Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A New Home Renovator Finds a Passion for Design
An Edwardian weatherboard cottage is transformed into a beautiful, functional family home
Ivy Huang has a new-found passion for home design and renovations, having transformed an Edwardian weatherboard cottage into a beautiful, functional family home. “The process was so challenging and enthralling, and I can’t wait to do more of it because it gives me the chance to express a creativity that I had not really explored growing up,” says Huang.
Image by Carmen Zammit
Huang knew, however, that she wanted to restore a heritage home in a blue-chip suburb, and found this house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Armadale, Melbourne. Her aim was to transform the house into a light, spacious and liveable family home.
Huang engaged Karl Degering & Associates to help draft the plans, coordinate planning consultants and produce the construction documentation. When construction commenced, she project managed the build, and sourced and specified the materials and furnishings. “I really enjoyed researching all the design elements, from paint colours to lighting, to create the feeling and soul I wanted in the home,” says Huang.
Huang knew, however, that she wanted to restore a heritage home in a blue-chip suburb, and found this house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Armadale, Melbourne. Her aim was to transform the house into a light, spacious and liveable family home.
Huang engaged Karl Degering & Associates to help draft the plans, coordinate planning consultants and produce the construction documentation. When construction commenced, she project managed the build, and sourced and specified the materials and furnishings. “I really enjoyed researching all the design elements, from paint colours to lighting, to create the feeling and soul I wanted in the home,” says Huang.
Before images by Ivy Huang
Huang bought the four-bedroom cottage in 2017, and submitted the renovation plans to council one year later. The building work took eight months, and the couple moved in just in time for Christmas 2019. Huang says she spent a lot of time waiting for planning permits. “My suggestion to anyone renovating is to get started and set things in motion even before getting the keys.”
Achieving the desired outcome within budget took careful planning and much of Huang’s energy and time. “I specified and procured most of the interior finishes myself, which meant countless hours of research and decisions, and oh so many Ideabooks on Houzz. I also oversaw the build with a number of contractors and experienced tradespeople who were instrumental in providing the technical expertise and knowledge,” says Huang.
Ready to renovate? Find all the trades you’ll need, including interior designers in your area, to give your home a fresh new feel
Huang bought the four-bedroom cottage in 2017, and submitted the renovation plans to council one year later. The building work took eight months, and the couple moved in just in time for Christmas 2019. Huang says she spent a lot of time waiting for planning permits. “My suggestion to anyone renovating is to get started and set things in motion even before getting the keys.”
Achieving the desired outcome within budget took careful planning and much of Huang’s energy and time. “I specified and procured most of the interior finishes myself, which meant countless hours of research and decisions, and oh so many Ideabooks on Houzz. I also oversaw the build with a number of contractors and experienced tradespeople who were instrumental in providing the technical expertise and knowledge,” says Huang.
Ready to renovate? Find all the trades you’ll need, including interior designers in your area, to give your home a fresh new feel
But it wasn’t all plain sailing. “I have to admit it was harder than anticipated. I was totally out of my depth and had to find my feet quickly,” says Huang. She also encountered dishonest tradespeople during the framing stage of the build, and found many to be condescending because of her age, gender and lack of experience.
“I knew I needed to gain a better understanding of the building process and have a support network to give me the confidence to take back control of the project,” says Huang. She did an online course with BuildHer Collective, arming herself with the knowledge, negotiating skills and supportive community that would see Huang achieve her vision her way.
“I knew I needed to gain a better understanding of the building process and have a support network to give me the confidence to take back control of the project,” says Huang. She did an online course with BuildHer Collective, arming herself with the knowledge, negotiating skills and supportive community that would see Huang achieve her vision her way.
The house had last been renovated more than 50 years ago, with the addition of a lean-to kitchen and an outhouse.
The interior was dated and every room had flooring in different patterns.
The existing house had closed-off rooms and the interior was disconnected from outside, however it provided a great starting point for creating a family home.
Huang transformed the rear of the house into an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows out to the back garden. A series of side extensions enlarged the three primary bedrooms, providing each with its own ensuite. A fourth bedroom doubles as a second living area and opens onto a private green courtyard via glass sliding doors.
