Objective: Transform an outdated 80s style home into a modern, stylish living space.
Project Overview:
The Federation-style home is an “empty nester”; a large single-story, sprawling property in the Swan Valley. It was built as their family home about 30 years ago. Since the kids grew up and left, the house has not been updated, leaving the décor very eighties with Federation-style tiling in the ensuite bathroom and powder room. The paintwork looked eighties, featuring a rather bright yellow in most rooms.
The carpet, green in some areas, had not been changed in a while, appearing very old-fashioned and worn. Although the client felt the terracotta tiles should be replaced, they were not keen to stretch the budget, so we covered some of them with large carpet rugs.
In the kitchen, the cabinets and stone countertops were recently renewed. However, the tiled backsplash was left as it was, clashing with the new cabinets. The minimal tiling was only behind the stove area. It was quite tricky to find a tile to match or complement the client’s beloved retro-style SMEG cooker in the feature brick alcove. We chose a large format, rectified, subtle terrazzo neutral style and used it to cornice height in the window recess to make a feature of it.
The lighting in the kitchen needed improvement, requiring new pendants to be installed. The breakfast bar wall, where the bar stools are, had suffered from kids’ shoe marks, so a solution was needed there. We used VJ Panels for this area.
Lighting throughout the entry, formal areas, master bedroom, and ensuite needed major upgrades. The clients requested new modern and decorative task lighting to enliven the ambience of the home.
Heavy curtains were used in some rooms, so to freshen it all up, I suggested new white shutters be installed. Additionally, a new loop pile, neutral, wool carpet would be put in all rooms.
We completely retiled and refitted both the ensuite and the powder room, working around a corner spa which they enjoy. We added a pendant light over the spa and another light between two arched mirrors on the vanity wall.
A total repaint was undertaken in all rooms of the house. We used Dulux Grand Piano and Dulux Linseed for two feature areas: the fireplace and the master bedroom bedhead wall.
All new light fittings and VJ panels were installed on the front of the breakfast bar wall. All new splash-back tiling was installed in the kitchen to full height over the window wall.
Master bedroom updates included white shutters and bronze cage-style pendant lights beside the bed. The white shutters made a huge improvement to a bay window sitting room, along with a simple basket-style light fitting.
The clients were recommended to order extra carpet, which they had bound by a professional. The resulting large rugs are used to cover the old terracotta tiles to a greater extent.
Design Process:
- Initial Consultation: Our designer met with the homeowners to understand their desires and preferences, discussing various ideas and possibilities for the renovation.
- Concept Development: We developed a vision for the home, sharing creative ideas and plans with the homeowners to ensure alignment before any work commenced.
- Selection of Materials: The homeowners entrusted us with the selection of colors, tiles, and fittings. Our choices seamlessly came together to create a beautiful and modern aesthetic.
Execution:
- Professional Trades: We sourced skilled tradespeople who delivered high-quality workmanship. The homeowners were highly satisfied with the professionalism and quality of work provided by these trades.
- Creative Oversight: Throughout the project, our enthusiasm and creativity shone through. We were actively involved, ensuring every detail matched the vision.
Outcome:
The project was a resounding success. The home was transformed from its dated 80s style into a modern, elegant living space that exceeded the homeowners’ expectations. The homeowners were delighted with the outcome and highly recommend our services for anyone looking to update and modernise their home.
Client Testimonial:
“We called Simone to update our very 80s style home. She discussed many ideas and talked through all the possibilities and clearly had a vision of how our house might look. We left the choosing of colours, tiles and fittings mainly to Simone. The picture came together beautifully. All the trades that Simone sourced were professional and we have no complaints at all around the quality of their work. Simone is creative and enthusiastic and shares her ideas with you before work commences. We have no hesitation in recommending you discuss with Simone if you are looking to update and modernise your home”
