2018Archives

Period Extensions & Design > 2018

Year: 2018

CategoriesNews

HIA CSR Victorian Housing Awards Finalist!

By Period Extensions Team,

[vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Period Extensions & Designs, has been named as a finalist in the HIA CSR Victorian Housing Awards!

We are finalists for the following two projects:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”3218″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.periodextensions.com.au/project/camberwell-home-extension-renovation”][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”3219″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.periodextensions.com.au/project/richmond-home-renovation”][vc_column_text]Winners will be announced on November 9th at the 2018 HIA CSR Victorian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards at The Palladium Ballroom in the Crown Towers in Melbourne.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CategoriesHome Renovation

Five Ways to Change Your Open Plan Living

By Period Extensions Team,

[vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_column_text]At the heart of open plan living is one simple word. Connection.

Once upon a time, living rooms such as the kitchen or lounge room were built for a specific function. There was even a door to close us away from the rest of the house. Living within four walls was simply the way it was.

But over the years, as lifestyles have changed, so has our need for stronger connection with our family, friends and the digital world.

As we try to pack more into every day, every moment matters – whether it is preparing meals while helping with homework, cooking while supervising the kids at play, catching up on the news while packing the dishwasher, or preparing a dinner party with friends. Open plan living gives us greater comfort, convenience and connection.

Want to make the most of your open plan living renovation? Try these five tips for your period home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

TAKE OUT A WALL (OR TWO)

Removing walls to open up your living space is easier than you think. Surrounding walls can be adjusted in any home to achieve open plan living, dining and kitchen space – including period homes! You’ll just need to make time for some careful planning for your living room renovation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3209″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

CREATE YOUR OWN OPEN PLAN LIVING ISLAND

At the heart of your living space is the kitchen – and the most popular and effective design is a large central island bench. It’s the perfect gathering spot for the family for breakfast and allows ample room for meal preparation, so you can encourage the family to get involved too. It’s the most ‘social’ choice for your kitchen renovation as well – there’s no need to be stuck in the kitchen away from all the fun when you are entertaining. Be careful of clutter, though. All that space can also become a magnet for the rest of the family’s belongings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3210″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

GO WITH THE FLOW

Getting the flow from area to area, room-to-room is absolutely vital to any open plan design. Traffic flow is especially critical, ensuring everyone can move freely throughout your space. When planning on extendingyour period home, make sure you take the time to investigate how your space should be designed for a natural flow between the living, dining, kitchen and outdoor areas.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3211″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

No matter what size of home you have, thoughtful design can create the right shape of living space. In our experience when building a house extension, a long, rectangular space works best, enabling a great length to width ratio and it’s also ideal for all size and shape of furniture. This shape can also direct all activity to the great outdoors.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3212″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Two of the most important elements of a successful open plan space are windows and ceiling height. It’s all about building ambience in your period home. Natural light adds a sense of welcome and warmth to a room but it’s also about functionality – you’ll love being able to complete tasks during the day without having to switch on a light. The right ceiling height, combined with clever design during your living room renovation, provides the illusion of a much larger room – and a soaring ceiling can also provide a wonderful feeling of grandeur

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3213″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our top tip gained from many years working with clients is to talk to an experienced building designer that can add their expertise to your great ideas, creating a space that that flows perfectly. When it comes to your period home renovations, it’s all about the flow!

Why not talk to Period Extensions about how to transform your home? Our professional design team would love to help. Contact us today to discuss your period home – call 03 9882 5255 or email [email protected][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CategoriesHome Renovation

Don’t Skimp On Space – You’ll Always Need More Than You Think

By Period Extensions Team,

[vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Space – the final frontier.” Just like the brave Star Trek crew, you’ll be amazed at the space you can find in your own home if you are open to exploration and new ideas!

There are so many benefits to thinking ahead about space. A more comfortable lifestyle, extra years in your current home before you have to move, the lifestyle benefits of having more space for the whole family to enjoy and ultimately, a better selling price.

And while you’ll need to make some compromises in your period home, most likely due to council restrictions, your original façade and foundation walls, your larger block offers an enormous range of options.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

HERE ARE OUR TOP SEVEN TIPS FOR CREATING MORE SPACE IN YOUR HOME

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#1 THE FIRST STEP IN YOUR VOYAGE?

Think big! When you begin planning for an extension, always allow for more space than you think you’ll need. It won’t be easy to adjust your renovations if you realise you don’t have enough space. Think ahead about all the possibilities for your family and their needs. Cut corners now and you’ll regret it in the long run.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3199″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#2 THINK ABOUT FLOW

One of the biggest planning mistakes people make is not considering the way their home connects together. The flow of your extension needs to be a seamless connection between the old and the new, which can be cleverly achieved through selection of fittings, paint colour and architectural features.

