We’ve already taken a look at the various types of Australian period homes. In these short guides, however, we will be looking more closely at how to renovate specific examples of period properties. We’ll take a look at how to bring things up to modern code while retaining as much original charm as possible.

As always, with period home renovations, it is not recommended to undertake projects on your own. A Melbourne builder or period home design expert will be able to help you make the most practical choices within your budget. Federation homes are uniquely Australian, which means you may wish to take extra care when preserving their unique look.  However, as they date back more than 100 years, there’s a good chance there will be a few elements you need to modernise.

Recycle and Renovate

If you’re considering the renovation of a Federation home, the first thing to consider is how to refresh its more stylish touches. These properties are famously proud of their unique touches and charms. That’s because Australian culture and tastes inspire them, and it can be difficult to say goodbye.

Many period extensions and design experts recommend smartly upgrading old fittings and fixtures. To help modern fittings blend in with the old or existing style, why not use recycled materials?  You can install features and touches, which look as if they are from the period, but which have the benefits of modern structural support.

Design New Like Old

While many period homes will need to be upgraded for safety reasons, there’s nothing to say you can’t stick with the same aesthetic. In some cases, it’s recommended that you install features and supports which are based on your period look. Similar to using recycled material, as suggested above, a home renovations expert may recommend having new elements designed and fitted from scratch, but with the existing pieces used as templates.

Be Careful with Paint

It’s tempting to want to give a period property a completely new lick of paint. However, with sensitive properties such as Federation homes, you shouldn’t go too left-field. Look at typical colour schemes of the era (the early 20^thcentury) and ask an expert to help you find a palette which best suits the existing look, style and structure of your property.

Open Things Up

Federation homes are notoriously smaller in size; at the time, this was done for practical reasons. However, that means modern renovation should focus on opening up space as much as is possible. Furthermore, think carefully about natural light, using mirrors, and installing sliding doors, windows and other units. Open up a back yard or garden as much as possible.

Getting Started

Getting started with a Federation home renovation can be tricky.  You’ll need help from an experienced Melbourne renovations expert to get the best end result.  Call us directly on (03) 9882 5255 to get started.

While you may assume that Edwardian properties date back centuries, in Australia, they’ve only been around for one hundred years. The Australian twist on Edwardian style arrived around the same time as Federation homes began appearing. Of the two, many find Edwardian properties to be simpler to look at and to handle, despite the name.

That, however, doesn’t make renovating these properties any easier! It’s crucial to find a Melbourne builder who can blend period homes with modern design, specifically the renovation of an Edwardian home. These projects can take a lot of time and effort. What’s more, one mistake and you could lose centuries of charm without meaning to. Be careful!

Expand at All Costs

While Edwardian homes are seen to be a little more modern than many of the period homes you’ll see dotted around, they are still somewhat cramped for modern tastes. If you are modernising an Edwardian house for a family, you are going to need to maximise as much space as possible.

Don’t be too afraid to go open-plan, however, do make sure you consult the advice of period extensions and design experts before you do.  While there may not be too many ornate flourishes hiding in these properties, you could still risk losing a lot of classic charm and architecture. That, unfortunately, can never be truly restored.

Go for Glass

When you are first learning how to renovate an Edwardian home, you’ll soon discover that you can use the material to your advantage.

Glass is seen as something of an ultra-modern, luxury commodity. However, it’s actually very affordable and accessible. With the Edwardian look already being relatively modern, at least by most period home standards, you will likely be able to get away with introducing sliding glass panels into gardens and yards. You’ll also be able to install glass walls and doors inside, too. However, it’s important you arrange for an expert to help with this.

Add a Floor

As with Federation homes, many Edwardian properties operate on a ground floor basis. That means you may already be looking at dealing with a bungalow. But for the modern family, two floors, or even three, are considered normal.

Therefore, do ask your builder or renovations expert for advice on putting in a new floor or two to expand the available space. We’ve already talked about space earlier; however, the best way to really introduce more of it into this kind of property is to build a facsimile layer on top.

How Experts Can Help

Edwardian homes may not be the most complicated period properties Australia has to offer. However, that doesn’t mean you should jump into a project headfirst. Take things slowly and ask an expert team on how you can best approach an Edwardian modernisation.

Our team is always ready to help with advice, practical support and more besides. Call us today on (03) 9882 5255 to learn more.

