Home updated for family living

Dark, panelled older home is updated into a breathtaking space with modern touch.

 

 

 

 

 

Streamlined upholstery and a marble-topped coffee table mix it up with a traditional side table. A large abstract painting provides a punch of colour.

 

 

After finding a new home in the perfect location, these homeowners knew that the dated interior left much to be desired. Dark panelling and dated finishes this spacious home only required some much needed TLC and some modern updates to turn it into a wonderful family home. With its good bones the homeowners worked with architect Ellen Yeary to reconfigure the floor plan on the main level to include an open plan, eat-in kitchen, home office, and a man cave. Additionally improvements included the widening of doorways to improve traffic flow, removing panelling, and to update the staircase with a sleek steel and wood bannister.

 

 

 

 

Dark panelling on the walls, especially at the entrance and around the staircase was definitely out, and this was removed and the staircase banister replaced with modern wood and steel railings.

 

 

Cosmetic touches include the use of mostly neutral hues for the main living spaces, accentuated with eye-catching splashes of colour provided by art and a mixture of pattern under dramatic lighting. 

 

 

 

 

A glass-fronted cabinet filled with collectibles is flanked by framed drawings that offer a symmetrical view when looking in from the entrance hall.

 

 

In the dining room an over-abundance of panelling was removed to bring the space up to date and take formality down a notch. The carpet was removed and replaced with hardwood flooring to match the rest of the home. A light taupe on the walls complements the lighter, refinished hardwood floors in all the living spaces.

 

 

 

 

 

The parquet floor in many rooms was replaced with modern, hardwood flooring planks. In the entrance hall crisp white trim and lightest taupe provide a welcoming reception, while new flooring instantly give this space a modern boost.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The biggest renovation was to relocate the kitchen from the back of the house to the side of the living room, a space previously occupied by a family room. When originally looking at this home the multitude of small, separate rooms just didn't suit the family's lifestyle and plans were drawn up to open up these rooms into larger semi-open plan areas.

 

 

With its new layout, the kitchen now allows for both a breakfast table and large island for food prep and entertaining. Soon after the renovation was completed, the updated space - along with the nearby dining room - played host to family dinners and gatherings.

 

 

 

 

 

The master bedroom lacked any built-in cupboards other than open shelves, and an unused bedroom was turned into a walk-in closet. In the master bedroom, to lighten the neutral colours used throughout the house, a soothing blue was included in the mix.

 

 

 

 

 

The en-suite bathroom was totally gutted to create a larger space and the addition of a vintage-style soaking tub. The walls in the bathroom were given a dramatic metallic paint effect to tie in with the chrome and bronze accessories and fittings.

 

 

 

 

 

 The sunny children's bedroom has a punchy colour scheme of hot pink, yellow and green, with a bold damask-print in hot pink for the drapes. A zebra-print rug on the floor adds even more eye-catching pattern and fun to the room. Shop similar style beds at www.Design-A-Bed.co.za and bedding at local home decor stores such as Mr Price Home and Sheet Street.

 

 

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