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A Time-Warp Townhouse Gets a Bright & Breezy Makeover
See how an interior designer used colour, pattern and careful editing to breathe new life into a drab 1970s townhouse
In this Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation or redesign each week. Here, Camilla Molders, interior designer and principal at Camilla Molders Design, takes us through the journey of transforming a two-bedroom, two-bathroom 1970s townhouse with a seriously out-of-date interior. The result? A modern and welcoming home.
The living room before works
What was this house like originally?
A two-storey, 1970s townhouse with two bedrooms, one bathroom and a powder room.
Want to bring your own interiors up to date? Find a local interior designer on Houzz
What was this house like originally?
A two-storey, 1970s townhouse with two bedrooms, one bathroom and a powder room.
Want to bring your own interiors up to date? Find a local interior designer on Houzz
The living room before works
What state was it in?
The house was in good condition and the footprint provided ample space, but the interior was dated and needed an overhaul.
The bathroom was poky and had a separate shower and bath – both tiny. We decided to omit a bath in the new design and flipped the layout around to put a large walk-in shower into the original bath alcove. Adding a seat in the shower made it more useable.
What state was it in?
The house was in good condition and the footprint provided ample space, but the interior was dated and needed an overhaul.
The bathroom was poky and had a separate shower and bath – both tiny. We decided to omit a bath in the new design and flipped the layout around to put a large walk-in shower into the original bath alcove. Adding a seat in the shower made it more useable.
Patterned floor tiles ground the vivid blue cabinetry in the kitchen and provide a sense of balance
Gained
Gained
- A rejuvenated interior.
- A renovated kitchen and bathroom.
- New flooring.
What wasn’t working for the client in the original home?
She was in what she described as a state of ‘choice overload’ when we met, and didn’t know where or how to proceed with a new design.
When we met, I saw through the shag-pile carpet and partially stripped-off wallpaper and recognised a house with huge potential.
She was in what she described as a state of ‘choice overload’ when we met, and didn’t know where or how to proceed with a new design.
When we met, I saw through the shag-pile carpet and partially stripped-off wallpaper and recognised a house with huge potential.
Dark floating timber shelves connect with the tones in the living room
What was the brief?
What was the brief?
- An easy-to-live-in home.
- An eclectic space rather than one defined by any particular style.
Introducing cobalt blue into the home makes it feel lighter, airier and more inviting. The bottom of the chairs and the ottoman in the living room are painted blue for a touch of fun
What was on the client’s wish list?
A comfortable sofa and chairs.
What was on the client’s wish list?
A comfortable sofa and chairs.
Did the client want to include any existing furniture?
Yes. The dining table and chairs, which were made by a family member, were treasured, inherited pieces. They needed a little love to bring them back to life, so we reupholstered the seats and repolished the timber and they were as good as new. My client was delighted.
Yes. The dining table and chairs, which were made by a family member, were treasured, inherited pieces. They needed a little love to bring them back to life, so we reupholstered the seats and repolished the timber and they were as good as new. My client was delighted.
What was the budget?
Around AU$250,000.
Where did most of it go?
On the building works in the kitchen and bathroom.
Around AU$250,000.
Where did most of it go?
On the building works in the kitchen and bathroom.
Large-scale Fornasetti Senza Tempo patterned wallpaper was used in the tiny powder room to add drama
The main bathroom before works
What exactly did you do?
What exactly did you do?
- Modernised the kitchen with new cabinetry, floor tiles and paint.
- Fully renovated the bathroom and changed the layout.
- Refreshed the living and dining areas with new furniture, flooring and window furnishings.
- Installed new carpet in the upper level.
In the main bathroom after works, matt-white subway tiles balance the bold cabinetry; the same tiles were used on the kitchen splashback for cohesion
Why do you think the new design works so well?
About six months after this project was completed, my client was offered a too-good-to-refuse job on the other side of the world, so she put her new-look home on the market. It quickly sold for above the reserve price and the new owners purchased much of the furniture.
Why do you think the new design works so well?
About six months after this project was completed, my client was offered a too-good-to-refuse job on the other side of the world, so she put her new-look home on the market. It quickly sold for above the reserve price and the new owners purchased much of the furniture.
The main bathroom
Key features
Key features
- A striking colour palette based around cobalt blue.
- A scheme that blends contemporary styling with the owner’s classic furniture.
- Generous storage.
- Improved traffic flow between rooms.
The main bathroom
Interior materials palette
Furniture and fittings
Paint colours
Your turn
Are you as charmed by this makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more renovation inspiration? Check out this great Project of the Week: A Californian Bungalow Comes of Age for a Young Family
Interior materials palette
- Royal Oak Floors to the ground floor.
- Caesarstone Oyster to the kitchen benchtops.
- Cole & Son Fornasetti Senza Tempo wallpaper to the powder room.
- Madeline Weinrib Isabelle fabric in Blue on White to the curtains and blinds.
- Manuel Canovas Kayla fabric in Ciel to the ottoman.
Furniture and fittings
- LZF Lamps handcrafted timber-veneer pendants to the living and dining rooms.
- Living room furniture and bathroom vanity custom made by Camilla Molders Design.
- Temperature Design side tables.
- The Rug Establishment rug in the living room.
Paint colours
- Haymes Paint Nearly White 6 to the living room and bathroom.
- Dulux Lexicon Half to the kitchen.
Your turn
Are you as charmed by this makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more renovation inspiration? Check out this great Project of the Week: A Californian Bungalow Comes of Age for a Young Family
Answers by Camilla Molders, interior designer and principal at Camilla Molders Design
Who lives here: A woman and her two Jack Russell dogs
Location: Ivanhoe, Victoria
Size: 90 square metres
Interior designer: Camilla Molders at Camilla Molders Design
Stylist: Ruth Welsby
Builder: Josh Smith Builder