16 HOME

UPLIFTING CHANGErenovation before & after

The Inglewood character home

renovated by Australian Renovation Group.

After adding a carport and reshaping the front of this home two years ago, the owners were so pleased with the results that they renovated again – this time building an entire second storey

L OOKS are deceptive in thischarming Inglewood property. Behind the character facade lies a home with separate living

area for the parents and all the modern conveniences.

The owners fi rst called on Australian Renovation Group two years ago to add a double carport and remodel the front of the home while maintaining its original character style.

Impressed with the results, they called on ARG again – this time to add another storey.

“The clients wanted a second-storey parents’ retreat with a main bedroom, lounge room, kitchenette and an upstairs alfresco area,” ARG director Stuart Redwood says. “Basically they wanted enough room up there to lock themselves away from the children.”

The extension offers a resort-style sanctuary for the owners.

“Both of them work and are fairly busy people so I can just see them coming home, pouring themselves a drink and relaxing while the teenagers do their own thing downstairs,” Stuart says.

“It turned out to be a great renovation – the clients have very classic taste and fi nished it off beautifully.”

The upstairs alfresco area is large enough to include a day bed and dining table.

Stuart says the owners were specifi c about having a large alfresco area to enable them to entertain away from the children’s wing downstairs.

The balcony is cedar lined with jarrah fl oorboards.

Timber shutters to the balcony provide

a resort feel, while the use of decorative architraves help to blend old with new.

The balcony can be accessed through aluminium bifold doors from the upper living area or through double doors from the master bedroom.

“The walk-in robe in the master bedroom is very impressive,” Stuart says. “It’s large enough to walk into and get changed, and the internal cabinet work is custom-made.”

The ensuite features twin vanities, a shower, and a free-standing bath.

The kitchenette has glass mosaic tiles, a sink, space for a microwave, and overhead cabinets.

There is also a work station designed to accommodate a computer and phone.

Sydney bluegum timber fl oors add warmth to the upstairs retreat.

ARG was able to achieve a subtle and seamless extension from the outside which doesn’t affect the home’s original character appearance.

Inside, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home caters for modern-day living and the growing trend for separate living areas.

“The home now has two sections for entertaining, with the kids downstairs and the adults upstairs,” Stuart says.

The renovation included the building of a timber staircase downstairs, cleverly positioned in the corner of the original living area.

Raquel de Brito

befo

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before

GETTHELOOK✱ Design: Australian

Renovation Group, Burswood, phone: 9355 1744

entrantMASTER BUILDERS BANKWEST HOUSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009 Alterations and Additions $300,000 to $500,000