Texture, Warmth and Coastal Touches for a Renovated Family Home
See how an architect transformed an unremarkable bungalow into a stunning, light-filled family abode
Georgia Madden
4 February 2021
In this Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation each week. Here, Georgina Wilson, principal architect at Georgina Wilson Architect, shares the journey of transforming a space-starved and awkwardly laid-out beachside bungalow into a spacious entertainer’s home for a large family.
Images by Murray Fredericks
Answers by Georgina Wilson, principal architect at Georgina Wilson Architect
Who lives here: A couple with three school-aged sons
Location: Seaforth, NSW
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms originally: Two bathrooms, three bedrooms (plus a rumpus and study)
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms now: Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one powder room (plus a rumpus and study)
Architect and interior designer: Georgina Wilson, principal architect at Georgina Wilson Architect
Styling: Claire Delmar
Builder: Mike Smit Constructions
Joiner: Northern Kitchens and Joinery
Answers by Georgina Wilson, principal architect at Georgina Wilson Architect
Who lives here: A couple with three school-aged sons
Location: Seaforth, NSW
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms originally: Two bathrooms, three bedrooms (plus a rumpus and study)
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms now: Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one powder room (plus a rumpus and study)
Architect and interior designer: Georgina Wilson, principal architect at Georgina Wilson Architect
Styling: Claire Delmar
Builder: Mike Smit Constructions
Joiner: Northern Kitchens and Joinery
What was the house like originally?
A single-storey, mid-20th century bungalow with a garage underneath it.
What state was it in?
It was a bit tired and in need of a refresh.
How many storeys is it now?
Two storeys with a garage underneath.
Is this the year you renovate your home? Find a local architect on Houzz to discuss the possibilities
A single-storey, mid-20th century bungalow with a garage underneath it.
What state was it in?
It was a bit tired and in need of a refresh.
How many storeys is it now?
Two storeys with a garage underneath.
Is this the year you renovate your home? Find a local architect on Houzz to discuss the possibilities
What wasn’t working for the client about the original house?
- It had a messy, awkward entrance, with a series of nonsensical ramps. This was streamlined to create a clear path for visitors.
- There was no open-plan kitchen, living and dining area – just a series of small rooms set back from the view.
- Insufficient space and storage.
- The family loves entertaining and there were not enough indoor or outdoor entertaining areas.
Brief
“We wanted to create a relaxed and inviting home that could accommodate three growing and active boys,” say owners Damien and Belinda Wilde. “We also wanted a house that was easy to entertain in.
“We wanted it to feel like a sanctuary; calm and resort-like. Now, when you open up the doors onto the outdoor areas it does feel like a resort. We don’t feel like we’re living on top of each other.”
“We wanted to create a relaxed and inviting home that could accommodate three growing and active boys,” say owners Damien and Belinda Wilde. “We also wanted a house that was easy to entertain in.
“We wanted it to feel like a sanctuary; calm and resort-like. Now, when you open up the doors onto the outdoor areas it does feel like a resort. We don’t feel like we’re living on top of each other.”
What were the client’s must-haves
- A functional home office.
- A formal front entrance. “In the original house no one ever came to the front door – they always arrived at the back door because that’s where the driveway was,” says Belinda. “We wanted to make a formal front entrance. We did this by essentially reorientating the house.”
Gained
- A new storey comprising a master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, study and bathroom. The master bedroom features a frameless corner window for uninterrupted harbour views.
- A small series of rooms set back from the view were transformed into one large open-plan kitchen, living and dining area that makes the most of the harbour aspect and is flooded with natural light.
- New sandstone exterior and fireplace.
What exactly did you do?
Wilson says:
Wilson says:
- Swapped several rooms around: the old rumpus room became the new entry, the old study became a new bedroom and the old entry became a laundry.
- The existing part of the house was renovated with new floors, ceilings, lighting and gyprock.
- We didn’t gut any parts of the house as much as we demolished them.
- Added a new storey comprising a main bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, study and bathroom.
