Houzz Tour: The Only Way Was Up for This Melbourne Family
With their home on a small block, adding a second storey achieved the space a family of three need to live in comfort
Louise O'Bryan
2 December 2016
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content producer for digital and print media. Specialising in house tours, room renovations and decorating solutions, my previous clients include Inside Out (Aus), Ideal Home, The Times weekend supplement and Sainsbury's magazine. I never tire from the thrill of discovering a jaw-dropping, inspirational home to feature and having an insight into other people's spaces. Call me curious or just nosey!
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content... More
It was during his weekly property reviews that Tom Chisholm, of Chisholm Constructions, spotted this 1970s brown brick home for sale. Chisholm immediately saw its potential. “I ran some numbers on the project and thought it would make a great family home when finished,” he says.
As it was situated on a tight block, the best way to gain more space was to expand upwards and add another storey on top of the existing two-bedroom dwelling. “We left the existing tenant in the house for 12 months while we obtained plans and permits, and began the construction in October, 2015,” says Chisholm. Once the build was underway, Sophie Simpson of Winston Design Collaboration took charge of the interiors. Her brief was to create a light and airy contemporary home that was practical for a family, would maximise every bit of space, and would appeal to future buyers of all ages.
As it was situated on a tight block, the best way to gain more space was to expand upwards and add another storey on top of the existing two-bedroom dwelling. “We left the existing tenant in the house for 12 months while we obtained plans and permits, and began the construction in October, 2015,” says Chisholm. Once the build was underway, Sophie Simpson of Winston Design Collaboration took charge of the interiors. Her brief was to create a light and airy contemporary home that was practical for a family, would maximise every bit of space, and would appeal to future buyers of all ages.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tom Chisholm, wife Briony, and their baby daughter, Emmy
Location: Black Rock, Victoria
Size: 225 square metres; 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, double garage
Completed: June, 2016
Architect: Chisholm Constructions
Interior Design: Winston Design Collaboration
Who lives here: Tom Chisholm, wife Briony, and their baby daughter, Emmy
Location: Black Rock, Victoria
Size: 225 square metres; 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, double garage
Completed: June, 2016
Architect: Chisholm Constructions
Interior Design: Winston Design Collaboration
The 1970s home was dark and dated when Chisolm came across it, and although it sat on a small block, he could see potential beneath the brown bricks.
The existing house was gutted and renovated, while another storey was added to create two more bedrooms.
Being the last house in a row of three and attached to their neighbours on one side, the semi-detached site proved a challenge for the designers in that they had to maximise every centimetre while still creating a sense of space. Building an enormous deck out the back doubled the entertaining area and created a smooth flow from inside to out.
A design triumph is the servery connecting the kitchen with the alfresco deck. “As well as being a fabulous feature, this servery creates versatile eating options, which will appeal to many future buyers; this was an important factor for my clients,” says Simpson.
Simpson approached the interiors with a similar design ethos, keeping them practical and versatile, yet welcoming. “We stuck to a simple colour palette of white and grey to make the space feel bigger, and used oak accents for warmth and personality,” she says.
Most of the finishes and surfaces were chosen for their quality yet budget-friendly appeal. The joinery is mostly laminate and the oak joinery, from the Polytec Ravine range, has a light timber grain, which adds a luxurious feel without the price tag of a sandblasted veneer. The benchtops are CaesarStone, offering a durable and easy-clean surface in the kitchen.
Natural UV Oak timber floor: Big River Timber
Most of the finishes and surfaces were chosen for their quality yet budget-friendly appeal. The joinery is mostly laminate and the oak joinery, from the Polytec Ravine range, has a light timber grain, which adds a luxurious feel without the price tag of a sandblasted veneer. The benchtops are CaesarStone, offering a durable and easy-clean surface in the kitchen.
Natural UV Oak timber floor: Big River Timber
The all-white kitchen opens onto the spacious deck, while additional oak cabinetry provides storage for kitchen and dining items. “The main challenge with this build was getting the downstairs layout right,” Simpson says. “The space is quite tight so I played around with floor plans, and drew in furniture to give the clients an idea of how the space would work.” After presenting six different layouts, the clients finally chose the one that would provide the best use of space for them.
Chisholm had done his own research prior to finalising the layout, giving him an informed idea of what homebuyers wanted. “During our design phase I paid a lot of attention to the layout,” he says. “One thing I’d noticed while studying the area is that buyers are keen on practical homes that are spacious with no wasted space, like a formal dining room, for example.
“Our house is small in terms of square footage so it was important that we utilised every centimetre; we considered how the home would be used by us as a family, with open-plan rooms where everyone can interact, and this informed our layout decisions.”
