• 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

      Australia’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

      We’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 doesn’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-kitchenArt Deco: Emma Blomfield shares her own apartment before & after
    • AFTER kitchenFrom run down 1950’s home to modern Australian cottage
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

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

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Calypso2Choosing flooring: you need to understand undertones! + 25% off
    • AFTER-kitchenArt Deco: Emma Blomfield shares her own apartment before & after
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

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

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Calypso2Choosing flooring: you need to understand undertones! + 25% off
    • Screen-Shot-2023-11-06-at-1.22.04-pmI may have discovered the best Australian Christmas tree decs!
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’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
    • Humphrey's HotelAre these Sydney’s prettiest bathrooms? The people think so!
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • HQxRiverviewFarms-KoreanStylePorkBowl-LR-6Foodie Friday: Hayden Quinn’s Korean style BBQ pork rice bowl
    • Bali-tour2The dream Bali buying trip to source homewares for your business
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Knocking down walls: what to consider first, with Joe Snell

By Jen Bishop •

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Across Australia, the drive is on to unleash our homes’ full potential and lifestyle value. Our renovation radars need to be focused on maximising the space, light and lifestyle appeal of what we already own.

Ask yourself how could a disused or neglected part of my home be made into a beautiful asset? Big-ticket items such as views, garages and pools are no longer the only assets. Rather in a hot property market, every inch counts. Once neglected areas such as side paths, old laundry rooms, tiny courtyards, overgrown yards and boxed in kitchens are now assets ready to be brought to life. In contemporary living terms, this means opening up and refreshing every inch of a space. Nothing has to be too dark, small or cluttered. Rather, emphasise what you already own.

Image: iDesignArch
Image: iDesignArch

One clear path to unleashing a home’s potential is through improving its floor plan. If you’ve ever attended an open for inspection it’s not unusual to hear buyers talking about knocking down a wall. No one wants to buy a place and be limited by a constricted floor plan. Removing walls is a well known strategy for transforming a space thanks to television programs like House Rules, Selling Houses, The Block and Grand Designs showcasing the results.

Knocking down a single wall, or numerous walls, has become a hugely popular solution for creating more light, space and value. Australians are world leaders when it comes to open plan living and there’s a huge premium placed on contemporary design to deliver free flowing spaces where the lounge room, kitchen and ideally, indoors and outdoors, merge.

Image: Tommy Welsh
Image: Tommy Welsh

There are certainly positives to rearranging a home’s floor plan through removing walls. But before you start knocking them down, please remember that when it comes to design, nothing is in isolation, rather it’s all connected.

Consider the following before undergoing your wall removal project:

  1. Acoustics: the more you open up a space, the more it creates echoes and noise problems. There is such a thing as too open when it comes to sound.
  2. Be careful about stripping a space of its character. Traditional buildings such as terraces, semis, cottages and pre-1960s apartments, were designed with separate rooms because privacy and warmth were of major importance compared to today’s premiums on light and space. With a traditional building, consider retaining the feeling of the building’s original spacing by leaving a beam where the wall once stood. Beams can also help give a sense of grace that suits traditional spaces. Sometimes, your mind wants to know that the beams are holding everything up so emotionally you feel safe and secure.
  3. Creating a social home that’s not too hectic. We all love the idea of the social home where the kitchen is at the heart of the action. It’s the place where everyone congregates and therefore it should be located in the best part of your site. In open plan living, the kitchen and lounge room create a feeling of connection rather than isolation. However, consider creating a sense of division somewhere amongst this openness once the wall/walls are removed. Try to create two living areas that give the opportunity for families to handle the complexities of sharing a space. For example, where are the kids going to play Lego where it’s not in the way of the adults? Perhaps consider a half wall, or a flexible solution like a bi-fold, which will give you the right amount of area division so kids have their own play space and aren’t on top of the adults. Then you have the best of both worlds.

At the end of the day, knocking down a wall can be all the difference in terms of space, light and a lovely home, but think very carefully about it, and do your planning, as you want openness but not over exposure.

—Joe Snell is an architect and judge on Channel 7’s House Rules, coming back to our screens soon. Read all articles by Joe.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

March 18, 2015

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Art Deco: Emma Blomfield shares her own apartment before & after
  • The best Christmas finds at Kmart: Our top 10
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Win the latest video doorbell and home security cameras from Arlo
  • The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

Follow us on Instagram

Victorians, are you still allowed to have gas in y Victorians, are you still allowed to have gas in your home? We share the ins and outs on what you need to know about the new rule in Victoria when it comes to your energy.

The good news is, for most people nothing will change, however if you are planning a new build/renovation that requires a planning permit – you will need to speak to your builder to get your permit lodged before 1 January 2024!

 We’re here to answer all your questions with the help of @australiangasnetworks! Read more via link in bio now.

 #cookingongas #gaspower #gasconnection #australiangasnetworks #australiangas #australiangasnetworks #gasappliances #gascooker #gasfireplace #gasbarbecue #gasfire #gasstove #gashotwater #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realrenos
Our ever popular top places to buy Australian bed Our ever popular top places to buy Australian bed linen online post has been updated for 2023! Head to the blog now via link in bio to get some bedroom inspiration!

