Heritage features such as ornate ceilings, original mouldings, and traditional detailing were maintained, while modern design elements were introduced to enhance functionality.

Historic charm – modern presence

This interiors makeover of a 1920s Californian bungalow merges the charm of the original architecture with modern functionality and style – flow and sunshine are the winners

Historic charm – modern presence

This interiors makeover of a 1920s Californian bungalow merges the charm of the original architecture with modern functionality and style – flow and sunshine are the winners

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Designed by: Cate Liedtke, Catherine de Meur Interiors

Photography by: Pablo Veiga

Interiors by Catherine de Meur Interiors

From the interior designer:

The four-bedroom house, including an office, is situated to capture breathtaking harbour views, and the couple’s vision was to create a contemporary family home that maximised these views while preserving the home’s historical features.

The existing layout felt disconnected and closed off, so one of the main goals was to improve flow between key living spaces, particularly the kitchen, living, and dining areas.

 

In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered.
In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered.

Both owners wanted an open-plan design that would enhance connection and allow natural light to flood the home.

To achieve this, we removed walls between the living, kitchen, and dining rooms – creating a seamless transition between spaces.

The installation of bi-fold doors further strengthened the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing the harbour views to take centre stage and creating a feeling of expansiveness.

 

Black framed doors as functional design feature.
Black framed doors as functional design feature.

Preserving the home’s character was crucial.

Heritage features such as ornate ceilings, original mouldings, and traditional detailing were carefully maintained, while modern design elements were introduced to enhance functionality.

We also incorporated arches and widened doorways to improve flow while maintaining the integrity of the period architecture.

These thoughtful updates respected the home’s history while providing a contemporary edge.

 

The reinvented heart-of-the-home kitchen with marble-look splashback and panelled island.
The reinvented heart-of-the-home kitchen with marble-look splashback and panelled island.

In the master bedroom, we expanded the space to accommodate a prestigious wardrobe designed for the owners’ designer pieces, adding a touch of luxury to the room.

Additionally, we closed up a window and removed the flue from an old fireplace that extended through the bedroom to the downstairs fireplace, diverting the flue to maintain functionality downstairs.

These changes enhanced the bedroom’s spaciousness while maintaining a clean, modern look.

The colour palette was key to creating a calm, timeless aesthetic.

We selected soft, muted tones, centred around Dulux Summer Cloud and Spanish Olive, which complemented both the original features and the modern updates.

This palette brought a serene, cohesive feel to the home and allowed the natural light to enhance the sense of space.

 

Looking from the kitchen through the high archway to the dining area and dining table with rounded ends that echo the arch motif.
Looking from the kitchen through the high archway to the dining area.

Functionality was also at the heart of this renovation.

In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered.

This smart storage solution contributed to the clean, streamlined aesthetic while addressing the homeowners’ everyday needs.

The final result is a home that seamlessly blends old and new, preserving the charm of the 1920s bungalow while embracing the comforts of modern living.

 

The walk-in dressing room includes display shelving reminiscent of the living room display cabinetry while an exotic chandelier features above.
The walk-in dressing room includes display shelving reminiscent of the living room display cabinetry while an exotic chandelier features above.

The renovation not only fulfilled the couple’s brief but exceeded their expectations, creating a space that is functional, timeless, and perfect for family living and entertaining.

By thoughtfully balancing the home’s historical features with contemporary design elements, the project transformed the bungalow into a sanctuary that celebrates both its heritage and its stunning harbour location.

 

The reworked bathroom with freestanding character tub and eye-catching floor finish.
The reworked bathroom with freestanding character tub and eye-catching floor finish.

Search similar articles


Credit List

Interior/renovating designer
Cate Liedtke, Catherine de Meur Interiors
Builder
Whitlock Constructions
Kitchen designer
Catherine de Meur Interiors
Kitchen manufacturer
Farmers Doors
Bedroom flooring
Carpet
Rugs
Agra rug, in Haze, from Armadillo & Co
Main bathroom tiles
Tile Bazaar
Paint
Dulux Summer Cloud and Spanish Olive
Fireplace
Original
Lighting
Dining nook light – Rittenhouse Small Chandelier, in Antique Brass with white shade; kitchen pendant – Whitman Single Pendant, in Brass, from Coco Republic; master bedroom wardrobe chandelier – James Said, Visual Comfort
Living area furniture
Occasional chair – Spence & Lyda; coffee table – Casa Blanco; lounge suite – owners' own
Dining table /chairs
Dining nook – Dami dining table, from Casa Mia; Vega B Dining chair in Ash, BY De Le Espada, from Spence & Lyda; dining room – Black dining table, existing, from home owners; De Le Espada Elliot dining chair in walnut, from Spence & Lyda
Other
Study – De Le Espada Vega B Dining chair, in Walnut, from Spence & Lyda); kitchen – Aerin – Corvo ceramic large vase, from Becker Minty; footed bowl, by Tee McManus; Sketch Odd Upholstered Barstool, in Limestone Leather and Walnut, from Globewest; Rufus Contour Side Table, in Onyx Marble, from Globewest
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended

Interiors by Catherine de Meur Interiors

From the interior designer:

The four-bedroom house, including an office, is situated to capture breathtaking harbour views, and the couple’s vision was to create a contemporary family home that maximised these views while preserving the home’s historical features.

