This family home in Melbourne’s North East, built in the mid-1950s, is a classic example of early midcentury homes in the area. Graciously designed but modest in its original form, the house featured some charming character elements that were preserved throughout the renovation. The home’s primary appeal lay in its robust construction and the potential for a thoughtful update to accommodate a growing family.

Existing Floor Plan:

Proposed Floor Plan:

Challenges:

The main issues faced by our clients were a lack of space, outdated and poorly functioning cabinetry water problems in the old wet areas (bathroom, laundry and toilet), and inefficient storage solutions. The home, while solid, was not suited to the needs of their expanding family. The kitchen and living areas were particularly problematic, lacking the modern functionality required for contemporary family life.

Brief:

Sally Feeney was tasked with an extensive renovation and extension (with consultant building designer) of the home to enhance its liability, modernize its appearance, and ensure long-term comfort for their clients. The goal was to create spaces that seamlessly integrated with the family’s lifestyle while retaining the original home’s character.

Scope of Work:

The project encompassed a complete renovation of the interior, including:

• Restoration: Preserving the existing structure and features, whilst integrating new features with a nod to its mid-century past.

• Spatial Reconfiguration: Updating and optimizing the layout for improved functionality and flow.

It also encompassed a two storey extension: Enlarging the kitchen, dining, and living areas and creating new master suite, sitting room and laundry downstairs for the parents.

Key Features:

1. Addition of a Fireplace: A new wood fire was installed, providing both a functional heating source and a stylish focal point in the living area. The incorporation of tiles around the fireplace added visual impact and complemented the home’s updated aesthetic.

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After:

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2. Reading Nook and Informal Office Area: A versatile reading nook and informal office space were created within the living zone. This area features a powder-coated steel laser-cut screen set within some of the original window frames that formed the extent of the original living room. The space now serves as a multi-use zone, adaptable for various family activities throughout the day. Including working from home (parents) and homework (kids)!

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3. Butler’s Pantry/Mudroom: A new side entry into the kitchen zone does double duty functioning as both a mudroom and butlers pantry. This dual-purpose room offers practical storage and serves as an organized entry and exit point for the family, helping to manage daily activities.

After:

4. The New Kitchen: The old, clunky kitchen was replaced with a contemporary, functional space equipped with modern features, including bin drawers, a water filtration system, and spice drawers. The new design prioritizes efficiency and ease of use, making it a centre-piece of family life.

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5. Powder Room: A small but important (where you have three kids sharing the space) challenge was updating the existing toilet into a powder room. By borrowing space from an adjacent cupboard, Sally managed to introduce a new vanity area without making the room feel cramped. Clever storage solutions were implemented to maintain functionality in this high-traffic area.

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Final Outcome:

The renovation successfully balances modern updates with the preservation of mid-century style. Sally Feeney’s design expertise resulted in a home that is both functional and beautiful, meeting the family’s immediate needs and future expectations. In the words of Sallys Clients: “Sally did a fantastic job helping us with all aspects of the design for our renovation in Rosanna. The final outcome is excellent, perfectly capturing our needs while encouraging us to embrace new ideas, colours, and styles that we wouldn’t have considered on our own.”

Check out the entire project here!