The utter transformation of this modest home in Torquay on Victoria’s Surf Coast, really impressed us recently. And it was the exterior and entry that gave the biggest wow factor.
The home is a small late 1990s brick veneer 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home on a corner lot. It’s home to a couple in their 60s with Portuguese and Croatian cultural backgrounds. They wanted an eclectic design that incorporates coastal, French country, Hamptons and Portuguese influences. No small feat!
A new light and bright façade and the addition of a new extension for a mud room, has added depth and interest in keeping with the overall style of the home.
Interior designer Jessica Farfan of Casa & Co Interior Design, explains: “The exterior of the property primarily featured a red brick veneer displaying subtle undertones like orange or brown, combining traditional architectural elements with the quirks that characterised residential design during that decade such as the gable style roof lines, concrete roof tiles and standard windows in a beige colour.
“The front door had a traditional style, painted in an off-white shade, surrounded by sidelights that were later removed during the renovation. A small porch was present at the entry, covered with an eave ceiling and supported by one round column giving an outdated look. As this was already an existing space, it was easier to get the approval of the planning permit to create the new mud room in this space.”
She adds: “The home has a sprawling footprint with a large front yard but. there was limited landscaping lacking the lush, diverse plantings of modern gardens. The colour palette was a common choice in the 90s but felt sombre compared to the light and bright coastal hues that are popular today.
“The facade presented a traditional, yet stagnant style that lacked the vibrancy of contemporary architecture. The combination of red brick, outdated window styles, and traditional entry features gave the impression of a home that hasn’t kept pace with current design trends, making it feel less inviting and somewhat disconnected from modern aesthetic standards.”
After
Transforming the curb appeal to match the interior renovation was an essential component of the design to enhance the overall look and feel of the property.
From a brick veneer to a coastal gem, here are some of the changes Jessica and her team implemented for a impressive transformation:
- Architectural features included a mudroom extension to the entrance, new white framed double glazed windows and doors.
- The top half rendered walls were painted in Lexicon Quarter and the bottom half clad with James Hardie boards painted in Dieskau.
- New mud room and house entrance with Hume Doors installed, and an arbour to create a sense of entry, depth and architectural interest.
- The Oblique James Hardie boards were laid horizontally and coastal theme brass wall lights add a touch of luxury.
- The clear glass door allows natural light in, whilst the translucent glass door entering the house keeps the living areas private.
- A landscaped pathway leads to the entrance, with an exposed aggregate concrete walkway, surrounded by native coastal plants. Each post was highlighted with step lights and wall lights to the front door.
- A fence installed at different heights, in a combination of breeze blocks and linear aluminium powder coated fence, breaks up the linear design.
“The new mud room extension changed the façade form of the property and the fence and arbour gave it depth and architectural interest,” Jessica says. “The previous porch was an unused space. The new mud room not only makes this area look pleasing aesthetically but is also very functional for our clients.”
She adds: “The façade now boasts a sophisticated combination of weather-resistant materials painted in soft, muted coastal colours in crisp white and soft greys that reflect the beach environment.”
Suppliers
- James Hardie Oblique Boards 200mm
- Boards painted in Dulux Weather Shield Exterior Paint in Dieskau
- Wall render painted in Dulux Weather Shield Paint in Lexicon Quarter
- Entrance door: Hume Doors painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter
- Lighting: Beacon Lighting
- Fence: Glasshouse Australia – Hamptons Panels painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter
- Breeze Blocks: a Facebook Marketplace find painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter
