1980`s house, should I keep verandahs or convert it onto living area?
Nick Morgan
7 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
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Nick Morgan
7 years agoRelated Discussions
HELP! 1980s Rectangular Brick Facade Update
Comments (10)Hi Deb, If this place were mine I would be going for a timeless Australian look to blend with your native and European plant choices that's durable for our climate. I would start with a portico built over the entry in hardwood with a colour bond pitched lined roof trim all the wood in white. Clad the walls with Hardies weather boards or flat planks, building a wide timber trim around the downstairs window to create a feature. I'd go with charcoal walls to compliment the white trim classic colours that will endure time. I'd clad the retaining walls all with a stacker stone tile that resembles old English mortar less stone walls. Some outdoor lights by Barnlighting Autralia are classics. If you want a cheap alternative creeper over the bricks, be aware that all vines will erode the mortar and attract spiders, yet my favourite creeper for this application would be "ficus pemula" it sits really flat and can be trained as a solid wall. Perfect for privacy. You could pave the entry path with "Millboards" wharf style boards so it looks like a beach path, they will never rot or need maintenance, otherwise you can use concrete moulded timber look planks. Some flax grasses to add to the coastal look. As for this upstairs Windows, what was the building designer thinking?.. There's a couple of choices, you can create one way visibility with white shutters inside or out, line the glass with sunblock film or have some exterior screens fitted outside with laser cuts screens, timber etc or replace the windows and create a more balanced frontal feature with higher rectangular windows. This cladding can take to a contemporary look, coastal look, bush style etc. the best feature of this cladding is the additional insulation and uniformity. Have fun...See MoreRenovation of 1980`s house need ideas please
Comments (14)Re converting the verandahs: the fittings appear to be in good condition, so are the internal rooms small, or would some rooms benefit from extra storage or 'elbow room'? It might be useful for you to check costings with some builders, and then local real estate agents to verify if this is a good investment. Re modernisation: stick to changing the flow and function of the key family workrooms - wet areas (kitchen and bathrooms) and living rooms These will eat into your budget, while adding the most value if carried out well. Removing walls, squaring off internal arches, changing the position of doorways and lighting updates can improve how your home will work for you. Once you have the function sorted, the 'look' is easy by searching the myriad of inspiration on this site for each aspect. Bedrooms, study and connecting rooms can easily be transformed with paint and decor. Changes to the front facade and landscaping would improve the kerb appeal after the internal work is completed. I'm still working on a house of similar vintage - 'too old to be new and too young to be old'. The shag pile and internal slate tiles went years ago, although the kitchen and bathrooms took longer to figure into the budget....See MoreWhat colour should I paint my house?
Comments (34)Dear Creatively Challenged , I can recommend Dulux Colour Consultants, I gave up after about 5 sample pots . At the time it cost me $150 and if I used dulux paints I could claim a full refund . That was 12 years ago . I didn’t realise at the time just how good they were , the colours are still in fashion but it’s ready for another paint job for sure. It was such a relief to have someone in who is trained and fully understands colours and fashion and what goes with what . I finally stopped stressing about it and got the job done ✅...See MoreHelp with changes to 1980's disjointed floor plan
Comments (10)Hi Josh, do you have a particular budget your aiming to keep within? And are you willing to be without use of the lower level for a certain period of time? Not being nosy but the more info the Houzz community have the more useful, and detailed, the responses can be...See MoreNick Morgan
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