Art Deco is a term which is used to describe the symmetrical, angular fashions and designs of the early to the mid-20^thcentury, and many of these types of properties can be found in Australia. These homes are straightforward to spot, as they focus mainly on bringing up big shapes, curves and edges while creating a beautiful, practical space within. We go into more detail about these in one of our other guides to some of Australia’s most popular period home designs.

In this guide, however, we will explore a few ways in which you can bring an Art Deco home into the modern age. As always, never undertake a renovation project on your own. Renovating a period home is always a challenge and Art Deco renovation can be particularly tricky, and without the right Melbourne renovation and design expert by your side, you could risk the look and feel of a beautiful property.

Research the Period

As Art Deco property design is so striking and so unique, many property designers will likely advise that you try and leave as much of the original look alone. With wear and tear, however, that’s not always possible. It’s also going to be tricky to find exact matches for specific colours, fittings and fixtures.

Therefore, before you get started is a great time to start reading up on Art Deco in general. Ask an expert in period home renovations to offer you resources. Learn how to renovate an Art Deco home by examining its popular and common colours, and its common materials.

Leave the Façade Alone

That is if you can. We know only too well that some period properties will need TLC as far as the exterior is concerned. However, you may get lucky with an Art Deco property that has a façade which still looks wonderful.

Be very wary about making changes to the outer look of an Art Deco home. Ask an expert to take a look at ways to best preserve your façade without removing any of its original intentions.

Let Light Flow Through

As with other period property styles, natural light can make a massive difference to the feel of a home. It’s excellent for boosting that additional feeling of space while removing the need for clunky light fittings and fixtures which may arise along the way.

The best way to do this is to ask your renovations expert to consider ways to install glass or to remove light blockage, which can promote its ease of flow. Art Deco interior design can be pleasingly simple on the surface, yet it may need a little helping hand as far as light transfer is concerned.

Consult Someone Experienced

If you’re interested in renovating an Art Deco property, it is one of the most complex yet rewarding styles to get started with. Therefore, never be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

Art Deco properties are amazing to look at and are fantastic to live in.  Find out more about we can renovate them to modern standards by calling our team on (03) 9882 5255.

Victorian homes are spectacular to look at. There’s little wonder why so many people choose to renovate and modernise these properties. However, as with all types of period property, renovation and modernisation take a lot of time and effort. Victorian homes can be some of the trickiest to get right, at least when it comes to balancing the old with the new.

That’s why it is recommended that you look for a period renovations expert who can support your vision. It’s never a good idea to take on a period renovation alone. You’ll need an exceptional eye for detail, and there is a lot of handiwork involved. In this guide, we’ll take a quick look at the most effective way to renovate a Victorian home.

Focus on Space

If there’s one thing which runs common to most Victorian renovations, it’s the idea of maximising space. Traditional homes from this era might be ornate and complex, but they were also built to be practical.

A smart move when looking at Victorian renovation options will be to maximise natural light. Open up existing rooms and spaces. Many Victorian properties have stuffy, cramped rooms which benefit from being opened up and redesigned. The key, of course, is to avoid destroying any of the original charm, and that’s where a period design expert will come in.

Keep the Right Amount of Charm

Victorian homes are best known for being very intricate. There are a lot of specialist touches and flourishes which you’re likely to find in the inner architecture, as well as outside. However, they can also be surprisingly simple.

The key when learning how to renovate a Victorian home is to be ruthless with features that no longer have a place in today’s world. Window features and fittings may look quaint, but they may also be old and decrepit. A period design expert will help you preserve the features that matter, and will encourage you to scrap the ones which don’t.

Don’t Cram in Too Much

Victorian homes, inside and out, are appealing thanks to their simple style and surprising elegance. Many might expect these properties to be full of over-the-top design choices and flourishes. While there are often a few intricate touches, they’re usually pretty sedate.

That being said, you don’t want to go over the top. That means whether you are interested in bringing in fresh colours, furniture or other installations, you might run the risk of cramming your space. That risks you losing sight of the original charm, whether you bring modern or period furnishings into your home.

Start with the Right Plan of Action

Always ask for help and advice from a seasoned professional or period design expert. They will help you to budget appropriately and make the right choices. Have a quick read of our guide to Australian period homes to get started or call us on (03) 9882 5255 today if you’d like to know more about the work we do.