• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • after buffet landscapeUpcycling project: buffet gets a glow up with paint and handles
    • KitchenSerial renovators embark on 15th house and this one’s for keeps!
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AFTER kitchenRun-down 1950’s house renovated with stylish farmhouse vibe
    • Brolga – James Hardie Shoot-5533Choosing the right builder: Neil Hipwell shares his top tips
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • IMG_2125Today’s tablescape is colourful and fun. We’re here for it!
    • Hali-Rugs-x-Jason-Grant-0374Recycled bottles feel so soft in new rugs by Hali & Jason Grant
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • AFTER kitchenRun-down 1950’s house renovated with stylish farmhouse vibe
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Screen Shot 2022-03-15 at 4.23.09 pmFoodie Friday: Mild chilli, avocado & goats cheese toast
    • Isla-MotelHip new motel renovation on NSW South Coast
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Before & after: Coastal bathrooms inspired by 1930’s

March 19, 2019 2 Comments

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Located on Sydneyโ€™s Northern Beaches, this 1930โ€™s weatherboard shack was renovated in 1995 and hadnโ€™t been touched again until Alex Gourlay of Vellum Interiors was called in recently to overhaul the homeโ€™s bathrooms. โ€œThe brief from the clients was to modernise the spaces, while keeping in line with the existing look and feel of rest of the house. Since the spaces hadnโ€™t been touched for more than 20 years, in which time the clientsโ€™ needs had changed, there were some specific requests as well,โ€ says Alex.

Ensuite BEFORE
Ensuite BEFORE
Ensuite AFTER
Ensuite AFTER
ENSUITE after
Ensuite AFTER

Tasked with transforming the homeโ€™s wet areas, Alex started by improving their functionality. โ€œFor example, being empty-nesters, the homeโ€™s ensuite is now the most-used bathroom in the house. With a bathtub that was rarely filled, the brief from the homeowners was to make the space more practical for them and add a double vanity if we could. They also wanted an element of luxury and elegance so the space could be a relaxing sanctuary,โ€ says Alex.

Ensuite AFTER
Ensuite AFTER

โ€œI was extremely happy with how the ensuite turned out, as it was this space that the floor plan changed the most. It now makes you feel happy and relaxed as soon as you walk in, and functions so much better for the clients,โ€ says Alex.

Main bathroom BEFORE
Main bathroom BEFORE
Main bathroom AFTER
Main bathroom AFTER

Alex also turned her hand to the main bathroom where an upcycled bath tub is now the hero of the space. “The bath tub in the main bathroom came from the original 1930’s house, and the clients were really keen to incorporate it into the new design. By respraying the enamel and re-chroming the claw feet, itโ€™s been given new life, and it works so well with the updated space,” say Alex.

Main bathroom AFTER
Main bathroom AFTER

Referencing the classic Australian beach shack and the homeโ€™s 1930โ€™s origins, Alex ultimately wanted to create a series of stylish coastal-inspired spaces that avoided the clichรฉs. โ€œOverall, Iโ€™m very happy with how the look and feel translated to all the spaces without them matching exactly. I think this is important in creating a look that feels intentional and not over-done. The sage green tiles combined with Calacutta marble and the blue green on some of the cabinetry also beautifully reflect the homeโ€™s location without being cliched,โ€ says Alex.

Powder room BEFORE
Powder room BEFORE
Powder room AFTER
Powder room AFTER: The palm print wallpaper echoes the greenery outside

As for coastal-inspired design tips, Alex has many. “You should always use your existing house and the location of your house for inspiration. I think this is key in creating something that doesnโ€™t look โ€˜plantedโ€™ from overseas because itโ€™s more authentic. We have a long history of a coastal lifestyle here in Australia that provides so much inspiration for creating a modern coastal look,โ€ says Alex.

Powder room AFTER
Powder room AFTER

โ€œAnother tip is to use colours that step away from stereotypical coastal palettes such as blue and white or all-white. Even adding one extra colour in the mix will make a big difference and avoid your bathroom looking exactly like everyone elseโ€™s.โ€

Photography:ย Natalie Hunfalvay

For more | All white is out for coastal homes

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Serial renovators embark on 15th house and this one’s for keeps!
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • Hard to sell house transformed into forever home
  • Klopper Davis Architects A unique Perth coastal home on a steep, sloping block

Follow us on Instagram

Seeing double Seeing double
Dream breakfast right there!๐Ÿฅ‘ Featuring my fav Dream breakfast right there!๐Ÿฅ‘

Featuring my favourite @thewholefoodsrefillery product EVER, mild chilli nut butter. Get the recipe and your code for 20% off your first order with them, on the homepage now, via link in bio.

