Love where you live but feel it could use a refresh? Whether it’s the charm of the neighbourhood, the sense of community, or just the comfort of familiarity, your home deserves an update to match your lifestyle today. 

When our clients approached us back in 2022, they were in this exact situation. They were keen to establish a home in a family-oriented community that would serve them and their young family. Their home was previously part of an early award-winning development with the Victorian Government. While it offered a large home, separate studio, double garage, good location and great schools, the home was beginning to show its age, at almost 22 years since the original build. The bathrooms were dated, the kitchen was too small for a family of 5, and the home had general wear and tear, both internally and externally.  

With plans from an architect, the home underwent a full renovation, adding an extra bedroom and study. Like many people, they assumed they would be able to hire a builder and make their selections along the way.  Unfortunately, this is a common misconception, and people often visit 2-3 showroom before feeling overwhelmed and confused about the number of decisions they need to make. This prompted our clients to reach out for help. We were brought in during the framing stages of their build, to assist with the many selections they would need to consider with each space. We worked with them on all areas, from skirting boards, finishes, kitchen, bathroom, and internal joinery design. We worked with our clients to identify any opportunities to improve flow throughout the home. 

Exterior Finishes 

When living in a community development such as this, sometimes it can be hard to create distinguishing factors which reflect our clients. Colour selection was important to making sure the exterior of their house still fit with the rest of the streetscape. The star of the show was the oversized pivot front door custom made for these clients in solid oak.  

Interior Finishes 

Preferring a contemporary coastal style for their home, we opted for soft greys, fresh whites, linear profiles and contrasting gunmetal as the metallic element. Our flooring selections included warm engineered timber boards, and loop wool carpet. We used VJ wall panelling, profiled doors, and custom cabinetry, which leaned into the coastal style. Small details like the beautiful custom handrail, and the gunmetal grey hardware and taps throughout helped the space feel clean and contemporary. 

Quality and performance of products was a key focus for our clients – they wanted their spaces to look good, but with 3 little boys and a puppy, they wanted their spaces to also stand up to the rough play and day to day comings and goings of a busy family. 

Bringing the Spaces to Life 

With the build already underway, we had to work quickly with decisions so early on. We opted to collaborate with a 3D visualiser who could bring the spaces to life for our clients. Our clients were instantly provided with an understanding of the spaces we would create for them, and could see how the materials and colour palette worked together. These visuals were invaluable and provided a clear roadmap for the way forward. 

3D visualisation: @payaldasanistudio

Open Plan Space 

We focused on creating a multifunctional open-plan space for cooking, entertaining, and playtime within view of the parents. With a fully enclosed yard and alfresco area, the clients wanted seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Storage was crucial, so we incorporated compartments for toys, books, shoes, and schoolbags. We ultimately designed a large kitchen with built-in bench seating for both kids and entertaining. Additionally, we added a mudroom with fun hooks and closed storage above and below. 

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AFTER

Bathroom and Laundry Designs 

The bathrooms, while simple, were a highlight in this home. They really brought together the feeling of coastal calm with beautiful organic tiles, paired with the contemporary gunmetal fittings and fixtures.  

Our client’s ensuite was by far their favourite room. It featured a stunning mosaic, custom cabinetry, and a double shower with a skylight overhead.  While the allocated laundry space was small, we managed to keep it light and bright, including all of the necessities.  

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AFTER

Study Areas

Catering for a young family with lots of homework to come, our client was keen to create study nooks and we fitted out a generous space on the landing at the top of the stairs. We designed a custom desk, shelving and included an acoustic pinboard for noise control. 

Bedrooms

Soft luxe wool carpets and custom wardrobes were added to each bedroom. TLC added furniture pieces , layered bedding and soft window treatments to create the sanctuary feel in the spaces. 

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AFTER

The End Result

The home came together beautifully and just as our clients intended. They have continued to enjoy their new spaces now better suited to their needs and lifestyle.  

Guiding Our Clients Through The Design And Build Process 

At MCID, we understand designing and renovating a home is a complex and multifaceted project that requires great teamwork, a solid process and open and honest communication along the way. We work collaboratively with your build team, ensuring we stay ahead of the decisions, so our clients feel in control and engaged the whole way through.  

Let us help you transform your space into a home you’ll love.  

Book in a free Discovery Call to get started!  

DESIGN MCID + TLC Interiors
3D VISUALISATION Payal Dasani Studio
PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanie Rooney