You may be interested to know that the most popular trend amongst Period Extensions’ clients is to extend out, not up. Due to changing lifestyles, more people are choosing to lose yard space to create a larger footprint, single storey home rather than extending up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3200″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#3 TAKE IT FROM US AND OUR CLIENTS

There are certain areas of your home you will always want more space – living areas and bedrooms. As your family grows, so does the need for more bedroom space. The kids will need desk and study space, as well as a place to hang out with their friends and have sleepovers. And as the kids grow and you have more time on your hands, you’ll also want more space for entertainment and relaxation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3201″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#4 OPEN UP WALLS AND RETAIN THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

At Period Extensions the complaint we hear most often is ‘I wish I had more space for open plan living!’ Due to the traditional structure of period homes, many areas may tend to feel dark and closed off from the rest of the house, which simply doesn’t work with today’s preference for open plan living. The good news is that removing walls  – as long as the structural integrity of your home remains intact – is a relatively easy way to open up and breathe new life into dark spaces.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3202″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#5 KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND LAUNDRY SPACE

If you want to just dip a toe in the water with a home extension, the three easiest places to find more space and make changes are your kitchen, bathroom and laundry. You’d be amazed what can be achieved through relocating bench tops, adding new appliances, changing window stylesto achieve more natural light, removing doors and connecting walls and installing new fixtures and fittings in bathrooms.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3203″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#6 THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE!

Clever planning and design will achieve wonders. Use of your attic, roof cavity, basement or yard can deliver extra space and add enormous value to your home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3204″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-40t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#7 MAKING THE MOST OF THE SPACE WITH THESE TIPS AND TRICKS

If you’re not quite ready to jump into major structural and architecturalchanges just now, there are loads of tricks and tips to help make the most of the space you have. To deliver the illusion of space, try the following:

  • Choose a lighter paint colour – the use of bright white and pale tones will lift and brighten any space.
  • Consider a skylight. The addition of natural light is a cost effective, low impact way to bring a sense of space to a dark hallway or room.
  • Change your windows! Period homes often feature traditional heavy wooden sash style windows that can restrict the flow of natural lightinto your home. Replace with new style, sleek windows, with narrow frames and maximum glass, to bring the outside in.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3205″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you want to talk about how Period Extensions can accompany you on your ‘journey into space’ and transform your home, the professional design team at Period Extensions would love to help. Contact us today by calling (03) 9882 5255 or email [email protected][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CategoriesInterior Design

The Dangers of DIY Interior Design

By Period Extensions Team,

[vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_column_text]So you’re renovating your home and you’ve just bought ‘the perfect piece’. A fabulous lamp for that dark little corner, a gorgeous throw rug with matching cushions you found online for your living room renovation or maybe a gorgeous corner table, ideal for your bedroom makeover.

There’s a good chance, however, that ‘perfect piece’ was too small, too big or actually, entirely the wrong colour – and now it’s too late to take it back.

Interior design is not as easy as it looks – and much more important than you think. Follow these six DIY interior design tips and you’ll be styling up the perfect room in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#1 START WITH THE BASICS – A SIMPLE TAPE MEASURE

There is nothing more heartbreaking than bringing your shiny new purchase into your home, only to realise that it is simply too big to fit, or too small to make an impact.
Impulse buying can also be a very expensive mistake. Imagine buying a couch for your living room renovation that doesn’t even fit through the door! Always measure first. In fact, measure twice!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3189″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#2 SHOP WITH A PLAN

As the saying goes, “a place for everything, and everything in its place.” Great interior design does not happen by accident. Before you hit the shops, spend some time looking carefully for what you need for your renovation. Take photos, use magazine clippings, draw some sketches – whatever makes the planning process easier for you.

Shopping without a plan leads to unnecessary clutter. When you apply careful planning and a minimalist approach, clutter will be a thing of the past.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3190″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#3 BEWARE THE ‘IMPULSE BUY’.

Never buy on the spot. Remember, you have to live with the items you buy. Also, shop around for the right price. Impulse interior design is a waste of money. There’s nothing worse than spending more than you need![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3191″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#4 SCALE IS EVERYTHING

It takes a talented eye to decorate a room with impeccable scale. The secret to scale in interior renovation is a mixture of different shapes, heights and sizes that fit together seamlessly – not too big, not too small. You never want everything in a room to be at the same level or the same size.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3192″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#5 TESTING – 1, 2, 3

Choosing paint colours can be a minefield. Take advantage of sample pot sizes and take the time to patch test before you begin on your home improvement. Once you’ve begun, re-painting can be a painful process. Also, if you can, go for a feature wall. The use of a bold contrast colour can really bring your house alteration to life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3193″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#6 LIGHT IT UP

Lighting is often underestimated in interior design. Natural light is the best way to show off furniture and soft furnishings but at night, floor lamps add mood and ambience. Do some research about the use of LED lighting, too – new technology now allows a whole new range of light control.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3194″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]The professional design team at Period Extensions is passionate about creating environments to meet your lifestyle needs, while respecting the rich history and architecture of your home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CategoriesDesign Inspiration

From a Dull Facade, this Camberwell Home was Returned to Glory Days

By Period Extensions Team,

[vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_column_text]We start our design process by first talking to the client about what they want to achieve from the renovation & extension and then familiarising ourselves with the architectural history of the property. Only then do we undertake to design a vision for their home. And then, in collaboration with our Drafting Department, we produce a customised design that considers the client’s needs and respects the architectural history of their home.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

FROM AN OLD STUDENT ACCOMMODATION TO A MODERN HOME

This home, which is located in the leafy suburb of Camberwell, was rented out for student accommodation. It was a tired old property in need of modernising, with the team at Period Extensions perfect for the task. The original house had large wonderful rooms that could certainly be enhanced, and with our team’s design ideas, the owners of this home could enjoy it for years to come.

