Inside our Clontarf Street Home Renovation Project
We're thrilled to introduce one of our latest projects—a stunning home renovation on Clontarf St in the Northern Beaches! This ambitious endeavor involved a second-storey addition and a comprehensive internal renovation, transforming key areas of the home to meet the evolving needs of a vibrant young family. Join us on this exciting design journey, as we go behind the brief with one of Heliconia’s talented interior designers, Liv Johnston.
Who was the home designed for, and what were their lifestyle aspirations for the space?
This beautifully designed home is the residence of a multi-generational family of five. The layout is thoughtfully divided into two sections: the main part of the house accommodates the homeowners and their two children, while the opposite end provides a welcoming, independent living space for the homeowner’s mother. Our client's vision was to create a functional home that caters to both entertaining and relaxation, offering a perfect environment for a young and active family. They desired a space that reflects their love and appreciation for global destinations, particularly drawing on time spent in Asia.
Can you take us through the design brief and the design rationale?
Our design brief focused on harmonising classic coastal aesthetics with British Colonial and Asian influences, resulting in an open, airy, and comfortable space. Inspired by the client's experiences in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK, we opted for a curated colour palette that was worked alongside the coastal environment of the home. Featuring tones of blue and green complemented by blush pinks and brass to introduce warmth and softness. The use of Persian, Turkish, or natural sisal rugs helps to zone each space, creating further interest ready for layering and interest.
How did you achieve this aesthetic through design choices?
To incorporate British Colonial and Asian influences, we used a mix of VJ and shaker profiles on joinery throughout the home, enhancing the fusion of styles for a detailed yet cohesive look. The exterior features weatherboard cladding, natural stone, and classic timber detailing, aligning with the British Colonial characteristics. Inside, natural materials such as rattan, cane, brass, glass and shells work with the scheme and bring to the fore the subtle colonial undertones. Feature lighting like pendants in living spaces and library lights add a layer of charm while offering functional and layered illumination.
Were there any challenges you faced in this project?
One challenge we faced was optimising the size and layout of the man cave to meet all client requirements. By carefully planning the space and maximising its functionality, we were able to create a versatile area that delivered on all the client’s requests.
What design features are you most excited about?
We're particularly excited about the playful, colourful surfaces in the bathrooms and laundry as well as the moody tones and textures in the man cave. These design solutions reflect the client's personality, cultural diversity, and add unique touches to the home.
Any tips for those undertaking bathroom renovations
The biggest tip for bathroom renovations is getting the layout right during the plan stage. It's crucial to finalise all plumbing and electrical locations before construction begins to avoid costly changes later. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get this right early on!
This Clontarf project showcases our commitment to creating spaces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, accommodating the diverse needs of a multi-generational family while reflecting their unique style preferences. If you're planning to renovate or build, reach out to Heliconia early in the process. We'll help you prioritise your budget, offer smart design solutions, review your floor plan and spatial planning, connect you with a reliable and professional team, and save you stress and indecision with our extensive experience!