- Transformed a series of small rooms set back from the view into one large, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area that makes the most of the harbour aspect and is flooded with natural light.
- Added sandstone to the exterior of the house and around the fireplace. “We weren’t sure about doing the sandstone at first because of the cost, but we’re so happy we did it in the end – It’s been a huge asset to the look of the house,” says Belinda.
Where did most of the budget go?
Excavation to facilitate the new entry, the sandstone walls and the steel required to create the open-plan space.
Excavation to facilitate the new entry, the sandstone walls and the steel required to create the open-plan space.
Ceramic and glass vase: Alana Wilson Studio; Katherine Watson ceramic bowl: Ondene; Humble Matter vessel and Odette Ireland ornamental sculpture: Curatorial & Co
What challenges did you have to work around during this project?
“The entrance,” says Wilson. “We did have other concepts that we could have pursued. Initially we wanted internal access up through the building, so up through the garage and undercover, but that was too expensive given the excavation that would’ve had to happen. I think what we’ve done has worked out very well.”
What challenges did you have to work around during this project?
“The entrance,” says Wilson. “We did have other concepts that we could have pursued. Initially we wanted internal access up through the building, so up through the garage and undercover, but that was too expensive given the excavation that would’ve had to happen. I think what we’ve done has worked out very well.”
Rina Menardi ceramic vessels: Ondene
“The garage was in the same spot before but it was pretty tumbled down and not really useable, so we rectified the drive and introduced a pedestrian entry right beside it. It makes much more sense to have the location where you bring your car home to be the same location as the main entry to the house,” says Wilson.
“The garage was in the same spot before but it was pretty tumbled down and not really useable, so we rectified the drive and introduced a pedestrian entry right beside it. It makes much more sense to have the location where you bring your car home to be the same location as the main entry to the house,” says Wilson.
How does the new work address the problems identified by the client?
“The entrance is now clear and streamlined with elegant storage cabinets to hide clutter.
“The open-plan space is great for entertaining and full of natural light and harbour views. The living area has fantastic indoor-outdoor living, including a custom banquette beneath a picture-frame window in the open-plan dining room, so the family can enjoy meals with a view year-round, no matter the weather,” says Wilson.
“The entrance is now clear and streamlined with elegant storage cabinets to hide clutter.
“The open-plan space is great for entertaining and full of natural light and harbour views. The living area has fantastic indoor-outdoor living, including a custom banquette beneath a picture-frame window in the open-plan dining room, so the family can enjoy meals with a view year-round, no matter the weather,” says Wilson.
The original building is on the left
How does the new first-floor addition complement or contrast with the original home?
“It presents as two pavilions. The old house was a simple building with a hipped roof, like a pavilion-type of building. The new building has been designed to mirror that so it looks like the two pavilions are joined together,” says Wilson.
“The new addition is designed to
respect the existing building. It’s common in that area to have bungalow-type dwellings and we liked the coastal feel of that as well.
“It seemed appropriate in that environment to have two bungalows or villas connected. The whole design is a bit of an oasis: it’s separate from the world up there on the platform with the pool and entertaining areas and view.”
How does the new first-floor addition complement or contrast with the original home?
“It presents as two pavilions. The old house was a simple building with a hipped roof, like a pavilion-type of building. The new building has been designed to mirror that so it looks like the two pavilions are joined together,” says Wilson.
“The new addition is designed to
respect the existing building. It’s common in that area to have bungalow-type dwellings and we liked the coastal feel of that as well.
“It seemed appropriate in that environment to have two bungalows or villas connected. The whole design is a bit of an oasis: it’s separate from the world up there on the platform with the pool and entertaining areas and view.”
We love the touches of timber – tell us about them
“The owner Belinda very much liked the idea of coastal – whites on whites, a bit of texture and warmth through timber. Because the open-plan room is so large we thought it could handle a bit of extra definition with the ceiling beams. A touch of rustic, which was definitely in Belinda’s brief.
“The internal ceiling beams are recycled timber sourced from Bowral, NSW.
“We also used natural wood beams, shelves and frames in the outdoor entertaining areas to create a sense of continuity,” says Wilson.