Whether you liked classic stripes, fun florals, moody linen or cotton covers, we have something for you!

#bedroomstyle #bedlinens #bedroomrefresh #bedlinen #bedroomgoals😍 #bedroomstyling #bedsheet #bedsheetonline #bedsheetlovers #duvetcover #doona #freshsheets #freshsheet #newbedroom #bedroomstyle #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
The owner of Noosa homewares and furniture mecca @ The owner of Noosa homewares and furniture mecca @coastalvintage, Sally Oulton travels the globe looking for amazing interior finds. And now you can join her on one of her bespoke interior sourcing tours to Bali where you’ll be taken far from the crowds to discover the best homewares and furniture that the Indonesian paradise has to offer. Read all about it via link in bio.

#baliindonesia #balishopping #balishop #balisourcing #balihomewares #balihomedecor #balitrip #balistyle #baliinteriors #baliinterior #baliinteriordesign
Just capturing Mr 5 here before he stops going to Just capturing Mr 5 here before he stops going to daycare and preschool next month and becomes a school boy. All the feels 😭❤️🙏🏻
Need a great housewarming gift under $200? Bonus, Need a great housewarming gift under $200?

Bonus, you can use these as inspiration for Christmas gifts too, for the interiors Addict in your life.

Trust us, they'd be delighted to receive any of these and there are even more ideas with links on the blog too, via link in bio now.

You're welcome!

#housewarminggift #housewarminggift
#housewarming #housewares #aēsop #menugrinders #kellywearstler #coffeetablebooks #alivebody #rudienudie #sageandclare #sageandclarebathmat #christmasgiftideas2023 #housegift #housegifts
At home with interior stylist @emma.blomfield Sw At home with interior stylist @emma.blomfield 

Swipe for a sneak peek of the before and afters and head to the blog now via link in bio to see how Emma transformed her Art Deco apartment on Sydney's lower north shore.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior #artdecointeriors #sydneyapartments #sydneyapartment #apartmenttherapy #apartmenttour #apartmentkitchen #apartmentbathroom #artdecokitchen #artdecobathroom #artdecobuilding #artdecorenovation #emmablomfield #interiordesignerhome #interiordesignersathome #australianinteriordesigner #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop

Photos by @joe_cheng
Christmas scents are an integral part of festive d Christmas scents are an integral part of festive decorating for me!

It's time for our annual Christmas candle roundup and I swear what's on offer gets better by the year! The packaging too! All of these would make wonderful gifts (hint hint 😉).

I always treat myself to a Christmas candle and buy a few as gifts. You can't go wrong!

Whether you like a more traditional fir kind of fragrance or something more reminiscent of Aussie summertime, we've got you covered. There's even a fragrance free beeswax option.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find all these with pricing and links to buy.

Do you treat yourself to a Christmas candle each year? If not, we really think you should start!

#christmascandle #christmascandles #christmascandlelight
#scentedcandle #candlejar #candlegift #christmasdecoratingideas #christmasgiftideas2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #luxurycandle

Enjoy!
This giveaway has now closed. The winner is @jenny This giveaway has now closed. The winner is @jennymccown 🥳

Win a year's supply of laundry AND dishwashing detergent sheets!🚨

@lucentglobe is the Aussie startup run by Queensland twins Brodie and Roger Cook. Designed for both people and planet, their detergent sheets have no nasty chemicals, no plastic packaging and no water, which is often wasted in liquid based detergents. 

And they work! In fact their new dishwashing sheet formula is 3 times more powerful using protease enzymes (made from coconuts)!

One lucky follower can win a year's worth of laundry and dishwashing sheets worth almost $650! Wouldn't that be a great help with the old cost of living?!

For your chance, simply tag 2 friends below by midnight AEST on Monday 27 November 2023. 

One entry per person. Australian residents only. This giveaway is not endorsed by or affiliated with Meta. 

Good luck!

#singleuseplastic #lowtoxswaps #lowtox  #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #ecofriendly #sustainablelivingtips #lowtoxlaundry #dishwashertablets #dishwashercleaning #laundrysheets #laundrydetergent #laundrysoap #laundryhacks #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #aussiestartup #startupbusinessess
Give your bathroom a makeover without a full reno. Give your bathroom a makeover without a full reno.

Great ideas from @missapriltowels on the blog today via link in bio.

Do you consider your bathroom a room where you can style and accessorise like you do elsewhere in your home? What are some of your favourite brands and products for zjooshing your bathroom or powder room?

You can also search on the website for our top hand soap pump finds!

#handtowel #handtowels #handsoaps #handwash #bathroomstyling
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: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

More from Architecture

The Design Duo

Twins knock down and rebuild new homes nextdoor to each other

An architect designed home in Tasmania with stunning views

Kitchen

Renovated Art Deco home now filled with natural light

AFTER

Layout changes and luxury materials transform Melbourne home

Kitchen

Is this Sydney’s best bathroom and kitchen for 2023?

Tired brick home? Win a facade makeover with Block architect!

Dining and lounge

Masterchef contestant’s family home gets the designer touch

Living and dining

Run-down period home given new life in Melbourne

Alfresco

A light-filled NSW coastal holiday abode from SOUL Home

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 © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in

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

Email sent!