We can’t decide what feature in this gorgeous workers cottage renovation we love the most! The sympathetically restored original home? The sleek black kitchen with its elegant curves? The jawdroppingly beautiful bathroom with its circular tub and swoon-worthy terrazzo? Or that enviable wine bar?!
This home is a wonderful example of merging past and present. We were thrilled to take a look inside with Jessica Karlovic, interior designer at First Avenue Homes, responsible for this incredible, award winning renovation.
Related article: Rich timber textures and a timeless aesthetic — the sustainable heritage-listed home renovation of Laneway House
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This home started life as a small, quaint 1930s workers cottage in hues of cream and green. The team at First Avenue Homes breathed new life into the original home and expanded the footprint with a modern extension.
“We began this project several years ago,” explains Jessica. “Starting with demolishing the rear part of the outdated cottage, we left only the 2 front bedrooms, hallway and original facade.
“The parts of the original home that were kept were lovingly restored and updated. We added a new roof and weatherboard cladding. The frame of the home had endured significant fire damage so we dealt with that as well as adding new plaster, cornices and mouldings. We painted it black and white and added the period style porch tiling.
“The original stained glass windows on the facade were carefully protected and maintained during construction. We also decided to keep the gorgeous period arches in the hallway which leads you through into the beautiful modern extension.
“The project’s overall design and construction focused on a clever use of space for living and storage. We also focused on green 6 star living for modern Melbourne.
We created a juxtaposition of old meets new in a stylish, modern home with all the luxury conveniences of polished bayside living.
“We’re so proud of this home. It just goes to show that everything old truly can be new again. And not just in the traditional sense!”
Arguably one of the most striking features within this workers cottage renovation, is that bold black kitchen with sleek curves. And that wine bar!
“When it came to the kitchen, we had a clear idea of what we wanted. Ample storage, plenty of space for entertaining and meal preparations, and a butler’s pantry for even more storage,” explains Jessica.
“The 4m long island bench with its waterfall edges is made from beautiful Portsea Grey marble. We added the textural accent of Polytec black timber battens to add a touch of drama.
“We went for striking, modern finishes such as marble and brass. As well as sleek, integrated appliances that complement the modern aesthetic of the kitchen and the overall new extension of the home.
“There was a time when we weren’t quite sure what to do with the blank white wall that backs onto vacant under-stair storage to the left of the main kitchen. In the end, it was repurposed as a statement wine bar.
“Finished with custom made steel framed doors, the space was designed as a modern nod to the arches that feature throughout the original heritage cottage.
“The bespoke wine bar features black timber veneer wine storage, a marble bench and splashback with brass glass hangers. It’s stunning!
“And what’s more, this kitchen won a HIA Victorian New Kitchen of the Year award!”
Not to be outdone, the home’s bathrooms are equally as stunning. The master ensuite features a circular tub and plenty of jaw-dropping terrazzo.
“We were aiming for luxury and tranquility when it came to designing the bathrooms,” says Jessica.
“For the master bedroom ensuite, we added a 4m long skylight for ample natural light over the expansive double shower. Actually, the space was so large that we decided to make the most of the space by adding a tub.
“The round bath is a bonus for functionality, but we also love its aesthetic. It’s such a sleek addition to the room.
“All the bathrooms include high-end features such as marble and imported Italian terrazzo. Paired with the matte white mosaic finger tiles, it complements the space beautifully.
“The precision and time it took to lay those with all mitre cuts, was a significant investment in the quality of the project.
“For the hardware, we went with brass finishes to tie in with the kitchen and rest of the new extension.”
Styling — M + Co Property
Photography — Mitch Lyons Photography
Isn’t she a beauty?! We loved taking a look around this workers cottage renovation and exploring the sleek, modern extension. To see more projects from First Avenue Homes, be sure to take a look at their website or scroll through their Instagram.
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