Traditional home Renovation
- Feb 15, 2021
- 2 min read
Renovating a home with oodles of character to begin with can be a challenge. I definitely needed to listen to the home and follow her lead to do her justice. There is always a concern when renovating older homes that doing too much will take away from her grandeur and character. This I'm writing about is definitely a classic, apart from a few changes to the floor plan, the home is exactly what you find in the text books..
Walking through the concerns of the home, the lower level was about a meter below street level. This meant I needed to ensure the proportions of the home were carefully calculated to make it visually hold its weight. Traditional homes were not meant to be lifted and as such, so many homes that are raised tend to look awkward as a result.
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We decided to move the kitchen and main living area to the ground floor, along with the new master suite. This allows the living areas greater access to the garden and the opportunity to live on one level if needed.
after before
Opening up the windows upstairs to house louvres instead, allows for a constant breeze that flows though the day
after before
The stairs were my biggest disappointment of this home. Carelessly added about 10yrs ago by a builder without any thought given to how the spaces work together or how one might live in the home. This was the first thing that I relocated and it makes a world of difference to the home.
after before
The once crowded and restrictive master bedroom now has beautiful double doors that can be kept open to allow for the breezes to flow through. The new master has a beautifully appointed walk in robe and ensuite straight off the side.
Bringing this grand lady into the 21st century was an absolute please. From what I've heard, my clients are loving their new space and thats the sort of feedback I live for!
What a thoughtful renovation. I really like that the focus wasn't on changing the home's character but on making it more comfortable for everyday living. Creating spaces that naturally bring people together, like the new kitchen and living area, makes such a difference. It reminds me how the best gatherings often continue around a good meal, and places like https://theseedthaicuisineau.com/ have that same welcoming feeling where family and friends can relax together after spending time in a beautiful home. It also shows that thoughtful design and warm hospitality have something in common, they both make people feel comfortable enough to want to come back.