2019-02-01_Inside_Out

80 / Inside Out

INSIDE homes

how to find an

ugly duckling

+ Light Although the house was really dark

when I found it, I saw that the roof was bathed

in sunshine so I knew there was an opportunity

to bring more light into the rooms with windows,

doors and skylights.

+ Garden Having a backyard was important to

us, with a small child. This house had a broad

elevation to the yard but only a single door to

access it, so I could see that it could be opened

up easily and would feel much larger.

+ Layout Often, older houses are a series

of small rooms, so you need to think about

whether you can rejig the rooms in a way

that logically separates private and public

areas. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to do this

with as few structural changes as possible.

Architect Steve Koolloos shares

key opportunities to look out for

if you’re hunting for your own

renovation project

“Also, line up your ducks and know both your physical and

financial limitations before you start, and work within them.

Trust your instincts, however, and pursue the right outcome

in the right time frame – and be generous in this regard.”

lessons learnt

“ MOVE OUT – TRYING TO LIVE THROUGH

A RENOVATION WILL COST YOU MORE

THAN YOU THINK YOU’RE SAVING”

STEVE KOOLLOOS, HOMEOWNER

‘WICKER’ CHAIR (TOP LEFT), MARK TUCKEY, MARKTUCKEY.COM.AU. PILLOWCASES (BOTTOM), CASTLE, CASTLEANDTHINGS.COM.AU. DOONA, MY HOUS

E,

MYHOUSE.COM.AU. AGAPE ‘X TABLE’ (OPPOSITE), ARTEDOMUS, ARTEDOMUS.COM. PUIK ‘CLORK’ CLOCK, TOP3 BY DESIGN, TOP3.COM.AU. RUGS (THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE), NSW LEATHER CO., LEATHERCO.COM.AU. BEDSIDE LAMP, PURCHASED FROM A CLIENT. CARAFE, A GIFT FROM A CLIENT