Renovation Inspiration: Transforming Your Australian Property
Renovating your home is an exciting journey that allows you to breathe new life into your living spaces. Whether you’re looking to enhance functionality, boost curb appeal, or simply fall in love with your home all over again, Australian homeowners have been embracing the art of renovation. In this blog, we’ll explore some impressive before-and-after transformations across the land Down Under, showcasing how modest changes can yield remarkable results.
1. A Pitch-Perfect Remodel in Melbourne
Before:
A cramped apartment above a violin shop in Melbourne yearned for more space and light. The existing layout left much to be desired.
After:
Local studio Tsai Design stepped in and orchestrated a harmonious transformation. They extended the rear of the apartment, adding two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three separate exterior decks totaling 270 square feet of outdoor space. By capping the central stairwell with a translucent rooftop, natural light now floods the interior. The existing bedroom was relocated, making way for a renovated primary living and dining area. A tall glass door now opens to stairs leading up to a new roof terrace, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
2. A Whimsical Melbourne Edwardian
Before:
This historic Edwardian weatherboard house in Melbourne had seen better days. The backyard was underutilized, and the home lacked cohesion.
After:
Steffen Welsch Architects worked their magic, introducing a wood-lined courtyard nestled between the old structure and the new addition. The playful blend of blue, white, and gray bricks on the exterior mirrors the interior finish, creating a delightful connection between indoors and outdoors. The structure, cleverly built at a 45-degree angle on the site, maximizes every inch of land.
3. A Streamlined Aussie Retreat on the Tweed Coast
Before:
The 1957 beach house on the Tweed Coast in New South Wales was described as “higgledy-piggledy.” Its character details were hidden beneath neglect.
After:
DFJ Architects collaborated with the owners to update features and finishes while preserving the home’s charm. The dramatic fireplace, composed of stones salvaged from the local beach, remained a midcentury hero. Exposed ceiling beams and the chimney were lovingly restored, anchoring the new design. The result? A streamlined Aussie retreat that honors its past while embracing modern living.
4. Victorian Elegance Restored in Melbourne
Before:
This Victorian home had lost much of its historic charm during a 1970s renovation.
After:
Homeowner Steph Hegerty and her husband embarked on a mission to reinstate the home’s original features. Victorian architectural details, including a bullnose veranda roof, lacework, and window moldings, were reintroduced. The residence now exudes timeless elegance, marrying the past with the present.
Conclusion
These inspiring Australian renovations prove that even modest changes can breathe new life into tired spaces. Whether you’re dreaming of a rooftop terrace, a whimsical courtyard, or a restored fireplace, let these transformations ignite your creativity. Remember, your home is a canvas waiting for your personal touch!
For more renovation ideas and inspiration, explore Dwell’s impressive before-and-after gallery and discover the magic of Australian design and craftsmanship.
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