Historical charm – modern presence

Interiors by Catherine de Meur Interiors

From the interior designer: 

The four-bedroom house, including an office, is situated to capture breathtaking harbour views, and the couple’s vision was to create a contemporary family home that maximised these views while preserving the home’s historical features.

The existing layout felt disconnected and closed off, so one of the main goals was to improve flow between key living spaces, particularly the kitchen, living, and dining areas.

Both owners wanted an open-plan design that would enhance connection and allow natural light to flood the home. 

To achieve this, we removed walls between the living, kitchen, and dining rooms – creating a seamless transition between spaces. 

The installation of bi-fold doors further strengthened the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing the harbour views to take centre stage and creating a feeling of expansiveness.

Preserving the home’s character was crucial. 

Heritage features such as ornate ceilings, original mouldings, and traditional detailing were carefully maintained, while modern design elements were introduced to enhance functionality. 

We also incorporated arches and widened doorways to improve flow while maintaining the integrity of the period architecture. 

These thoughtful updates respected the home’s history while providing a contemporary edge.

In the master bedroom, we expanded the space to accommodate a prestigious wardrobe designed for the owners’ designer pieces, adding a touch of luxury to the room.

 Additionally, we closed up a window and removed the flue from an old fireplace that extended through the bedroom to the downstairs fireplace, diverting the flue to maintain functionality downstairs. 

These changes enhanced the bedroom's spaciousness while maintaining a clean, modern look.

The colour palette was key to creating a calm, timeless aesthetic. 

We selected soft, muted tones, centred around Dulux Summer Cloud and Spanish Olive, which complemented both the original features and the modern updates. 

This palette brought a serene, cohesive feel to the home and allowed the natural light to enhance the sense of space.

Functionality was also at the heart of this renovation. 

In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered. 

This smart storage solution contributed to the clean, streamlined aesthetic while addressing the homeowners’ everyday needs.

The final result is a home that seamlessly blends old and new, preserving the charm of the 1920s bungalow while embracing the comforts of modern living. 

The renovation not only fulfilled the couple's brief but exceeded their expectations, creating a space that is functional, timeless, and perfect for family living and entertaining.

By thoughtfully balancing the home’s historical features with contemporary design elements, the project transformed the bungalow into a sanctuary that celebrates both its heritage and its stunning harbour location.

Story by: Trendsideas