Extending and Renovating Kathy’s 100-Year-Old Inner City Home
The Challenge:
Kathy has been a long-time client of mine for over 20 years and reached out for advice on renovating her beautiful 100-year-old home. She wanted to modernise it to better suit her lifestyle while maintaining its unique charm. To achieve this, we utilised a combination of my Pre-Purchase Design Inspection, Plan Check, and Budget Check/Save Money services to plan the renovation.
The Solution:
Through our collaboration, we identified three key areas for renovation:
- Redesigning Main Living Areas:
We aimed to create more usable and flexible spaces that would accommodate Kathy’s family needs. - Connecting the Carport to the Verandah:
This improvement enhanced practicality, allowing them to enter the house comfortably while avoiding the weather. - Extending the Side of the House:
This extension provided space for a home office and a walk-in pantry and laundry, ensuring functionality for modern living.
Respecting the Home’s Character:
Throughout the renovation process, I remained sensitive to the original features of Kathy’s home. For instance, the carport was designed to match the facade perfectly, maintaining the home’s historical appeal.
Kitchen Transformation:
In the kitchen, I reoriented the island bench to improve functionality and provided advice on cabinetry that took inspiration from distinctive features of the home to streamline the overall look and feel of the space. I also provided the ideal measurements for a dining table that would fit seamlessly between the bench and couch, transforming the previously cramped space into a functional area.
Bathroom Renovation:
In the bathroom, we carefully sized and oriented the bath, shower base, and vanity to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Attention to detail was paramount, ensuring that every bit of space was maximised for practical use.
Thoughtful Design Choices:
I carefully considered the style and design of all features, including doors and windows, to ensure they opened conveniently and facilitated optimal airflow throughout the home.
The Result:
The renovation not only modernised Kathy’s home but also made it functional for her family’s needs. By ensuring the design aligned with her vision and lifestyle, we created a living space that is both beautiful and practical.
