you’re blending different architectural elements – like we did in this Californian bungalow with its Cali Cool vibe – keeping things cohesive is non-negotiable. A tonal colour palette is the secret sauce. It’s simple, it’s super effective and it makes the whole home feel seamless and stylish, from front door to back deck.”
Keep it light, light, baby
Don’t let your dining pendant block your view of the outdoors. If you’re opting for a large, sculptural light, choose a design like this paper-inspired piece. It serves as a stunning centrepiece, adding texture and interest without overpowering the space or obstructing the view.
The design magic Lana loves…
“Reimagining a floor plan can make the biggest difference to how your home looks and feels – it’s a total game-changer. But let’s be real, it can also be a pricey fix if you don’t nail it the first time. So, take your time, play around with options, and perfect those plans before diving headfirst into your reno or build.
A clever floor plan doesn’t just look good – it can change your life. This open-plan kitchen, living and dining space is an absolute winner in my books. I went for a similar layout in my own home, and I’d recommend it a thousand times over. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.”
Living room luxe
The plush rust-toned sofa is perfect for lounging, napping, or kicking back with your nearest and dearest. The rich, warm tone adds depth and cosiness to the room while being kid-friendly. Pair it with soft neutrals for balance and position it strategically to highlight your room’s focal points – like a fireplace or a feature ceiling.
Look up
Ceilings aren’t just for hiding the roof space – they’re your chance to add serious wow factor, from subtle detailing to bold design statements. This one, topping out at 5.4 metres, shows how clever ceiling details can elevate an entire room.
Window to wow
Oversized windows and floor-length curtains are a match made in renovation heaven. The picture window frames the stunning water view during the day, while the curtains offer privacy and temperature control at night.
Family living space, but make it luxe
Open-plan living is all about flow. Use consistent tones and textures to tie together the kitchen, dining and living areas for effortless style and function. Add a touch of luxury to each zone with statement lighting, plush furnishings and beautiful cabinetry.
Laundry luxe
You’ll know by now that we’re massive fans of creating laundry rooms that look just as fabulous as every other room in the house. To make this one sing, we’ve continued the kitchen cabinetry and stone benchtops into the space at the same height, so it looks seamless when the door is open. We also added a pop of personality with a pendant light, artwork and greenery.
7 must-haves for a Cali cool welcome, according to Three Birds Renovations
Your foyer is the first taste of your home, so make it unforgettable with these Cali Cool essentials
- Bench-seat bliss – A comfy spot to kick off your shoes, complete with built-in storage – of course.
- Herringbone heaven – This flooring with its arrow-like pattern draws your eye down the hallway.
- Exposed brick magic – Brings all the rustic charm.
- Swoon-worthy storage – Cupboards with rattan inserts – because practical can totally be pretty.
- Dreamy creamy palette – Opt for a soft, neutral colour scheme that’s as delicious as it looks.
- Oversized artwork – Add a statement piece to stop visitors in their tracks.
- Nifty desk nook – It’s the perfect little corner for writing, working or just pretending to be busy while admiring your gorgeous foyer.
Edited extract from Three Birds Renovations: Vacay Vibes at Home by Bonnie Hindmarsh, Erin Cayless and Lana Taylor available to buy at Paper Plus, Mighty Ape, and Amazon.
Read more
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- This former state house has had a stunning yet respectful renovation
- This Auckland bungalow perfectly captures the sunlight