“The owner Belinda very much liked the idea of coastal – whites on whites, a bit of texture and warmth through timber. Because the open-plan room is so large we thought it could handle a bit of extra definition with the ceiling beams. A touch of rustic, which was definitely in Belinda’s brief.
“The internal ceiling beams are recycled timber sourced from Bowral, NSW.
“We also used natural wood beams, shelves and frames in the outdoor entertaining areas to create a sense of continuity,” says Wilson.
Rina Menardi ceramic vessels: Ondene
Tell us about the oversize picture window
“The picture window above the banquette, which has storage underneath it, allows the family to enjoy views of the pool and harbour no matter the weather.
“There’s no direct access onto the pool here because it’s much better to have that picture window and enjoy the beautiful look of the place than to have access out to the pool and have the whole issue of a pool fence,” she says.
Tell us about the oversize picture window
“The picture window above the banquette, which has storage underneath it, allows the family to enjoy views of the pool and harbour no matter the weather.
“There’s no direct access onto the pool here because it’s much better to have that picture window and enjoy the beautiful look of the place than to have access out to the pool and have the whole issue of a pool fence,” she says.
Artwork by James King: Becker Minty; Bronze sculpture by Marea Gazzard: Utopia Art Sydney
And the beautiful kitchen island?
“The kitchen island stone is super white dolomite, which is an interesting one – being dolomite, it’s quite cool, but it’s got the hardness of a granite so it’s very durable, plus it has the luminous quality of a marble. It’s sort of in between a marble and a granite, which is good, because some people don’t like to use marble in case it gets damaged with use,” says Wilson.
“The mesh at the front is made from powder-coated perforated metal.”
“The island works so well here because it’s really long and we were able to accomodate storage at the functional end and table-like seating at the other end. It looks like a big table, which was the intention. It’s not solid like a regular island bedded to the ground – it looks light, like you could pick it up and move it,” she says.
And the beautiful kitchen island?
“The kitchen island stone is super white dolomite, which is an interesting one – being dolomite, it’s quite cool, but it’s got the hardness of a granite so it’s very durable, plus it has the luminous quality of a marble. It’s sort of in between a marble and a granite, which is good, because some people don’t like to use marble in case it gets damaged with use,” says Wilson.
“The mesh at the front is made from powder-coated perforated metal.”
“The island works so well here because it’s really long and we were able to accomodate storage at the functional end and table-like seating at the other end. It looks like a big table, which was the intention. It’s not solid like a regular island bedded to the ground – it looks light, like you could pick it up and move it,” she says.
Key features
Wilson says:
Wilson says:
- The open-plan kitchen/living/dining space. The way it’s brought the old house, the existing pool, deck and views together is really fantastic. The views and sunlight are beautiful.
- Sandstone exterior and fireplace.
- White baton fencing around perimeter that ties different elements of the build together.
- New formal entrance with ample storage in the vestibule.
Why do you think the house works so well now?
“The client wanted a home to entertain that also offered opportunities for peace and quiet. So we designed different spaces, such as rooms and terraces, to offer those moments of escape, regardless of what’s going on in the house. Belinda is the only woman in a house of men and boys and she made it very clear that she wanted her places to go that are not overrun by boys!” says Wilson.
“The client wanted a home to entertain that also offered opportunities for peace and quiet. So we designed different spaces, such as rooms and terraces, to offer those moments of escape, regardless of what’s going on in the house. Belinda is the only woman in a house of men and boys and she made it very clear that she wanted her places to go that are not overrun by boys!” says Wilson.
“I got an email from the client saying they had 14 teenagers over on the weekend and they weren’t stressed in the slightest. It’s really a house to live in, with plenty of places to retreat to,” says Wilson.
Tell us about the new entry storage
“We designed this storage in American oak to hide everyday clutter, such as shoes, bags, coats and hat. It helps keep the entrance tidy and welcoming,” she says.
“We designed this storage in American oak to hide everyday clutter, such as shoes, bags, coats and hat. It helps keep the entrance tidy and welcoming,” she says.
