Located in Bayside, Melbourne, Project New was a Victorian property with strong bones but tired, dated finishes.
The owner’s objective was clear: renovate to maximise both functionality and capital value, while appealing to a demographic of single professionals, executive couples, or downsizers.
The existing home featured outdated wet areas, poor lighting, old-fashioned painting and finishes, and rotted external weatherboards – yet no major structural issues. This provided the perfect opportunity for a strategic renovation with maximum impact.
Our design direction embraced a Classic Contemporary style with a touch of Coastal Farmhouse warmth.
The kitchen was redesigned to include a breakfast bar and improved storage, stripped back to its shell and rebuilt with cost-effective yet stylish finishes, making the space both practical and inviting.
The bathroom was fully renovated with a refreshed layout and the addition of a European Laundry, combining modern convenience with timeless design.
In the bedrooms, existing closets were kept to retain the Victorian charm, while dated wallpaper removed and new window furnishings installed to complement the freshened contemporary interior style. Throughout the home, outdated lighting was replaced with modern, efficient fittings in line with the new design scheme and the entire property painted, and refreshed in a new colour palette.
Externally, rotted weatherboards were replaced and painted to restore the property’s street appeal, while climate comfort was improved with the installation of split systems to the bedrooms. Finishes such as terrazzo-look tiles, fluted timber vanities, handmade terracotta features, and VJ cladding brought depth, texture, and a subtle nod to the relaxed coastal feel of the property’s location.
The result is a property that balances classic charm with contemporary updates, offering a fresh lifestyle appeal that maximises rental returns and long-term value.
