Lonehill Project

This compact three-bedroom home was crying out for a transformation. Dark interiors, dated finishes, and a layout that no longer suited its growing family meant it was time for a serious refresh. With a tight budget and a baby on the way, our goal was to turn this tired space into a bright, functional haven full of warmth and ease.

 

The entire home was covered in heavy terracotta tiles, paired with dark wood accents that made it feel even more closed in. The kitchen, with its awkward layout and worn cabinetry, lacked both flow and functionality, appliances no longer fit, and movement through the space was a challenge. Even the bathroom carried the same dated tiles up the walls, creating a cramped, uninviting feel.

 

While the home did feature an open-plan layout, the original kitchen island acted more like a barrier than a hub. Removing it allowed us to extend cabinetry along the wall, opening the space and creating room for a central seating zone that felt far more inviting. Crisp white cabinetry, paired with subtle white benchtops and splashbacks, gave the kitchen a modern, cohesive look that instantly brightened the entire area.

 

We updated the floors throughout the kitchen, dining, living, and hallways with elegant 60cm porcelain tiles in soft white and grey tones, enhancing flow between rooms. Walls were painted a gentle white to maximise light, with two feature walls by the fireplace adding just the right amount of character, one in a soft duck egg blue, the other in a light grey Quatrefoil-patterned wallpaper for texture and depth.

 

Though budget constraints meant the bathroom layout remained unchanged, it still received a full refresh. Out went the dated fittings, replaced by sleek modern sanitary ware and thoughtful additions like open shelving, clever storage, and a few colourful touches to bring it to life.

 

Outside, the poorly laid bricks and existing wheelchair ramp made the outdoor area awkward and child-unfriendly. A new teak deck was built over the ramp, creating a level flow into the home. Topped with a roofed pergola, the space is now a seamless extension of the interior, perfect for family living.