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Real renos: Our favourite makeovers from 2018

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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To say the ‘Real Reno’ stories are some of the most popular on the site would be an understatement. Whether looking for design inspiration or simply a bit of old-fashion voyeurism, there’s nothing quite like getting inside a fabulous home. From a clever 1980’s apartment overhaul in Melbourne to the wildly popular Palm Springs inspired ‘Bilinga Beach Abode’ renovation in Queensland, 2018 was a great year for renovations and here are some of our favourites.

A sumptuous guest suite
Interior designer Lynne Bradley waved her magic wand and created this stylish and sumptuous guest suite in Sydney that features a kitchenette and layers of soft furnishings. Both Jen and I agreed that we’d find it hard to extract ourselves as house guests!

Lynne Bradley guest suite
Photography: Craig Wall

“My brief was to create an elegant, sophisticated and inviting suite that oozed luxury and comfort. My clients want to make their guests not only feel at home but also to feel private from the workings of the rest of the home,” says Lynne and I’d say she nailed it!

Kitchen
The attached kitchen. Photography: Craig Wall
Guest lounge
Guest lounge. Photography: Craig Wall

Statement green paint in Sydney
This Sydney renovation was a finalist in the 2018 Dulux Colour Awards for its creative use of paint throughout. The original 1800’s period home was extended by architect Emma Mitchell and the formerly dark home is now filled with light.

Manly house
Photography: Simon Whitbread

I love the way the new kitchen’s tongue and groove wood panelling complements the original home and its serene chalky green paint colour was an inspired choice.

Manly renovation
Photography: Simon Whitbread
Manly house
The exterior features the bright, grassy Dulux ‘Endless’ to continue the theme. Photography: Simon Whitbread

Italianate villa in Melbourne
Another 2018 Dulux Colour Awards finalist, this Melbourne Italianate villa was overhauled by the talented team at SJB who removed all traces of a previous 1980’s-era renovation. I love the dramatic use of colour, the dark finishes and the way in which clever use of paint showcases the owners’ impressive art collection.

Villa d'Arte
The study. Photography: Lucas Allen
Villa d'Arte master ensuite
Master ensuite. Photography: Lucas Allen
Villa d'Arte guest bathroom
Guest bathroom. Photography: Lucas Allen

Sympathetic 1980’s Melbourne apartment overhaul
The work of Deborah Schmideg Interior Design, this original 1980’s split-level apartment had a modest budget but you’d never know when looking at the end result.

Melbourne apartment kitchen
A butler’s pantry was added to the right of the apartment’s new kitchen. Photography by Dean Schmideg and styling by Bree Leech

“We were conscious of remaining sympathetic to the original 1980’s architecture and, given we were working to a limited renovation budget, had to do our best to incorporate the original built form into the concept of the new interiors,” says Deborah. The waterfall windows in the master ensuite are perhaps the most stellar example of Deborah’s intent – textured white tiles and timber pops completely modernised the space.

Bathroom
Master ensuite. Photography by Dean Schmideg and styling by Bree Leech

1970’s brick and tile to Palm Springs paradise
The Bilinga Beach Abode was one of our most popular renovation stories this year and for good reason. What was once a dated 1970’s brick and tile home was transformed into a stylish Palm Springs-inspired paradise on the Gold Coast. The chic coastal vibe, breeze blocks, skateboard ramp and pool lined with patterned encaustic tiles make this renovation a triumph.

Bilinga Beach Abode

Pool
Pool
The skate ramp and breeze blocks
Skate ramp and breeze blocks

Pops of blue in Melbourne
Our most recent real reno, this circa 1910 Victorian home was completely overhauled by first-time renovator Steph Hegarty and her husband this year.

Elsternwick renovation
Photographer: Dylan Lark @Aspect11

“We wanted to create a modern home that had the warmth and charm of a period home. Modern homes can sometimes feel a bit soulless, so we didn’t want to shy away from things like large skirting boards and architraves, ceiling roses and cornices, because we knew these features would forever make the house feel like it had history, and stories to tell,” says Steph.

Kitchen
The new kitchen. Photographer: Dylan Lark @Aspect11

Offering a seamless transition from old to new, the back of the house is now a light-filled space that Steph and her young family can enjoy. I love the pops of blue throughout the home and was impressed by the main bathroom’s blue cabinetry – a gutsy choice.

Master ensuite
Master ensuite. Photographer: Dylan Lark @Aspect11

More real renos

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December 17, 2018

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Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

Slammed for being too small, @kyleandleslie's living room was otherwise praised by the judges for being beautifully styled.

"In terms of using it as a marketing platform it’s been amazing," he said. "Even for people who don’t follow the show it’s validation that they are following an artist that’s levelling up. The exposure has translated to sales, traffic and attention and it’s everything I wanted because I’m about to launch a new collection.”

Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

#theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #affordableart #affordableartaustralia #affordableartonline #australianartist #australianart #livingroomart #livingroomstyle #livingroomideas #smalllivingroom #adoniart #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #blockshopper
Pink and green should always be seen! From time t Pink and green should always be seen!

From time to time, we stray from our Australian-homes-only rule when we uncover something we really love! This project, by @2lgstudio (and also the interior design duo’s own home) is featured in Ornament Is Not a Crime, a new coffee table interiors book by Sydney-based design writer @rebeccalgross.

Head to the homepage via link in bio to read about this home and see more colourful pictures in an extract.

#2lgstudio #2lg #londoninteriordesigner #londoninteriors #londonhome #londonhomes #brighthome #brightinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulhome #interiordesignersathome #pinkandgreen #pinkandgreendecor #pinkandgreenshouldalwaysbeseen
Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

 "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

#ichosebeaumonts #beaumonttiles #tiles #bathroomtile #bathroomtiling #hamptonsbathroom #queenslanderrenovation #queenslanderbathroom #luxurybathroom #australianbathroom #australianbathrooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

#darrenpalmer #darrenpalmerofficial #darrenpalmerinteriors #theblock #rugshopping #rugdesign #ruggoals #rugmaking #naturalrugs #sustainablerugs #ethicalrugs #jute #juterug #juterugs #handcarved #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #goodweave
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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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarDakwerken says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:57 pm

    Such a beautiful makeover! Really, it’s going to be everyone’s favorite makeover. Thank you for sharing.

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