Lonehill Project

This small three-bedroom home was in dire need of some love and attention (and a big facelift). Faced with a tight budget, we set out to transform the dark, outdated interior into a bright, welcoming space. With a young child and another on the way, creating a more functional, family-friendly environment was a must. The entire home was covered in dated terracotta tiles, with dark wood accents that added to the oppressive feel. The kitchen was in desperate need of an update, as its awkward layout made it hard to move through, with large gaps left by appliances that no longer fit. The cabinetry was worn, warped, and in need of replacement. The terracotta tiles extended into the bathroom, even climbing up the walls, making the space feel cramped and uninviting. The goal was clear: lighten, modernize, and create a more comfortable, cohesive living space for a growing family.

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Although the home already featured an open-plan living space, we felt the kitchen island acted as a barrier between the kitchen and the living area. To enhance the flow, we removed the island and extended the new cabinetry along the wall, significantly opening up the space. While the island seating was removed, this change allowed for a larger, more inviting seating area to be placed centrally in the kitchen. All the old cabinetry was replaced with a sleek, contemporary design in a crisp white finish, brightening the room. The subtle white tones of the benchtops and splashbacks perfectly complemented the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, tying the space together beautifully.

 

The flooring throughout the entire open-plan living, dining, kitchen, and hallway was updated with a sleek 60cm tile in a sophisticated white and light grey porcelain finish, creating a seamless flow between the spaces. The walls were painted in a soft white to enhance the brightness of the space, while one of the two feature walls surrounding the fireplace was painted in a soft duck egg blue. The other feature wall was adorned with a light grey Quatrefoil-patterned wallpaper, adding texture and depth to the room.

 

Due to budget constraints, the bathroom retained its original style and layout but underwent a complete overhaul. The outdated sanitary ware was replaced with more modern, contemporary fixtures, while thoughtful additions like pops of color, additional storage, and new shelving were introduced to give the space a fresh, updated feel.

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The outdoor area was in need of an update, with poorly laid brick flooring and a wheelchair ramp leading into the dining area—features that weren’t ideal for young children playing outside. To improve the space, a teak deck was installed over the ramp, eliminating the step up into the house. A roofed pergola was added to complete the deck, creating a seamless transition from the interior of the home to the outdoor living area.