The existing layout felt disconnected and closed off, so one of the main goals was to improve flow between key living spaces, particularly the kitchen, living, and dining areas.

 

In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered.
In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered.

Both owners wanted an open-plan design that would enhance connection and allow natural light to flood the home.

To achieve this, we removed walls between the living, kitchen, and dining rooms – creating a seamless transition between spaces.

The installation of bi-fold doors further strengthened the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing the harbour views to take centre stage and creating a feeling of expansiveness.

 

Black framed doors as functional design feature.
Black framed doors as functional design feature.

Preserving the home’s character was crucial.

Heritage features such as ornate ceilings, original mouldings, and traditional detailing were carefully maintained, while modern design elements were introduced to enhance functionality.

We also incorporated arches and widened doorways to improve flow while maintaining the integrity of the period architecture.

These thoughtful updates respected the home’s history while providing a contemporary edge.

 

The reinvented heart-of-the-home kitchen with marble-look splashback and panelled island.
The reinvented heart-of-the-home kitchen with marble-look splashback and panelled island.

In the master bedroom, we expanded the space to accommodate a prestigious wardrobe designed for the owners’ designer pieces, adding a touch of luxury to the room.

Additionally, we closed up a window and removed the flue from an old fireplace that extended through the bedroom to the downstairs fireplace, diverting the flue to maintain functionality downstairs.

These changes enhanced the bedroom’s spaciousness while maintaining a clean, modern look.

The colour palette was key to creating a calm, timeless aesthetic.

We selected soft, muted tones, centred around Dulux Summer Cloud and Spanish Olive, which complemented both the original features and the modern updates.

This palette brought a serene, cohesive feel to the home and allowed the natural light to enhance the sense of space.

 

Looking from the kitchen through the high archway to the dining area and dining table with rounded ends that echo the arch motif.
Looking from the kitchen through the high archway to the dining area.

Functionality was also at the heart of this renovation.

In the living room, custom joinery provided built-in storage, ensuring the space remained practical for family living while feeling open and uncluttered.

This smart storage solution contributed to the clean, streamlined aesthetic while addressing the homeowners’ everyday needs.

The final result is a home that seamlessly blends old and new, preserving the charm of the 1920s bungalow while embracing the comforts of modern living.

 

The walk-in dressing room includes display shelving reminiscent of the living room display cabinetry while an exotic chandelier features above.
The walk-in dressing room includes display shelving reminiscent of the living room display cabinetry while an exotic chandelier features above.

The renovation not only fulfilled the couple’s brief but exceeded their expectations, creating a space that is functional, timeless, and perfect for family living and entertaining.

By thoughtfully balancing the home’s historical features with contemporary design elements, the project transformed the bungalow into a sanctuary that celebrates both its heritage and its stunning harbour location.

 

The reworked bathroom with freestanding character tub and eye-catching floor finish.
The reworked bathroom with freestanding character tub and eye-catching floor finish.

Search similar articles


Credit List

Interior/renovating designer
Cate Liedtke, Catherine de Meur Interiors
Builder
Whitlock Constructions
Kitchen designer
Catherine de Meur Interiors
Kitchen manufacturer
Farmers Doors
Bedroom flooring
Carpet
Rugs
Agra rug, in Haze, from Armadillo & Co
Main bathroom tiles
Tile Bazaar
Paint
Dulux Summer Cloud and Spanish Olive
Fireplace
Original
Lighting
Dining nook light – Rittenhouse Small Chandelier, in Antique Brass with white shade; kitchen pendant – Whitman Single Pendant, in Brass, from Coco Republic; master bedroom wardrobe chandelier – James Said, Visual Comfort
Living area furniture
Occasional chair – Spence & Lyda; coffee table – Casa Blanco; lounge suite – owners' own
Dining table /chairs
Dining nook – Dami dining table, from Casa Mia; Vega B Dining chair in Ash, BY De Le Espada, from Spence & Lyda; dining room – Black dining table, existing, from home owners; De Le Espada Elliot dining chair in walnut, from Spence & Lyda
Other
Study – De Le Espada Vega B Dining chair, in Walnut, from Spence & Lyda); kitchen – Aerin – Corvo ceramic large vase, from Becker Minty; footed bowl, by Tee McManus; Sketch Odd Upholstered Barstool, in Limestone Leather and Walnut, from Globewest; Rufus Contour Side Table, in Onyx Marble, from Globewest
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended

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