Chisholm had done his own research prior to finalising the layout, giving him an informed idea of what homebuyers wanted. “During our design phase I paid a lot of attention to the layout,” he says. “One thing I’d noticed while studying the area is that buyers are keen on practical homes that are spacious with no wasted space, like a formal dining room, for example.
“Our house is small in terms of square footage so it was important that we utilised every centimetre; we considered how the home would be used by us as a family, with open-plan rooms where everyone can interact, and this informed our layout decisions.”
Despite his research and attention to detail, Chisholm didn’t expect the gutting of the existing house to be so extensive. “If I had known this I would have revised our layout and moved the master bed to the ground floor to save time and money,” he says.
The open-plan living room on the ground floor, which leads from the eat-in kitchen, has a relaxed feel. White cabinetry with oak detailing has been used once again to create a laid-back look, while contemporary accessories add a touch of personality.
Situated within close proximity to the beach, the owners wanted hints of coastal charm dotted around their home. The master suite has a relaxing, chilled-out vibe with a soft pastel palette and textural layers for interest, while a moody grey statement wall sets a soothing ambience.
The walk-in robe is a luxury addition that provides plenty of storage. The joinery was built in a combination of Polytec ‘Classic White’ matt finish and Polytec Ravine in ‘Natural Oak’, and this smart combination has also been used throughout the rest of the house for natural flow and a sense of cohesion.
The sumptuous Far East carpet in ‘Sienna’ is by Chaparral Carpets. LED lighting that runs along the base of the walls is on a sensor, so it turn on automatically. This eliminates the need to turn on overhead lights for that late-night visit to the bathroom.
The sumptuous Far East carpet in ‘Sienna’ is by Chaparral Carpets. LED lighting that runs along the base of the walls is on a sensor, so it turn on automatically. This eliminates the need to turn on overhead lights for that late-night visit to the bathroom.
Echoing the master bedroom’s luxurious carpet are the charcoal grey floor tiles of the ensuite; another space that showcases Simpson’s clean lines and pared-back palette. “It’s really the details that make the design in the house,” she says. “For example, a particular pop I love is the circular mirror and its shape echoed in the robe hooks on the back of the door, while the oak finish ties in with the vanity joinery.”
Featuring CaesarStone ‘Frosty Carina’ benchtops and fittings from Reece, the bathroom’s understated elegance offers universal appeal.
The baby’s bedroom also features the Polytec joinery combination, as well as the warming charcoal carpet.
The contemporary design of this house is simple yet it has ample character thanks to the light-toned timber and circular accents that soften the clean lines. “It’s perfect for a young family and it will undoubtably appeal to many other buyers for resale when the time is right,” says Simpson.
TELL US
Now that you’ve taken the tour, let us know your thoughts on this renovation in the Comments below.
TELL US
Now that you’ve taken the tour, let us know your thoughts on this renovation in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Trade Shows
Building a Future: A Program For Change
By Houzz AU
Australia's leading construction, architecture and infrastructure show opens next week... we preview what's on offer
Full Story
Most Popular
Best of the Week: 28 Amazing Australian Homes
Building or renovating? Here's a smorgasbord of some of the incredible homes by Houzz pros to whet your appetite
Full Story
Stickybeak Of The Week
Stickybeak: A Controversial Welcome for a Contemporary Home
Meet the brave new home that breaks the rules, and read the story of how the design came to fruition
Full Story
Stickybeak Of The Week
Stickybeak of the Week: A Home Fit for Multi-Generational Guests
By Pia Sinha
Despite the challenge of an extensive brief, this new home meets every expectation, for family and visitors alike
Full Story
Kitchens
Room of the Week: Classic Colours Make a Contemporary Kitchen
Although designed to highlight the view to the wine room, this kitchen can't help but shine like a jewel
Full Story
Stickybeak Of The Week
Stickybeak of the Week: A Contemporary Family Home... on a Slope
By Pia Sinha
This modern East Fremantle home presented both build and design challenges. See the clever ways these were overcome
Full Story
Flooring
How Do I... Choose a Timber Floor?
Are you in the market for a new timber floor? Read our expert guide to choosing the perfect style to suit your needs
Full Story
Beach Homes
My Houzz: A Sophisticated Beach Shack for Laid-Back Entertaining
This semi-retired teacher and her husband have created a casual beachside haven for super-sized family get-togethers
Full Story
New Zealand Homes
Houzz Tour: Steampunk Style in the Suburbs
A daring duo throws caution to the wind to revamp their '80s Auckland home with flair
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Historic Home Meets Contemporary Open-Plan Living
A 1920s Melbourne house gets a harmonious modern extension
Full Story
Yes, Natural White.
A fantastic renovation and wonderful detail - we particularly love the natural oak throughout. Whilst the master bedroom certainly would've been easier to have on the ground floor, sticking to your original plan will certainly add more privacy (and eventual value) to the end product. Congratulations Tom and Sophie =)