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Real reno: the extension of a Victorian classic

June 22, 2015 Leave a Comment

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Originally bought by his father in the 1950s, Tony Sattes has called hisย double-fronted Victorian weatherboard home his whole life. However, when wife and interior designer Michelle Downing moved in three years ago, she immediately saw the potential to renovate.

After - Kitchen/Living
After – Kitchen/Living

“Our land space was ideal for development and we loved the area in Melbourne’s inner east,” explains Michelle. “We had looked at moving, but weighed up the cost and it made more sense to invest money in our existing house and get exactly what we wanted.โ€

Before - Exterior
Before – Exterior
After - Exterior
After – Exterior

With the exterior of the house tired and uninviting and the interior falling apart too, it got so dire that Michelle would wedgeย their broken oven door shut with a broom while baking, and on cold days leave it open to heat the home! The toilet was in an old outhouse in the backyard and there was hardly any room for a modern family to live. It was screaming for a renovation!

Before - Bathroom
Before – Bathroom
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After – Bathroom

So, calling on Sherbrooke Design and Construction for the build, Michelle took 10 months and an initial budget of $680,000 toย transform the property into a home that combined period grace with modern open plan living and unique features and furnishings.ย Retaining the front four rooms and building out the rear,ย Michelleย wanted to preserveย the traditional look from the street but have a luxury contemporary homeย out the back. “The home now has a light filled stairwell, which accesses a second storey addition with a retreat and home theatre room. The ground level features magnificent Oak flooring, an open plan kitchen with a Calcutta marble bench top and the living area leads out to the alfresco entertaining area. At the rear is a beautiful pool surrounded by landscaped garden beds. A rear double car garage also provides off street parking and storage space.ย We are more than happy with it all!”

Before - Kitchen
Before – Kitchen
After - Kitchen
After – Kitchen

While Michelleย loves it all now, that doesn’t mean the reno came without its challenges! “The power was disconnected to the site for the majority of the build but fortunately the builders worked through this. Also we had a slightย hiccup just after the build commenced. A Yarra Valley Water inspection pit was discovered and by law the building needed to be one metre away from it. Luckily we were able to change theย design andย solve the problem.”

After - Front Living Room
After –ย Living Room

With the home being utterly transformed, Michelle struggles to pickย her favouriteย part of the home, but if she had to say… “My favorite room would have to be the front original living room with the bay window and fire-place. I also can’t get pass theย insulation and double glazed windows, it’s so much warmer in winter and cooler in summer.ย It’s made a huge difference.”

For more Real Renos.

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While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

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Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclรฉ recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

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In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

โ€œI wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

๐Ÿ“ท @tanikablair_photography 

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

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Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
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About Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarJen Copelin says

    June 22, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    Impressive before & after exterior photos. Just wandering what colour palette did you choose?

    Reply
    • AvatarMichelle Downing says

      June 23, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Colours on exterior walls are Bristol “Quarry” (double strength) trim is Dulux Black & Natural White

      Reply
  2. AvatarLilmil says

    June 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    This is so beautiful and similar to the style and plan we have for our hundred year old cottage (keeping front four original rooms and contemporary extension). Just wondering if you have a floor plan shot available?

    Reply
  3. AvatarYvette says

    June 23, 2015 at 5:53 am

    Stunning makeover!! I would also like to know the paint colours you used – especially the grey.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichelle Downing says

      June 23, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      Hi Jen, glad you like our colour choice.
      The exterior walls are Bristol “Quarry” (double strength)
      Trims are Dulux “Black” & windows Dulux (Natural White)
      If you find the natural white too bright try Dulux “Whisper White”

      Reply
  4. AvatarSherbrooke Design and Construction says

    June 23, 2015 at 11:49 am

    As you step inside this home, you are immediately surprised at how spacious it is. The floor plan was designed to maximise a relatively small 450sqm block and we are pleased with the end result. It was great to work in with Michelle (Michelle Downing Interiors – [email protected]) as she added a creative flair to the interior.

    Reply
  5. AvatarBernadette says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:32 am

    The work is beautiful! However, where is the pic of the amazing pantry!

    Reply
  6. AvatarBelinda from Gallerie B says

    June 24, 2015 at 11:19 am

    What an incredible transformation! Michelle did a wonderful job.

    Reply
  7. AvatarCath says

    June 24, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Stunning!! Yes, please could you let me know the white interior paint colour she used? Thanks

    Reply
    • AvatarMichelle Downing says

      June 26, 2015 at 5:55 pm

      The internal paint colours are Dulux Natural White on all skirts, arches & doors & Resene “Tea” (quarter strength) on walls.

      Reply
  8. AvatarMands says

    June 24, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Would love to know the dimensions of the open plan living – everything is positioned so well and we are looking at decorating our place soon.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichelle Downing says

      June 26, 2015 at 6:08 pm

      Ok, this is a great size space especially when entertaining.

      Length 9550 x Width 8800

      Reply
  9. AvatarAndrea Ellis says

    June 24, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Beautiful renovation. What was the Oak Floor you used please? Are the interior walls white?

    Reply
    • AvatarMichelle Downing says

      June 26, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Flooring was supplied by The Solid Timber & Stone Flooring Co in Sth Melbourne. Colour is (C08) the board is 220mm wide.

      The interior walls are not white only the trim. Walls are Resene “Tea” (quarter strength)

      Reply

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