Treasure trove: This home is a handmade haven

The old ramshackle deck was replaced with a new (and safer) version. Most of the furniture was bought on on eBay (for similar rattan pieces try Islander Imports; for a French-style coffee table try Maison Living). Navy-and-white cushions from Drift Home & Living and a ‘Madras’ rug from Freedom give the deck a beach-house feel.

The quirks and character of this older home were used as an opportunity to decorate with rustic pieces. The white birdcage is from the Terrigal markets. The ottoman is an old dark brown one that was re-covered and the Freedom timber table was painted white. 

A background palette of calm neutrals makes it easy to change the look of any room at a moment’s notice; the walls throughout the house are painted in Dulux Hog Bristle. The sofa is a hardwearing microsuede. Fabric stretched over an old painting turned trash into an instant artwork. A French-inspired ottoman from One World (visit oneworldcollection.com.au) provides an elegant touch.

Now a chef’s dream with plenty of storage, the kitchen is unrecognisable from the cramped space it used to be, thanks to an overhaul by Planit Kitchens (visit planitkitchens.com.au). Huge louvre windows at the top of a 20-foot void send light streaming in over CaesarStone benchtops in Ice Snow and gleaming stainless-steel Bosch appliances (visit bosch-home.com.au). The Ikea ‘Julius’ bar stools feature custom-made linen slip covers.

Adding interest to the kitchen’s clean lines are a fabric-covered canvas, found at a market, and a made-to-order tram scroll commissioned at eBay store Custom Canvas 123.

The parents’ retreat is at the opposite end of the house to the children’s bedrooms, and overlooks the pool and backyard. Built on the existing outdoor entertaining slab, with the deck above, the room doesn’t have the same high ceilings as the rest of the house. It features a striking tongue-and-groove panelling overhead and a delicate chandelier from Beacon Lighting (beaconlighting.com.au) dangling in one corner.

A classic dressing room inspired the bathroom which features a dressing table-style vanity from Recollections. A hotel in Queensland gave the idea to use shutters to separate the ensuite from the bedroom.

A freestanding bath from Recollections (recollections.com.au) and travertine tiles create a sense of luxury. Money was saved by renovating both bathrooms at the same time and reusing materials where possible. 

This little girl’s room is perfectly pink, with just a touch of blue appearing in handmade bunting and cushions in Cath Kidston fabric from Jo’s Sammy Jo range, and paper butterflies from Adairs (visit adairs.com.au). The bedside tables and lamps were bought at Everyday Living (everydayliving.com.au) and the Martha Stewart paper lanterns at Spotlight. Try Laura Ashley (call 1800 033 453) for a wrought-iron bed.