This house was in dire need of a complete interior renovation to bring out the best of it. Being conveniently located in Sydney’s lower north shore the 60 year old duplex had a lot going for it:
- Good bones
- Beautiful North facing backyard
- Charm of a small 2-bedroom house
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Internal flow needs improvement
The layout was awkward and didn’t take advantage of the sunny backyard at all. Instead, the bathroom was located in the most beautiful part of the house. It had an old bathtub cramped into the tiny space and a basin barely large enough to wash one’s face. In addition, the property’s kitchen was impractical and lacked storage. Located on the outside, the laundry forced residents to walk over uneven ground and face trip hazards just to do their laundry.

In case you had any doubt, this property needed a complete overhaul. We started the process by planning the new layout and recommended relocating the bathroom towards the bedrooms. Increasing functionality and flow we were also able to allocate space for a small indoor laundry.

Building permit for interior renovation
The plans required the relocation of a structural wall and therefore a building permit. We recommended applying for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) as opposed to getting Council approval because we wanted to speed up and simplify the planning process for the interior renovation. Hence, our team developed the necessary drawings and documents for the certifier to grant the building permit and the construction work to begin.
Relocation of existing bathroom
With the bathroom being relocated, we opened up the house towards the backyard to take advantage of this lovely lush view. Because of that, the residents have now an abundance of natural light flowing into the kitchen, dining and living room.
We transformed the bathroom into a small sanctuary with a modern walk-in shower, toilet and vanity with a mirrored cabinet on top to provide ample storage. The colour scheme looks welcoming and ties in with the new kitchen.
Complete interior renovation
The kitchen now includes all appliances and smart storage solutions you would expect from a modern kitchen. We recommended a light and classic colour scheme combining oak timber with white. Saving valuable space, we butted up the dining table against the island bench where space is at its premium. In addition, we created a bar to the spacious deck inviting the residents to enjoy a snack and drink outdoors. At the same time, the new awning window protects the residents conveniently against any weather conditions.

Being an investment property, the entire transformation was carried out keeping an eye on the cost involved to maximize return on investment. Furthermore, we selected all the appliances and finishes to be solid quality and hardwearing while oozing out the desired cottage atmosphere.

Facelift for the timber flooring
The existing cypress pine timber flooring needed some replacement patches here and there. To ensure that the transitions are hardly noticeable, the builder’s tradespeople sanded back and resealed the entire floor. The treated floorboards turned out beautifully. As a result, it’s now nearly impossible to distinguish between the old and new boards and where the previous walls have been located.
Transformation into a cosy home
What a transformation from an unloved rental property to a cute little cottage home. Not only is the house now functional and beautiful, but the makeover also added significant value to the property.
If you have an older home in Sydney that needs an interior renovation, feel free to contact us for an initial chat. Feel free to book a suitable time for you in the table below.
Alternatively, email martina@martinahayes.com.au or call me on 0434 498 450. You can also use this contact form.
We look forward to hearing from you.