As this project was the renovation of my own 1920's bungalow, I had the unique opportunity to shape a brief informed equally by creative intent, our lifestyle, and what felt most appropriate for the home itself.

Having lived in the home for three years prior to renovation, we developed a deep appreciation for its warmth, craftsmanship and sense of comfort. Rich native timbers, original detailing and the home’s intuitive layout became the underpinnings of the project.
Rather than dramatically reworking the home, the approach became one of considered evolution, where our interventions would better support contemporary living and our social lifestyle. Practical upgrades to spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom were essential, having been heavily altered over time, each decision was driven by both functionality and aesthetic intent.

A layered and eclectic interior direction also formed an important part of the brief. We wanted our collections of art, furniture and curiosities to feel naturally at home within the spaces, requiring interiors that felt warm, expressive and lived-in rather than minimal or restrained. Essentially we needed to infuse our personalities into each space so that the resulting interior felt cohesive.
The brief was to achieve a balance – preserving heritage and character while gaining a renewed sense of relevance to us, and the modern world.

My response to the brief firstly, to improve the flow and functionality of the home through subtle spatial changes, including refinements to doorway positions or sizes and the kitchen and bathroom layouts. These changes enhanced connection between spaces, were considerate of entertaining and didn't compromise the intimacy and character of the original bungalow.
Careful study of the home and it's era led to many variations of the early design, always challenging myself on whether a decision was grounded in the brief and the homes heritage. So while the finished home feels honest and sympathetic, the real treats of the finished spaces are the bold design forward elements full or personality.

Finishes and fixtures were selected with clear intent – some reinforcing the home’s heritage through materiality and craftsmanship, including bandsawn timber flooring, aged brass window/door hardware and stripping back painted woodwork, all unified or restored to be in keeping with the original character. These were balanced with more contemporary additions, such as stainless steel finishes or contemporary light fittings, introducing contrast and supporting the layered, relaxed atmosphere central to the brief. This intent continues through finer detailing seen in the cabinetry and bathrooms, where finishing lines and decorative flourishes subtly reference the home’s 1920s era

A key strength is how the design supports multiple uses of the home’s small footprint . The main bathroom functions as a practical family bathroom day to day, while also feeling private and luxurious as a guest powder room when entertaining. Its considered layout conceals the shower and maximises storage, while special fixtures and a palette linked to the living spaces create intimacy.
Although the home has generous natural light, the curated interior experience is warm and enveloping. The design achieves this by embracing a unique, rich earth-toned palette that responds to the home’s character, opposed to typical bungalow renovations that maximise brightness by whitewashing the character.

Matt South, Matt South Designer – Spatial planning, interior design & selections, furnishings design & styling
Madeleine Grimshaw & Sam McCabe, Creative Arch – Architectural drafting & consenting

Westmere Bungalow_1 | Hallway, through dining & kitchen
Westmere Bungalow_2 | Dining, through hall & living
Westmere Bungalow_3 | Living
Westmere Bungalow_4 | Living
Westmere Bungalow_5 | Bathroom
Westmere Bungalow_6 | Bathroom
Westmere Bungalow_7 | Den
Westmere Bungalow_8 | Office
Westmere Bungalow_9 | Dressing Room
Westmere Bungalow_10 | Laundry

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