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Before & after: This reno was managed entirely online!

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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Gold Coast interior designer Mel Hoekstra, of MH Interior Design has worked on many projects but none entirely via email. That was until recently when a London couple sought her out to transform their Queensland home while they were still living in the UK. “My client Rosie discovered my web site via a Google search and felt connected with my approach and enthusiasm, so our design relationship developed from there,” says Mel.

BEFORE dining
BEFORE dining
AFTER dining
AFTER dining

“Our only form of communication was via email while Rosie was living in London, which was until just before handover in January. Often despite the time difference we would have running conversations discussing various aspects of the selections. It worked well for us as we are both thorough and prompt communicators,” says Mel.

Other pivotal tools used throughout the renovation were visual concept boards, floor plans, Pinterest and Dropbox. “Rosie and I worked remarkably well together despite the distance and it helped that she was a great communicator and had profound trust in my design skills,” says Mel.

BEFORE lounge
BEFORE lounge
AFTER lounge
AFTER lounge

“The most challenging areas were when I wanted to show samples and texture, particularly for the floor. We had decided the most cost-effective flooring option, to keep within budget, was to use a high-quality vinyl plank which would be installed straight over the top of the existing bamboo,” says Mel. And luckily, Rosie was able to visit a showroom in London to peruse Mel’s exact selection. “The new floor was one of the biggest decisions we had to make as the colour and tone really influenced the mood and feel of the space. Thankfully after they visited the showroom, I got a resounding, confident ‘yes!’”

BEFORE outdoors
BEFORE outdoors
AFTER outdoors
AFTER outdoors

And while there wasn’t anything hugely objectionable about the original home, Mel was charged with modernising it while imbuing it with a relaxed Australian coastal feel. “The home had great bones, it was a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a guest wing and was in need of an update with a basic renovation and cohesive styling. The owners mainly disliked the yellow colour of the bamboo floor in the lounge, dining and kitchen and it was a priority to turn the balcony off their son’s bedroom into a useable space for him to congregate with friends and be protected from the elements,” says Mel.

BEFORE bedroom
BEFORE child’s bedroom
AFTER bedroom
AFTER child’s bedroom

“Design wise I most love the lounge and dining areas – as soon as you walk through the front door you are greeted by a warm, fresh feeling, not to mention the stunning shell chandelier we installed above the dining table. Those rooms invite you to relax or move through to the beautiful outdoor space as it all flows and connects with ease,” says Mel.

And as for the final reveal, once the family had arrived in Australia, it went remarkably well. “Meeting them in person on the day of handover was wonderful, there was no nerves, and I already felt like we were friends and was confident they would love their new home. Needless to say the family was speechless and couldn’t wait to explore every room.”

After photography: Jessie May

For more | More before & afters

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March 15, 2019

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Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS! Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS!

@castleryau have named the talented stylist @stevecordony as their first Australian brand ambassador and he's curated a capsule of their furniture which he styled to perfection at his stunning country house @rosedale_farm 

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If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

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SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

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📸 @jonathantabensky
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Good luck!

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>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

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This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

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Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
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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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