Start Date: October 2024
Finish Date:  December 15 2024

The owners of this 1970s property in the inner-city suburb of Leederville had been living there for several years with the intention of renovating it to create a home they could enjoy well into their later years.

The two-storey building was structurally sound but lacked character, and the bathrooms and kitchen were in their original 1970s condition. They were outdated, dysfunctional, and aesthetically unappealing, with vintage vanities and fittings that made the entire space feel dated.

The owners had started some renovation work, replacing half of the home’s window frames, and had plans to complete the remaining windows, including changing the size and location of a few openings. However, progress stalled due to issues with tradespeople not showing up to quote, a lack of understanding of the renovation process, and confusion over suppliers and pricing. Feeling overwhelmed, they contacted Essence Interiors for help.

During our first meeting, it was clear the situation was causing the owners significant stress. The lack of progress was having a negative impact on them. I suggested organising a comprehensive quote day to understand costs. Although they initially requested quotes for “just the bathrooms,” I convinced them that quoting for a full-house renovation and completing everything in one go would be a more practical and efficient approach. While the suggestion made them nervous, they agreed to proceed.

Essence Interiors took on the job, bringing in new trades to manage the project. This included removing several internal walls, completing the installation of the remaining new windows and doors, and reconfiguring spaces to improve functionality. The kitchen area featured exposed brick walls and was separated from the outdoors by a disconnected laundry. The plan was to open the kitchen to the alfresco area and relocate the laundry into a “nook” within the main bathroom, where a separate shower had previously been.

We engaged a builder to install beams in the roof space, remove four walls, create a new kitchen space, replace the kitchen ceilings, assist with the installation of new windows and doors, and construct new gyprock walls.

The renovation encompassed the entire home, including a whole home transformation with a new main bathroom featuring a shower over bath, vanity, round mirror, and combined laundry. A separate powder room was added, and the ensuite was upgraded with a glass corner shower, new toilet, and vanity. The kitchen was extended into a full-length custom design, providing significantly more storage, a walk-in pantry, a broom closet, and all-new appliances. The entire house received new internal doors and windows, floating waterproof laminate floors, all-new designer and LED lighting, and a fresh coat of paint.

Next, we managed the re-tiling and refitting of the bathrooms, as well as a smaller powder room. Once the old flooring was removed and the cabinets were manufactured, the new kitchen began to take shape. The renovation also included a complete repainting of the interior and the installation of all-new lighting.

One of the biggest challenges was completing the project before the Christmas holiday shutdown on December 20. Starting in October, the owners were initially unsure if the deadline could be met. However, Essence Interiors was confident from the outset, and we were thrilled to complete the project in the second week of December – two weeks ahead of schedule.

It was a joy to witness the owners’ transformation from feeling overwhelmed to seeing their renovation dreams come to life. Once they realised how quickly progress was being made, they moved out temporarily to live with their nearby daughter, which helped expedite the process. Their proximity allowed them to check on progress regularly and assist with meeting trades and deliveries as needed.

The owners were overjoyed with the final result. They were particularly impressed with the quality of workmanship, the dramatic improvement in functionality and style, and the fact that we finished early, allowing them to enjoy Christmas Day in their beautifully renovated home with their family.