#notsponjustmyfriendsanddeliciousqualityfood #iafoodiefriday #avotoastagram #nutbutters #avocadoporn
When interior designer @sarah_yarrow was renovatin When interior designer @sarah_yarrow was renovating her 50s home to sell she was determined to move away from the cookie cutter flip to sell look and went for something warmer, paying homage to its roots.

"People are much more likely to connect with something that feels warm and friendly and that doesnโ€™t feel like the home up the street, or the one that their friend has just bought. And once they connect, they usually pay more,โ€ she said. Sarah believes people usually crave a homely feel but donโ€™t know how to create it themselves

See the whole home before and after on the homepage now via link in bio.

Pic: @the.palm.co 

#beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterremodel #homelyhome #vjwalls #wallpaneling #bedheads #headboards #bedroomlighting #modernfarmhousedesign
This is the pits. Geddit?! ๐Ÿ˜† This is the pits. Geddit?! ๐Ÿ˜†
This family home is next level. Literally! A stee This family home is next level. Literally!

A steeply sloping block isn't a typical prerequisite when building a new home. But it was for Perth architect Sam Klopper and his family who desired an elevated balcony (hello roof terrace!) AND a back yard that was accessed from the living area. And wow, they sure made the best of it!

Take the tour on the homepage now. Via link in bio.

#roofterrace #roofgardens #slopingblock #architectshome #perthhome #wahomes 

Project: @klopper_davis_architects
Photos by @dionrobeson
Before & after goodness alert โš ๏ธ Head on ove Before & after goodness alert โš ๏ธ 

Head on over to the blog this morning to meet serial flippers @renowayoflife Back in Australia after more than a decade renovating for profit and living debt and mortgage free in the UK and USA, they're onto their 15th house, a Queenslander, and this one they plan to actually keep and live in with their 3 kids!

It's an inspiring tale and we're sharing before and afters of 3 of their previous projects. Looking forward to sharing the progress of their current house in the coming weeks and months too ๐Ÿค—

Via link in bio๐Ÿ’›

#queenslanderrenovation #houseflippers #serialrenovator #renowayoflife #queenslanderhome
How's that for a pool?! This Noosa riverfront ab How's that for a pool?! 

This Noosa riverfront abode just won Home of the Year in the 2022 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards. 

Take the tour and find out why. On the homepage now via linknin bio.

#poolsofinstagram #poolhome #swimmingpooldesign #houseoftheyear #riverfronthomes 

@jwconstructions @shaunlockyer @christopherfrederickjones
(WIN!) It's not the weather to have damp washing e (WIN!) It's not the weather to have damp washing everywhere!

Let's make your life easier with this amazing laundry prize from @hillshomeliving 

One lucky winner will get a bamboo concertina, a bamboo sorting centre and 3 bamboo foldable baskets worth almost $250.

For your chance of winning follow us and @hillshomeliving and tag a friend below by midnight Sydney time next Friday 27 May. One entry per person.

The concertina and sorting centre are available at Big W and the baskets at Bunnings.

Open to Australian residents only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram.

#laundryinspo #laundryideas #laundryday
We've entered an exciting phase in our home: non-s We've entered an exciting phase in our home: non-synthetic rug land!

With two young boys, I've always advocated for the synthetic and easily scrub-cleanable rug! Now they'reย a bit older and observing the shoes-off and no-food-in-the-living-room rules, I thought it was time! And I'm in love with our bold newย @castleryau Lorenzo Wool Rug.

You can't beat the luxurious look and feel of wool and I've also stepped outside my comfort zone with a design that stands out rather than blends in. Get me!

Can someone remind the kids about the keep-the-toys-in-the-playroom rule though?!

Would you be brave enough to go for a cream wool rug in your house?!

This rug is on display at Castlery's popup at Moore Park SupaCenta until October. 

#athomewithcastlery #rug #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #statementrugย #gifted
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
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/

More from Before & Afters

Upcycling project: buffet gets a glow up with paint and handles

Serial renovators embark on 15th house and this one’s for keeps!

Outhouse makeover: from dated and purple to stylish studio

AFTER lounge

Before & after: Dated brick wall becomes star of 1980’s reno

AFTER living room

Sentimental Melbourne holiday home given new lease of life

AFTER

90s revival: Is burgundy paint the latest interior trend?

Single mum achieves amazing home makeover on a budget

AFTER lounge

Before & after: farmhouse coastal makeover on the Gold Coast

Pool

Real Dads of Melbourne’s gorgeous new holiday house pool

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarTina Marsh says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:23 am

    I’m buying a 30’s house and I am seeking inspiration to return it to a nod to its original decoration. Your article was just the job.

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 18, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      Great to hear! Good luck with your project!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2022 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!