Selling Houses moves a whole kitchen in Hornsby Heights, NSW
Stunning interior design simplifies an extremely confused floorplan in Hornsby Heights, now a calm, leafy retreat
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
Wendy Moore tiling a splashback in Hornsby Heights, NSW.
A visit to Sydney’s leafy and lush North Shore is always a delight, and rarely our destination on Selling Houses Australia as it’s a hot property market! This week saw Andrew Winter, Dennis Scott and I venturing to Hornsby Heights to meet Charlie and Stella, a couple with two growing daughters who were genuinely flummoxed as to why their much-loved home was garnering so little interest. Unfortunately, they’d also jumped the gun and purchased a new property closer to their daughter's high school.
Despite its charming location and unique features, their family home had been on the market for over three months without success. The task: to transform this dated home into a modern and appealing property by addressing its key shortcomings. This included a front that opened straight into the kitchen and an inaccessible laundry. Did I mention outside? Well, no, because that really isn’t my problem, but let’s just say that Dennis had his work cut out for him.
Selling Houses Hornsby Heights: moving a kitchen
The original kitchen was a major obstacle for buyers, awkwardly positioned and lacking space, which made it feel cramped and uninviting. I decided to move and open up the kitchen area to create a more functional and inviting space that would appeal to modern families.
Drawing inspiration from the home's natural surroundings, I chose cabinetry with a warm, natural finish to add a touch of elegance and warmth. The benchtops are crafted from a durable Caesarstone in White Attica, providing a sleek surface for cooking and entertaining, with fresh new white sink and tap from Blanco. This choice was made to ensure the kitchen was not only beautiful but also practical and easy to maintain.
To enhance the kitchen's functionality, I installed state-of-the-art appliances from Bosch, ensuring efficiency and style. The splashback features stunning handcrafted Zellige porcelain tiles, adding a contemporary touch while respecting the home's original character.
A large kitchen island serves as the centrepiece, offering ample space for meal preparation and casual dining, which is perfect for family gatherings. Dual Husk pendants from Beacon LIghting spotlight the zone in the open plan, and natural light floods the space through newly installed windows, with coverings from Wynstan creating a bright and inviting atmosphere that makes the home feel more spacious and welcoming.
“What I wanted to do is create a kitchen that just allows that view to sing. So choosing some really simple colours is key”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Seamless dining in Hornsby Heights, Selling Houses
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 larger windows, I enhanced the natural light and provided a beautiful view of the surrounding bushland.
This transformation ensures that the dining room is not just a place for meals but a central part of the home's social hub. I just love this warming, cosy colour on the feature wall, it’s Dulux Grecian Gold. Above, a Mele 1 squat pendant from Beacon lighting is a lovely touch, along with new art. The zone is defined by an Atrium Black Jute Polo rug from Flooring Xtra.
A simply luxurious living room renovation
In the living room, I focused on creating a sense of cohesion and openness. By using a calm, neutral colour scheme with feature walls paired with warm tones on the walls (its Dulux White on White throughout), I was able to blend the spaces together, making them feel larger and more inviting.
I chose light, modern furniture to make the room feel more spacious and brought in warm neutral tones and lots of texture. This approach not only made the living room more inviting but also ensured it was a comfortable space for family life, appealing to buyers looking for a home that supports both relaxation and socialising. Underfoot, the flooring is Ridgeline Mother of Pearl from Flooring Xtra, an affordable choice with a truly luxe look.
Accessing the laundry on Selling Houses Hornsby Heights
The laundry was in an awkward position accessed via the garage. Stella and Charlie couldn’t even reach it if a car was parked there! It was a large space adjacent to the kitchen. I simply knocked a door out to get a laundry that now doubles as a butler's pantry. New Laminex cabinetry, bigger windows to take in the rear aspect and a new benchtop made it fit for purpose.
Bedrooms transformed with styling
Upstairs, I transformed the former study into a proper bedroom, ensuring that the home now offers four functional bedrooms. This change was crucial in maximising the home's value and appeal, as buyers often prioritise the number of usable bedrooms. The master bedroom was updated with new carpet (Orsano Pumice from Flooring Xtra), features walls in relaxing Dulux Basketweave Beige and window dressings from Wynstan.
Clearing the clutter for a serene outdoor space
Dennis Scott was busy in the outdoor areas, clearing overgrown foliage and adding thoughtful landscaping to enhance the home's curb appeal. The changes to the deck were subtle and all that was necessary – simple styling changes to make it into an appealing barbecue area.
Elsewhere, steep front stairs were made more welcoming with a new concrete landing, and a steel awning was installed to modernise the entrance. These changes were essential in creating a positive first impression.
Selling Houses Hornsby Heights: did it sell?
Hornsby Heights is a family-friendly suburb with a strong community feel, offering excellent schools, shops and transport links. Charlie and Stella's home, a substantial four-bedroom, two-bathroom property, was initially listed at $1.7 million but failed to attract buyers due to its impractical layout and dated features. After our renovations, the house was revalued and successfully sold for $1.53 million, allowing Charlie and Stella to finally stop paying two mortgages!.
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Charlie and Stella contributed $100,000 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 Hornsby Heights. This investment was crucial in bridging the gap between the home's original state and the expectations of potential buyers.