‘Underworld’ artwork by Lilli Waters: Curatorial & Co; dark ash bottle: Studio Cavit; ceramic bottle by Damon Moon: The Jam Factory; Bulb vessel by Katarina Wells: Curatorial & Co
Ceramic jug by Ella Bendrups: Modern Times
The main bedroom in the new first-floor addition features partly panelled walls for warmth and character.
The main bedroom in the new first-floor addition features partly panelled walls for warmth and character.
‘Casa’ artwork by Nicolette Nadimi
It also enjoys wraparound views.
It also enjoys wraparound views.
The new walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom
The new master ensuite
Linge Particulier hand towel: Oliver Thom; ceramic vase: Alana Wilson Studio
Artwork by Lily Cummins; large ceramic vessel: Alana Wilson Studio
The laundry features simple, Shaker-style cabinetry to match the kitchen and a fireclay apron sink.
The other side of the laundry has lots of space for folding clothes as well as the washer and dryer.
The laundry features simple, Shaker-style cabinetry to match the kitchen and a fireclay apron sink.
The other side of the laundry has lots of space for folding clothes as well as the washer and dryer.
A large ’70s-style pool was one of the home’s original features, which was retained.
Powder room with large ceramic sculpture by Katarina Wells: Curatorial & Co; small ceramic bowl: Alana Wilson Studio
Key design aspects
Interior materials palette
Key design aspects
Interior materials palette
- Nuevue curtains and blinds throughout.
- Living room rug from The Rug Establishment.
- Engineered oak flooring on the ground floor from Flooring Zone.
- Gosford Quarries Rock Faced Buff sandstone to the exterior and fireplace wall.
- Leather bed throw from House of Ise.
- Hale Mercantile Co bed linen from Maison et Jardin.
- Society Rem quilt from Ondene.
The home office; atwork: ‘Together Alone’ by Sophie Westerman: Hub Furniture
Kitchen appliances
Kitchen appliances
- Miele integrated dishwasher; Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge; Qasair range hood; Wolf ovens; Abey double bowl sink; Oliveri Solitaire round bowl sink, all from Winning Appliances.
Key furniture
- Jardan Sunny sofa in the living area.
- American oak dining table from The Wood Room in the dining area.
- Thonet Hoffmann chairs from The Wood Room in the dining area.
- Spine Metal Base stools in the kitchen from Great Dane Furniture.
- Petit Palais ridged side table in the living area from Great Dane Furniture.
- Marble side table in the living area from Ondene.
- Austere Floor Light and vintage table lamp in the living area both from Great Dane Furniture.
- Tribu Pure outdoor sofa from Cosh Living.
- MDF Sag outdoor side table from Hub Furniture.
- Coulee Design daybed on terrace from HEGI Design House.
- Nati Tati sideboard in hallway from Great Dane Furniture.
- Monolith coffee table beside bed by HEGI Design House.
Fixtures and fittings
- Astra Walker gooseneck tap in Eco Brass in the kitchen.
- Astra Walker Icon Wall Mixer set in Eco Brass in ensuite and powder room.
- Parlour suspension pendants from The Wood Room above the dining table.
- Astro Versailles wall lights from ECC in bathroom and powder room.
- Duomo wall sconce from The Wood Room in the main bedroom.
- Atollo table lamp from Euroluce in main bedroom.
- Jetmaster fireplace.
Your turn
Do you love this dreamy family home as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to see another inspiring renovation? Take a look at this Paddo Terrace: From Dark, Skinny and Rundown to a Modern Stunner
Do you love this dreamy family home as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to see another inspiring renovation? Take a look at this Paddo Terrace: From Dark, Skinny and Rundown to a Modern Stunner
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Lovely
A very good job. Congratulations to Georgina Wilson Architect
Lots of practical use of space. But no compromise to styling. I like that dark pieces do not drown out the light airy feeling. I want to keep a few antique pieces and incorporate them into a modem home so I can see it can be done. Beautiful
Beautiful inside and out, and those views, just stunning