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1980’s home on NSW South Coast gets remarkable makeover

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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Originally built in the eighties, this two storey Gerringong home was purchased by Sydney interior designer Aimee McKechnie, and her builder husband Blair, before it was given an extraordinary makeover recently. Designed to function as a holiday home for the couple (and their two children), and a beautiful retreat that could be rented out to guests, the home’s understated luxury is lightyears away from the home’s original dated and dilapidated aesthetic.

BEFORE upstairs living
BEFORE upstairs living
AFTER upstairs living
AFTER upstairs living
AFTER upstairs living
AFTER upstairs living. Shiplap boards were added to the ceiling, completely changing the feel of the space.

Affectionately referred to as the ‘80s tiled beast,’ the home was in a state of significant disrepair when Aimee and Blair accepted the renovation challenge. “The home had received a few add-ons over the years but had no love or maintenance which is critical when you’re situated so close to the ocean,” says Aimee.

None of the sliding doors closed, due to corrosion from the salty air, and the balcony was comprised of rotten timber, rendering it completely unsafe.

BEFORE dining
BEFORE dining
AFTER dining
AFTER kitchen and dining

With a renovation timeline of six months, and a budget of $700k, Aimee worked to a specific brief (warm minimal with a Mediterranean vibe), and sourced lots of local furniture and art with that in mind.

“In all of my projects I’m quite passionate about showcasing Australian artists and craftspeople. In this house, I combined these pieces with wall hangings and ceramics from Morocco as well as a selection of beautiful tiles throughout to add interest and warmth,” she says.

BEFORE master bedroom
BEFORE master bedroom
AFTER master bedroom
AFTER master bedroom
BEFORE bathroom
BEFORE bathroom
AFTER bathroom
AFTER bathroom

Key to the design brief was the use of natural materials. From engineered oak floorboards to travertine tiles as well as soft furnishings made from linen and leather, the spaces have a textural, comfortable feel. “We then added in a bit of brass and a few unique vintage items to elevate the look,” says Aimee.

BEFORE downstairs kitchenette
BEFORE downstairs kitchenette
AFTER downstairs kitchenette
AFTER downstairs kitchenette

With its vaulted ceiling and northern ocean and mountain views, the upstairs living area is the undisputed centrepiece of the home. The kitchen was reorientated to face the living space and views, while the ceiling and upstairs balcony were lined with shiplap boards which completely transformed the space.

“The renovation really focussed on this area as the social hub of the home and the whole area became one large cocoon. You can cook while friends sit at the bench, banquette or nearby fireplace. It’s such a fantastic entertaining space now,” says Aimee.

BEFORE kitchen and dining
BEFORE kitchen and dining
AFTER kitchen
AFTER The kitchen area features Aimee’s beloved banquette seating

As for holiday bookings, the property has been fully booked out for almost six months in advance since launching. “It’s been a COVID success story given people are so limited in their travel options at the moment. We’ve hosted so many wonderful guests that have celebrated everything from weddings to 80th birthdays. I love the variety of guests we have and the feedback from those that have stayed has been so positive.”

BEFORE laundry
BEFORE laundry
AFTER laundry
AFTER laundry

Photography: The Palm Co

Book your stay | For more on Aimee’s interior design business

Barefoot luxury: unwind at this boutique holiday home in Noosa
As the Queensland borders have re-opened, a summer getaway in the sunshine state seems like the perfect way to celebrate reaching the end of a tough year! For those looking…
Darren Palmer’s latest holiday home styling project
Located in a fabulous, central part of Byron Bay, this holiday home was given the makeover treatment recently courtesy of The Block judge Darren Palmer. A long-time holidaymaker in the…

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March 23, 2021

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

#darrenpalmer #darrenpalmerofficial #darrenpalmerinteriors #theblock #rugshopping #rugdesign #ruggoals #rugmaking #naturalrugs #sustainablerugs #ethicalrugs #jute #juterug #juterugs #handcarved #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #goodweave
Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

#theblockroomreveals
#theblock #theblock2023 #blockshopper #masterbedroomdecor #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #mastersuites #walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realreno
The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

#rattanlovers #rattan #rattanfurniture #rattandecor #rattanbed #rattanbedhead #timberbuffet #mockaaustralia #mocka #affordablefurniture
My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

Head to the blog via link in bio to see this home's KITCHEN transformation.

#outdoorbath #outdoorbathroom #outdoorbathtub #gardenbathroom #gardenviews #bifolddoors #steelbifold #blacksteeldoors #blacksteeldoors #bathroombeforeandafter #studiominosa #bathroomdesigninspiration #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #indooroutdoorflow
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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Will's favourite room in the home

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Before & after: This week’s Selling Houses recap, Ipswich QLD

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