When serial renovator Amanda Kayser took possession of this 90’s era Perth home just over a year ago, she had grand plans for it. The double brick, two storey abode was ripe for renovation when Amanda began transforming the home leaving no room untouched. And while the large 505sqm family home had many fabulous features (good bones and soaring ceilings located on a large block in a desirable area) it also had a host of very undesirable ones which were banished over a 12-month period.
“The home was very dated – think pink bathrooms, red clay tiles and forest green accents. The spaces were non-functional, nothing flowed, and there was a lot of wasted space,” says Amanda, who runs her own business, Amanda Lee Interiors. Furthermore, the home was like a rabbit warren, with lots of internal doors that confused the flow. “The old girl was screaming for a makeover!” says Amanda who transformed the entire property from the front to the backyard.
The ambitious project involved removing numerous doors to improve flow, raising windows and cabinetry to maximise natural light and high ceilings, and elevating the sunken lounge floor to create a seamless open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. “We added bifolds and servery windows for that seamless indoor/outdoor living experience and to showcase the beautiful views and weather in Perth,” says Amanda.
Significant structural changes included raising the balcony roof and removing backyard pillars to enhance light and views while several outdated elements were removed too. “We removed the pink and terracotta tiles, pink basins and toilets, forest green spiral staircase and the indoor spa room with floor to ceiling tiles,” says Amanda.
The renovation also encompassed new flooring, paint, cabinetry, tiling, windows, feature stone, exposed aggregate, lighting, air-conditioning, landscaping and roofing as well as a new pool. “Modernising all the rooms, enclosing the garage with feature board and batten and horizontal cladding as well as using painted brick, render, cladding, stone, grass and aggregate added a lot of contrast to the home,” says Amanda.
Amanda highlighted the cost-saving measures she employed, including doing extensive DIY work and purchasing materials through a company called Ship Your Reno. “We saved a lot of money on cabinetry, stone, composite decking, tapware and tiles and used our small business trades to help with installation and bringing the vision to life,” says Amanda.
Reflecting on the renovation, Amanda is thrilled with the result. “We love our new home. It feels homely, calming, and peaceful and every space is now functional. I look around and am proud of what we have achieved. I love the amazing sunrises we get and how the indoor/outdoor areas seamlessly flow.”