“I love Edwardian period homes,” says Huang. “It was a time when they built big and airy spaces with an emphasis on natural light. That’s something I wanted to reinforce by adding skylights and big windows and doors.”
The couple did a great deal of restoration work to the front of the house, including restoring the leadlight windows to enliven the entrance.
A new arch in the hallway complements the niche at the end of the passage. Carpet has been replaced with dark timber floors, and the walls and ceilings were painted white.
“I wanted to create something classic that won’t date. I decided on a mostly monochromatic palette, with neutral moments throughout. I do also love pops of colour, but I knew I could bring that in with art and soft furnishings, which would make it easier to change out with the seasons,” says Huang.
Timber floors: Kustom Timber
“I wanted to create something classic that won’t date. I decided on a mostly monochromatic palette, with neutral moments throughout. I do also love pops of colour, but I knew I could bring that in with art and soft furnishings, which would make it easier to change out with the seasons,” says Huang.
Timber floors: Kustom Timber
The project went approximately 25 percent over budget as the couple wanted to achieve the best possible outcome. “One thing we splurged on was the open living area under a cathedral ceiling. I believe that is so central to how we live – from breakfast to cocktails, from homework to entertaining – and is the heart of the home where memories are created,” says Huang.
The renovation removed the existing extensions and rebuilt the back of the house with a 66-square-metre living area beneath a soaring white ceiling. “Walking in, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards and it’s a wow moment,” says Huang.
The renovation removed the existing extensions and rebuilt the back of the house with a 66-square-metre living area beneath a soaring white ceiling. “Walking in, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards and it’s a wow moment,” says Huang.
Complete Kitchens designed and installed the cooking space to meet Huang’s brief for “an entertainer’s family kitchen”.
The large kitchen island seats up to six people around the bianco Carrara marble benchtop. The island is sink-free so it can be easily used for prepping food, laptops and socialising. Cabinetry conceals the integrated refrigerator, pantry and small appliances.
Integrated Fridge: Fisher & Paykel; wall ovens and induction cooktop: Miele
The large kitchen island seats up to six people around the bianco Carrara marble benchtop. The island is sink-free so it can be easily used for prepping food, laptops and socialising. Cabinetry conceals the integrated refrigerator, pantry and small appliances.
Integrated Fridge: Fisher & Paykel; wall ovens and induction cooktop: Miele
The splashback and rear benchtop are also in bianco Carrara, while the joinery is Polytec Woodmatt in Empire Oak and Legato in Bespoke.
Bianco Carrara benchtop and splashback: Gladstones Granite Australia; installed by Baltic Stone; joinery: Polytec
Bianco Carrara benchtop and splashback: Gladstones Granite Australia; installed by Baltic Stone; joinery: Polytec
Metallic drawer pulls on the joinery complement the tapware, and add a tactile and luxurious detail.
The joinery continues into the dining area, where a built-in sideboard provides storage and display space at the end of the dining table.
“My biggest learning (among many) is that the more design detail you can lock down at the beginning of the project, the better,” says Huang.
“In hindsight, many errors or challenges I encountered resulted from introducing changes or making decisions too late in the build. This is a huge no-no! Information can easily get missed or confused, and many tradespeople simply do not like to work like that. I was certainly not the easiest client because of my lack of experience and I’m grateful to the trades who showed me patience.”
“In hindsight, many errors or challenges I encountered resulted from introducing changes or making decisions too late in the build. This is a huge no-no! Information can easily get missed or confused, and many tradespeople simply do not like to work like that. I was certainly not the easiest client because of my lack of experience and I’m grateful to the trades who showed me patience.”
The living area faces south, so the cathedral ceiling with triangle highlight windows brings more light into the space. “We get amazing shafts of light across the room in the morning and evening,” says Huang. The gabled ends of the room are set back from the side wall of the house, and the services, such as air-conditioning, are concealed in the structure beneath the window.
The furnishings and textiles are inspired by the original Edwardian cottage, which is historically rooted in English style, while also reflecting Huang’s love for a modern Australian aesthetic.
