Giving a heritage home a modern makeover is no easy feat. It must adhere to strict guidelines to retain its historic integrity. It also needs to adapt to meet the lifestyle needs of today. This home strikes the perfect balance — a true modern heritage home with timeless beauty.
We take a look through this Californian bungalow alongside Leah Pitman, interior designer at Bone Made — the team behind this incredible home makeover.
Related article: A modest extension to create a dream home: Visiting Dot’s House
Related article: Heritage beachside home becomes a modern holiday oasis
When Leah and Fliss took on the project, they were asked to bring this home into the modern world, while still capturing its classic beauty.
“The home is located in the Sydney suburb of Concord West,” explains Leah, one half of the Bone Made team.
“Prior to the renovation and extension, the home consisted of a much smaller footprint with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen and a small living / dining space.
“Now it’s big enough to accommodate the family of six with the addition of a luxurious master ensuite, main bathroom for the kids, 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas, a mudroom and a lush alfesco area.”
The cohesive blend between the original home into the modern extension was key to creating a seamless flow.
“The clients wanted a fusion of both classic and contemporary design. They wanted to ensure it felt open, light and airy with plenty of storage for their family of 6.
“We balanced this by ensuring the original part of the home showcased more ornate, classic details,” Leah says.
“Then with the extension, we were able to go a bit more contemporary. We made sure both ends of the home blended cohesively so they didn’t feel like two separate homes. The result is what we think is a perfect example of a modern heritage home.”
With a stunning open plan concept, the home includes modern touches — such as the rattan and oak joinery in the living room — yet retains classic design and features.
“We absolutely love the main living, dining and kitchen area. The high pitched ceilings really elevate the space and natural light absolutely drenches the area.
“The family wanted a large kitchen including a butler’s pantry, and for it to flow directly into the dining and living space. Off the kitchen is a gorgeous mud room that connects to the carport.
“The splash of green from the tiles is that lovely pop of colour the space needs to tie perfectly with the white and timber,” says Leah.
Keeping the original features of the home, including the ornate ceilings and fireplace was an important factor when it came to the modern design elements.
“When working on a modern heritage home, it’s important to have a strong concept from the very beginning,” explains Leah.
“It’s so easy to get carried away with the latest trends but you really do need to ensure you stay true to the style and bones of the home.
“As much as we love a sleek modern kitchen, it would have looked completely out of place in this classic, older style of home. So instead, we opted for profiled cabinetry and classic style fixtures with a modern twist.”
Thank you to Leah and Fliss for showing us around this stunning home. For more from Bone Made, visit their website or check them out on Instagram. What did you love most about this modern heritage home? Tell us in the comment section below.
Photography — The Palm Co
Joinery — U-Neek Interior Solutions
Builder — Mirage Developments
More home tours here
