This large Californian Bungalow had good bones for its large family, with generous rooms and beautiful heritage details. However, it was also dark, dated, and not keeping up with everyone's needs. Rather than demolishing or rebuilding, a series of considered interventions transformed the layout by removing walls, reconfiguring communal spaces, and creating a compact ensuite for the main bedroom.

The home's historic fabric was preserved through curved timber panelling, ornate ceiling cornices and textured and stained glass, while old doors served as templates for new ones in the pantry and ensuite. What changed most throughout was the colour. From green on green to a lighter grey-green, the client's favourite colour moves through the home from front to back, lighting heritage joinery wherever possible. Soft grey oak joinery and timber flooring sit alongside without competing. Other materials were chosen to balance durability and aesthetics, such as leathered granite, terrazzo tile and painted timber veneer.

In this busy family home, the back door is used as much as the front. Removing a wall at the rear of the home created a large open family area with living, meals and kitchen flowing together, anchored by the walk-in pantry that doubles as a secondary kitchen for bigger gatherings. Two enclosed work-from-home studies and five bedrooms mean everyone has somewhere to land. However one enters, there is an immediate embrace of light, history and space to grow.