There are lots of big questions there that can't readily be answered in a simple Houzz reply. I regularly consult lots of people in lots of different styles of home with pre-renovation advice as part of my "Dr Retro House Call" service.

One thing that I often tell people is that if your home has a very distinctive style of architecture it is better from a cost and end result to work with that style, rather than trying to make it something else. For instance if you tried to give your English Tudor home a modern, contempory look then it will cost you big dollars and the end result will look like a compromise.

Much better to work with what you have, within your budget, and celebrate the style, rather than try and smother it. To achieve that I would consider engaging a professional who can think outside the box,

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

Even though your house isn’t “real” I think it has charm. I’d choose simple classic design through out ie no modern glass splashbacks and no hard lines of glass and metal. If you search transitional interiors here on Houzz and Pintrest you’ll see some good examples of combining interior styles.

Hi Kristy,

You best to work with what you have, as opposed to try and make it something that it isn't. That's not to say however with clever design approach you couldn't achieve cutting edge contemporary living if that's what you want. It really depends upon your goals, priorities, budget etc. Do you need more space/extended areas, or is it just refurbishment/internal fit-out? This may dictate the approach one way or the other. As with all renovation projects they are different beasts to new builds, much more intimate and intricate and the projects require experience and professional input ant the critical stages (ie design) to get a quality result.

Best of luck PD

www.pauldistefanodesign.com

Hi there! What a gorgeous looking home you have already!

I'm not sure what makes you call it Tudor style, there are no faux exposed timbers on the outside or a daub and plaster look going on, if it is reminiscent of anything, I would say Cape Cod style. Here are a couple of examples from a vintage book I have.

If you look up that style of house you will find some great inspo :)

agree with Pleased to BD, I thought you were talking about what we call Pseudo Tudor as per the first photo listed by an agent and then the second photo by another agent listing the house as Tudor?

Ahh you are both so right! I did not realise. There is a lot more inspiration on here for Cape Cod! Thank you!!! So glad I asked

Hi Kirsty, love your name our daughter is Kirsty as well which in Scottish I believe means "Little Girl", you have a great house to work with, a classic,cheers

Thank you so much for all your comments and feedback! Any thoughts from anyone on whether you would keep the exterior as is, or if not what changes you would make?

Lovely American Cape Cod. A lovely portico could be added for the front door. Inside CC’s and light and airy. An Australian interpretation could be to embrace your use of wood and pair with lighter coloured furniture. If the kitchen cupboards are in good order I would just go for new bench tops. Depending on your heating and cooling requirements, I suggest a natural fibre curtains in white eg wool, linen or cotton. You might also check out Dutch Cape Cod houses with their great externals, eg gardens and courtyards, and pared back internals. Best of luck.

I think the exterior of your home is wonderful. May be just add colourful plants/flowers to enhance its beauty.

Please excuse this quick dodgy recolour , but just wanted to show the difference some kind of contrast would add to the effect of the exterior. Whether it is painting the roof (because it is such a big part of the facade), rendering or painting the bricks or refinishing the windows in black or white, something to let the architectural features is the key to sprucing up the outside. I think someone mentioned adding a verandah too. That would depend on how much light already comes through the front. I can imagine one of the windows on the side being transformed into french doors leading to a lovely flagstoned garden. I love the black and white interior photos someone posted above too. anything to bring some contrast to all that mud coloured brick.

What an inspiring project to have ahead of you, so many possibilities! I wish this were my little house :)))

PS: a black roof is not the best, climate control wise, as it will absorb a lot of heat from the sun. But i guess it depends where you are located in Australia and what the orientation and shade from nearby trees is like. The cedar windows are rather yellow, and if they are in need of refinishing, this could be the time to repaint them in black or white .... so many options

PPS: static shutters would look cute too, but depends if you like the look of them.

Ok ok I am going now, LOL!

Thank you pleased to BD. Some great ideas above! I love the idea of a portico. The windows definitely need some attention, but I also love the timber! Decisions decisions
I do like the idea of a contrasting roof. We are just outside hobart so heat is most welcome.
Will look up the shutters now.

It's a lovely house already, but the following houses show just how much charm they can have

Stunning Siriuskey! So much charm and character!

Love your house, I would keep the timber windows, the natural wood looks really good.

Cape Cod design. Its along the Hampshire-Massachusetts-New England area of the USA.

Lovely houses when done well.

Run with the existing design style and it can be amazing.