Welcome behind the scenes of this major renovation where we transformed our Randwick Project into a relaxed and inviting home for a busy young family of four.
Our mission was to design a calm and comfortable oasis that truly supported their everyday lifestyle—a place where they could unwind, connect, and feel completely at home.
The design direction drew inspiration from the home’s original Californian bungalow charm, the clients’ country roots, and a desire for contemporary comfort. The result? A timeless blend of classic character and modern ease.
For some context – our clients reached out during a COVID lockdown, just as their major renovation was about to begin. They had architectural drawings and DA approval already in place—plans to add a second level for the bedrooms and extend the ground floor to create a generous open-plan living area that flowed into their newly landscaped backyard.
The home itself was to be a mix of old and new – a charming front facade and a new, modern rear extension.
Let’s dive into how we approached this renovation and the key design decisions that brought it all to life!
Optimized and refined the floor plan.
Our clients had already completed their architectural drawings and received DA approval, so our first step was to review the plans with a designer’s eye. While the architect’s layout provided a great foundation, we immediately saw opportunities to improve both functionality and liveability.
There were clear wins to be made in reworking the bathroom layouts and refining the living room floor plan to create more efficient, user-friendly spaces. In the main living area, we reviewed the spatial planning and furniture layout to improve flow and maximise usability. One key addition was a custom-designed window bench seat—doubling as storage and seating—which not only anchored the space but made it far more inviting for everyday living and entertaining.
And we’re so glad we did! The window bench seat has become one of the family’s favourite spots in the home—to relax with a book, soak up the northern sun, and enjoy a strong connection to the outdoors and pool beyond. It’s proof that thoughtful tweaks can make a big impact.
There’s huge value in engaging an interior designer early in the process. Even with approved architectural plans, a designer can help you review your layout holistically, optimise it for furniture flow and function, and guide the finishing details—like fittings, fixtures, and joinery. It ensures every inch of your home works harder and feels better to live in.
Pro Tip: There’s huge value in engaging an interior designer early in the process. Even with approved architectural plans, a designer can help you review your layout holistically, optimise it for furniture flow and function, and guide the finishing details—like fittings, fixtures, and joinery. It ensures every inch of your home works harder, feels better to live in and creates the feeling you want – here it was a relaxed and inviting home.
Blending Contemporary and Traditional Design Elements.
One of the standout features of the Randwick renovation was the seamless blend of contemporary and traditional design elements. Our aim was to create a home that felt cohesive and balanced—where heritage charm met modern sophistication in harmony, creating a relaxed and inviting home. Here’s how we achieved it:
Bathrooms – our clients needed help selecting finishes for all three bathrooms. We wanted each to have its own personality while still feeling cohesive and refined.
- We chose classic subway tiles for their timeless appeal, but gave them a contemporary twist with different colours, a handmade-style finish, and subtle texture for warmth and depth.
- Contemporary lighting was paired with these classic finishes to keep each space feeling fresh and fun, yet elegant and enduring.
Exterior Façade – the home’s exterior was a clear expression of the ‘old meets new’ philosophy.
- At the front, we refreshed the original bungalow with a light, classic palette to honour its traditional charm.
- At the back, V-groove cladding was introduced in a darker shade, clearly defining the transition between old and new.
- Natural timber elements were paired with dark grey tones to add warmth and tie the two styles together visually.
Fittings – Lighting was another key tool in balancing the design. The statement pendant lights over the dining table were selected for both function and impact. Their generous scale helped anchor the space and strike a balance between contemporary and classic aesthetics.
Creating a Relaxed, Inviting Atmosphere.
Our clients wanted a relaxed and inviting home that felt warm and welcoming, a little bit country—not overly polished or modern. We focused on curating a soft, timeless aesthetic with lots of texture and warmth.
To achieve this, we selected…
- A classic colour palette – navy, blues, dusty blue, soft greys, warm whites to create a sense of calm.
- Timber elements from the flooring and floating shelves to the rustic dining table—brought a sense of warmth and natural charm.
- Darker accents were used to ground the space, create contrast and add sophistication. The antique bronze pendant lights, black aluminium sliding doors, black timber-stained dining chairs, the stair balustrade are examples of how we achieved this!
- Layered textures and tactile finishes such as the V-groove fireplace cladding, antique bronze and linen pendants, soft cushions, and throws brought soul and softness into every room.
Pro Tip: To help curate your own design style, check out our previous post How To Discover Your Design Style . This will help you develop a style and make selections that create your dream home!
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection.
Another key focus for this project was ensuring a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors. Our clients loved spending time in their garden and were redesigning their rear garden as a part of the renovation, so it was important to design a home that embraced the outdoors just as much as the interiors.
The open-plan layout was intentionally designed to encourage effortless movement between the interior living spaces and the backyard. We enhanced this connection through thoughtful details, including:
- A furniture layout that naturally draws your eye toward the garden, encouraging flow and movement between zones.
- Large stacking doors that open the living area directly onto the deck, allowing for an almost uninterrupted transition between indoors and out.
- Soft sheer curtains that frame the doors beautifully, adding a gentle softness while visually blending the two spaces.
- Consistent floor levels from the living area out to the deck, making the transition feel seamless and easy.
- The addition of a built-in window seat, positioned to overlook the pool and garden. It’s become a favourite family spot—a cosy place to sit, relax, and feel connected to the outdoors.
- Skylights in the kids’ bathroom bring in an abundance of natural light, helping the interior feel brighter, airier, and more open.
Pro Tip: For simple ways to create a stronger connection to the outdoor in your home, integrate lovely soft blue and green tones and natural materials like timber and stone. Choose window treatments that allow for more connection such as sheer curtains or sheer roman blinds.
Making Thoughtful Investments.
When renovating, it’s essential to make smart, intentional decisions about where to invest. The key to maximising return on investment is to focus on areas that have the greatest impact—like the kitchen, bathrooms, and main living zones. Here’s how we approached this in our Randwick Project:
- We selected high-quality finishes and durable materials that can withstand the demands of everyday family life. These timeless choices not only look beautiful but are built to last, making them a worthwhile investment.
- We helped our clients make decisions that aligned with their personal style and how they live—not just what’s trending. Whether it was a bold tile or the striking dining pendants, we guided them to make statement choices in the right places to elevate the overall look and feel of the home.
- And importantly, we encouraged our clients to bring in the right professionals at the right stages. Doing so can help avoid costly mistakes and unlock opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
In this project, having architectural plans in place was a great starting point—but bringing in an interior designer helped ensure the spaces were not just functional, but also beautiful and cohesive… and that the end result was a relaxed and inviting home. The window seat is a perfect example of this: it’s become a beloved feature of the home and is something that came to life through thoughtful design insight.
Pro Tip: Invest where it counts—durable finishes, high-use spaces, and standout features that express your style. And don’t underestimate the value of professional design guidance—it can completely change how your home looks, feels, and functions. For more expert renovation planning tips and how to pick your ‘dream team’, check out our previous post Renovation Planning Made Easy: 5 Key Steps for a Successful Project
Our Randwick Project is a wonderful example of how thoughtful design can completely transform a home—making it not only beautiful, but also highly liveable and deeply personal.
By optimising space and layout, blending contemporary and traditional elements, layering in colour and character, and creating a strong connection between indoors and out, we were able to design a home that truly reflects our clients’ lifestyle and style.
If you’re planning your own renovation and want expert support to make the process smooth, enjoyable and stress-free, we’d love to help. Book a complimentary 20min Discovery Call here.
And if you’d like some more clever ideas to plan a home that reflects your style and is highly liveable, download our FREE guide to create a home that nourishes your soul here.
Anna x