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Resort style makeover for dated 80s Gold Coast home

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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2019 Block alumni Deb and Andy Saunders, from DNA of Design, overhauled a dark and dated 1980s home recently in a process that they have documented in their new online renovation series. ‘House 1’ is the first reno to be showcased and it features a very impressive transformation of a run down home in the Gold Coast hinterland into a fresh and modern resort-style retreat. The home also happens to be owned by Suzie Atkin, founder of affordable art brand Urban Road, who lives there with her family.

Andy and Deb Saunders inside their latest renovation

A mash-up of styles, the house draws on Australian coastal, Mediterranean and farmhouse influences which are brought together with a colour palette of nudes, pinks and white. Ribbed textures and natural stone features imbue the home with restful tactility.

“The brief was to open the home, iron out the awkward floor plan and lighten and brighten throughout. The inspiration came from the stunning surroundings; a coastal location not far from the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, nestled into acreage in the stunning hinterland,” says Deb.

Kitchen and dining
Kitchen and dining

Sitting on a 7.5-acre plot, the home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms a media room, rumpus room and triple garage. A highlight of the home, the pool and landscaped garden can be seen from inside via large expansive windows. Sheer curtains soften the glazing and incoming light.

Outdoors
Outdoor entertaining area and pool

“It was a very challenging project as the house is extra-large and sits wide on the block with many large windows and doors,” says Deb. Selecting the right window furnishings was an important consideration considering the stunning views to the exterior. “Not only did we have to make sure that each room looked incredible inside and out, but we also had to think about light and temperature control,” says Deb.

Living room
Living room

A key part of the renovation, the open plan living zone was extended allowing for a large kitchen, dining and living space. The zone’s existing dark timber-clad raked ceiling was removed and reinstalled – the height continues to the outdoor entertaining deck through a massive six-metre sliding door. The overall effect ensures the space is bright, airy and bathed in natural light.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom

Communal rooms including the media room, rumpus and study have each been reconfigured to work for the family, and a new floor was installed. Many doors were removed, and the spaces opened to greet the outdoors. Overall, the home has a much more cohesive layout and, with its indoor/outdoor flow, its occupants can really enjoy the fabulous lifestyle that the Gold Coast climate affords.

Study

Luxaflex sheer curtains, Pirouette and Duette Shades and PolySatin Shutters were used throughout the home.

For more on Luxaflex | Watch DNA of Design’s series about the reno

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March 6, 2023

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Nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Shoalha Nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Shoalhaven area on the NSW South Coast, former Block contestants @rachelandryan Carr have transformed a tired rural property into a luxurious holiday retreat that feels like a slice of Italy. Surrounded by the natural beauty of gum trees and rural views, the property is designed to transport guests to the heart of Tuscany, blending the charm of the Australian landscape with the elegance and luxury of Italian design. 

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Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! An Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! And this pair of duplexes look pretty stylish too! Ground floor is printed concrete and the top floor is made from lightweight modular panels.

Want to read all about it and see more pix? Comment '3d" and we'll send the article link straight to your DMs! Or find it on the homepage via link in bio.

#3dprinting #3dprinted #3dprintedhouse #3dprintedhome #3dprintedhomes #houseofthefuture #australianhomes #australianhousing
New @kmartaus home coming later this month and her New @kmartaus home coming later this month and here's a few of the standouts, with pricing and more info on the blog now, via link in bio.

Anything catch your eye?

#kmartaustralia #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #affordablehomedecor
A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangeh A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangehood cover was fashioned from a piece of American oak benchtop!

This fresh coastal kitchen showcases some of @kaboodlekitchen's latest products to achieve a truly individual space, without paying a small fortune. V groove doors, premium wireware inserts and a concrete look benchtop make for a great combination that's at the same time on trend and timeless. 

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#flatpackkitchen #budgetkitchen #uniquekitchen #bluekitchencabinets #vgroove #kaboodle #kaboodlekitchen
Swipe for before An interior designer shares the Swipe for before 

An interior designer shares the clever ways they took this homestead from tired 80s to a welcoming country retreat for holidaymakers without spending a fortune or starting from scratch.

This fireplace became a beautiful focal point after a lick of paint, for example.

See more before and afters from @wandarra_homestead on the blog now via link in stories/bio.
How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he s How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he shares with wife @kirstenstanley_ and their young kids?!

When they first set eyes on an expansive acreage on Victoria's Surf Coast, they knew it was the perfect place to build their forever home and embrace working farm life. @studiohallihan helped them bring it all together perfectly!

Take the tour on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.

#modernfarmhousehomes #australianfarmhouse #workingfarm #surfcoastlife #foreverhomes #farmhousestylehome #geelongfootballclub #geelongcats
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 

I was lucky enough to see the pieces in situ last week and I honestly couldn't believe how well it all worked! They were going for accessible luxury and well, he delivered, and then some!

Head to the blog via link in bio to read more about the partnership.

#castlery #castleryau #stevecordony #rosedalefarm #affordablefurniture #australianstylist
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! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
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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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