“I didn’t know how to define my style but by collecting lots of images on Houzz, I realised I like the modern Australian style for its confident variety and love of indoor/outdoor spaces,” she says.
Lopi 864 Clean Face gas fireplace: Wignells
“I didn’t know how to define my style but by collecting lots of images on Houzz, I realised I like the modern Australian style for its confident variety and love of indoor/outdoor spaces,” she says.
Lopi 864 Clean Face gas fireplace: Wignells
The renovation completely transformed the back garden. The outhouse and lean-to have now been removed, as has the concrete paving and Hills hoist.
The new rear living area flows smoothly to the back garden, with a nine-metre long wall of glass, which includes two large sliding doors.
The rear garden is a lush lawn with a gridded paved area for lounging outdoors. “I love landscape design and follow Paul Bangay and Ben Scott closely. We have a few of Bangay’s books that were well-read during the garden design phase,” says Huang.
A second living area at the side of the house opens to a private courtyard and can double as a fourth bedroom when needed.
The main bathroom opposite this fourth bedroom is used throughout the day and by dinner guests. It embodies the fusion of traditional English and modern Australian style.
“It features a stunning black cast-iron clawfoot bath centred in front of French doors that open to a private jasmine-clad courtyard. The wall panelling and white sheers add another level of decadence and romance,” says Huang.
The Prioress black bathtub: Canterbury Sink & Tap; white sheers and plantation shutters: DIY Blinds; black vanity: Vanity by Design; Perrin & Rowe brushed-nickel tapware: The English Tapware Company
The Prioress black bathtub: Canterbury Sink & Tap; white sheers and plantation shutters: DIY Blinds; black vanity: Vanity by Design; Perrin & Rowe brushed-nickel tapware: The English Tapware Company
A series of side extensions enlarges the three primary bedrooms and lets each have its own ensuite. “The aim was to create sanctuary-like spaces to retreat to. I think that’s quite key for families to live harmoniously, particularly multi-generational families,” says Huang.
The couple added 2.4-metre-high panelled doors to all the rooms to complement the high ceilings and add to the sense of grandeur.
The couple added 2.4-metre-high panelled doors to all the rooms to complement the high ceilings and add to the sense of grandeur.
Two original black cast-iron fireplaces in the bedrooms had been painted over and covered up.
Huang removed the cover and had the fireplaces paint-stripped and restored, making them fully functional again.
Wardrobe design and installation: Complete Kitchens
Wardrobe design and installation: Complete Kitchens
The other two bedrooms are equally light and spacious, with a classic, neutral palette and subtle pops of colour.
Long Time Slipcover Bedhead: Create Estate
The ensuites are designed to complement their adjacent bedrooms, while having consistent detailing, such as brass tapware throughout.
“There are lots of little things that aren’t immediately obvious but really add to the sense of home and luxury. Hydronic heating throughout and underfloor heating in every bathroom means that the house is always the perfect temperature with no fuss or noise, which is always delightful,” says Huang.
Brass tapware: ABI Interiors; Middle of Nowhere mirror: Life Interiors
Your turn
What are your favourite features of this home? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Keen for another dose of interior design inspiration? Read about and watch this My Houzz: A Rustic US Home Designed to Withstand Bushfires
Brass tapware: ABI Interiors; Middle of Nowhere mirror: Life Interiors
Your turn
What are your favourite features of this home? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Keen for another dose of interior design inspiration? Read about and watch this My Houzz: A Rustic US Home Designed to Withstand Bushfires
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Ivy Huang and her fiancé, with their 12-year-old rescue dog, Queenie. The couple loves to entertain and often have overseas guests to stay.
Location: Armadale, Victoria
Size: Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, open-plan living, dining, kitchen.
Building design: Karl Degering & Associates
Interior design: Ivy Huang
Huang has always loved property, but when she purchased an old weatherboard Edwardian cottage, little did she know how much she would love it and that she would discover her creative side.
“We were the type of family that went to open inspections for fun on the weekend. But design? I never even believed I was the creative type,” she says. “About halfway through the project I realised I felt more engaged and alive than in my previous job, as this project gave me the added creative and entrepreneurial gusto that I was craving.”