This house had been neglected. There were sloping floors, rotten window frames, a leaking roof and cracking plaster. The house required major renovations as well an extension to accommodate the needs of the family. The owners were very much part of the journey to renovate and extend this house. Like our design team, they saw past the neglect to the potential of the house.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

EXTENSION INTO LIGHT-FILLED LIVING AREAS

The new owners wanted an extension of a spacious, beautiful and functional home with light-filled family and living areas as well as an outdoor entertaining area that could be used despite Melbourne’s weather.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3182″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3183″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

FUNCTIONAL AND LUXURY BATHROOM DESIGN

The bathrooms are aesthetically pleasing and more importantly functional, modern, and luxurious. The grey stone tiles provide a stunning backdrop to the bespoke white cabinetry, and the oversized wall mirror frames the double vanity to perfection. Lastly, the free standing bathtub completes the room in this room extension.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE FROM OUTSTANDING RENOVATION RESULTS

The team at Period Extensions pride ourselves on designing and building extensions that not only meets the client’s brief but surpasses their expectations. The success of this renovation project can be judged on the fact that when the owners of the property saw the end result, they were so overwhelmed with the result. They decided to capitalise on the value added by  the work of Period Extensions, they immediately put the property on the market and achieved an outstanding result.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3184″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CategoriesDesign Inspiration

Heritage meets modern design in Malvern East renovation

By Period Extensions Team,

[vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every home renovation is unique, but what we love most about our work is the chance to work hand-in-hand with clients to make their vision a reality.

In this stunning extension in Malvern East, our client took the unusual step of deciding to renovate their new home immediately after purchase.

While they were initially attracted to the house because of its traditional architectural features, their main goal was to ensure that their new home would also meet the demands of their lifestyle needs.

Many homeowners debate for months, sometimes years, on what they require from a renovation. Decisions are driven by changes in lifestyle, the need for a larger living space or simply because areas of the house are in need of major repair. In most instances, our clients have lived in their home for some time and use their experience to identify what is missing.

Whilst the new home owners were delighted with the purchase of this property and excited about the prospect of living there, they chose to wait a little bit longer before moving in to a newly renovated home.

This was a well-considered and carefully conceived plan. In their previous home, living space was limited and the bathroom and laundry were far too small. When presented with a brand new space to work with, our clients had very clear ideas on what was needed for their extension.

Our client’s specific requirements of their home renovation included the addition of an en-suite to the main bedroom, a family bathroom, a European-style laundry, increased storage and an open-plan living area. An alfresco area that seamlessly connected to the backyard was also on the wish list.

Our goal with every period extension is to keep the existing character of the home intact, while seamlessly weaving in the requirements of our client. After the renovation project is complete, we want our clients to walk in and see exactly what they envisaged.

As part of this home renovation, retaining the heritage overlay was important and challenging. The existing brick chimney was also to be preserved, requiring significant engineering to support its structure in the newly designed space.

The size of the site also presented challenges, as the design needed to be compact enough to fit
into the space, yet still meet the client brief.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

HEXAGONAL BATHROOM TILES RENOVATION

The en-suite to the main bedroom features black, grey and white hexagonal tessellated floor tiles, a black granite bench top and a modern shower with a glass screen. The functional and spacious family bathroom was fitted with a striking black granite bench top, modern shower with glass screens and a white bathtub.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3175″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3176″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

SMART SPACE RENOVATION SOLUTIONS

Out of site but certainly not out of mind, the European-style laundry, featuring state-of-the-art appliances, meets the client brief exactly and saves valuable space. Space saving was a major theme throughout the extension with the inclusion of new storage solutions, cleverly located to blend in and ‘disappear’ into the home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

MOROCCAN STYLE KITCHEN EXTENSION

The kitchen extension is a joy to behold with a large, white island bench top and trendy Moroccan-style tile detailing on the splashback. Regular entertaining is a must for our client and they were delighted with the completed renovation were looking forward to hosting their first dinner party.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

COMBINING SPACES INTO A VERSATILE ONE

Finally, an open-plan living area with bifold doors, opening onto a timber deck seamlessly connecting the interior to the light and airy entertaining area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3177″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” desctop_pt=”padding-lg-30t”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3178″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

TRADITIONAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Now as we walk through this light-filled home, there is a strong sense of connection between heritage and modern. Each space is fluid and functional and flows naturally into the next. The interior has been designed with clever use of fittings and fixtures that reflect the architectural traditions of this stunning home, while still presenting a contemporary feel throughout.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Add to cart
DOWNLOAD OUR

TOP TIPS FOR RESTORING YOUR HOME

With over 20 years in the business, we’ve seen and done it all. Download our FREE GUIDE to restoring your period home today.