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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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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. 

See more on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.
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. 

See more on the blog now via link in bio and stories.

#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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dakwerken 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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