Selling Houses Australia: Step back in time in Engadine, NSW
What do you do when a floorplan just doesn’t make sense? Wendy explores some innovative solutions in Engadine on Selling Houses Australia
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
In this episode of Selling Houses Australia, we ventured to Engadine, a lovely suburb in Sydney's laidback Sutherland Shire. Vanessa, a single mum of two young kids, was struggling to sell her family home after a difficult separation. Despite its spacious layout and prime location, the home had been on the market for six months without success. So, what could be the problem? For starters, the layout was upside down, with the kitchen and living spaces upstairs. Dennis and I took on the challenge to transform this seventies-style home into a modern family haven – putting all my interior design skills to the test!
Engadine Selling Houses: an entire kitchen moved downstairs
The original kitchen was a major deterrent for buyers, awkwardly placed on the upper level and far too small for a family home. I decided to relocate the kitchen downstairs, which was being revamped into the main living area. This change was a game-changer, allowing me to create a spacious, open-plan kitchen that seamlessly integrates with the dining and living spaces. And it just made sense!
Drawing inspiration from the home's seventies architecture, I chose custom cabinetry with Polytec cabinets in Notaio Walnut, a rich caramel toned walnut woodgrain pattern, and Blossom to add warmth and elegance. The benchtops are Snbstone’s Antique White Granite slab, a leather-finished stone, providing a sleek and durable surface for cooking and entertaining.
To enhance the kitchen's functionality, I installed state-of-the-art appliances, including a Euromaid oven and cooktop, ensuring efficiency and style. The splashback now features small format Grey Marble Honed Kitkat finger mosaics from Tile Factory Outlet, a nod to the home's original era, yet with a modern twist. Finishing touches come via the white Blanco sink and taps and Kethy L866 handles in die-cast zinc.
A large kitchen island with Parlour Curve pendant lights from The Lighting Outlet above serves as the centerpiece, offering ample space for meal preparation and casual dining. Natural light floods the space through a newly installed kitchen window, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The wall colour is Wattyl Winter Mushroom paint.
“The open-plan layout now allows for easy interaction between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, making it perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Be my guest: Selling Houses Engadine dining area
The new dining area was designed to seamlessly connect with the kitchen and living spaces, creating a cohesive environment for entertaining. By removing unnecessary walls and adding French doors, I enhanced the natural light and provided easy access to the outdoor entertaining area, complete with Dennis's fabulous pizza oven. This transformation ensures that the dining room is not just a place for meals but a central part of the home's social hub. The walls are painting in soothing Wattyl Autumn mist and the artwork chosen was a limited-edition print by Michelle Drougas called ‘Joy’, found at Art Lovers Australia. The rug is from Flooring Xtra.
Flooring played a large part in this makeover, creating warmth and consistency, zoning key areas and bringing comfort and style underfoot. On that note, don’t forget to enter our competition – Selling Houses Australia is partnering with Flooring Xtra to give away a $10,000 voucher (and a design consultation with me!) to one lucky viewer, meaning you have a chance to bring the stylish interiors from this update to your home.
Simple styling in the living spaces
In the living room, I focused on creating a sense of cohesion and openness. By using a calm, soft colour scheme with warm sandy tones on the walls (also Wattyl Autumn Mist) and floors (Akuna Barwon carpet from Flooring Xtra), I was able to blend the spaces together. I chose light, smaller-scaled furniture to make the room feel more spacious and brought in warm neutral tones and lots of texture with a selection of cosy cushions and throws from Kas. The artwork is Ignite by Michelle Drougas, also Art Lovers Australia.
SARAH TO CHECK ART CREDITS
A set of freshly styled new bedrooms
Upstairs, I transformed the former living room into a luxurious master suite, complete with a spacious walk-in robe and a stunning ensuite. The master bedroom furniture is from Forty Winks and its dressed in comforting Legend Linen and decorative cushions from Kas. Underfoot, Akuna Barwon carpet from Flooring Xtra sets a neutral tone, along with Luxaflex blockout Duette shades in Moonstruck paired with sheer curtains in Casius/Dove.
The two kids' bedrooms remain, now updated with the same new carpets, paint, and window dressings (these ones are blockout blinds in Cotton White) . This reconfiguration ensures that the upper level is a tranquil retreat for the family.
A modern ensuite for a master suite
The bathrooms in Vanessa's home underwent a stunning transformation. In the master ensuite, I discovered existing plumbing beneath the floor, allowing me to allocate more of the budget to luxurious finishes. The ensuite now features a deep, dark charcoal feature wall, creating a sense of luxury and intimacy. I selected a marble-look polished porcelain tile for the ensuite, paired with gray marble honed KitKat tiles from Tile Factory Outlet for a sophisticated contrast. The brushed brass fixtures from Caroma add a touch of opulence, while the new walk-in shower and vanity (The Timberlime Oxbow Collection) provide functionality and style.
Reinvigorated outdoor spaces
Dennis worked his magic on the outdoor areas, clearing overgrown foliage and adding thoughtful landscaping to enhance the home's curb appeal. The steep front stairs were made more welcoming with a new concrete landing, and a sleek steel awning was installed to modernise the entrance. The side garden was opened up, providing a lush, inviting space for outdoor dining and relaxation. These changes ensure that the property is inviting from the moment potential buyers arrive.
Selling Houses Engadine: did it sell?
Engadine is a family-friendly suburb with a strong community feel, offering excellent schools, shops, and transport links. Vanessa's home, a substantial four-bedroom, two-bathroom property, was initially listed at $1.3 million but failed to attract buyers due to its impractical layout. After our renovations, the house was revalued and successfully sold for $1.45 million, allowing Vanessa and her family to move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Vanessa and her ex-husband contributed $110,000 towards the renovation, a significant investment that ultimately paid off. The transformation not only increased the home's value but also made it a desirable property for young families looking to settle in Engadine.
