A simple attic conversion in Annandale on Selling Houses Australia
The task? Rather than renovate, it was about adding those essential finishing touches to the Selling Houses Annandale home. But did it sell?
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
This is a story about finishing touches. Sometimes, it’s not the big picture that’s the problem, as this charming little terrace in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Annandale demonstrates. The problem here was an overwhelming sense of just being unfinished. For good reason: Sean and Edwina, a resilient couple with three young children, were struggling. Their youngest daughter, Scout, had been battling a serious illness, a brain tumor discovered a few months after she was born, and the family needed to move to the South Coast of NSW for more space and a fresh start. They just didn’t have the time to give the house what it needed, and the long to-do list was deterring potential buyers. Our mission was to transform this unfinished renovation into a captivating family home that would attract eager buyers. Read on to find out what happened after the cameras stopped rolling on Selling Houses Australia.
A kitchen renovation in Annandale, Selling Houses
The original kitchen in the Annandale home was definitely a work in progress, with Sean and Edwina having started renovations but never quite finishing them. The kitchen, although spacious for a terrace, lacked some loving detail that would make it truly shine.
We decided to add a splash of personality with a handmade green tile backsplash (it’s Bricks Green Gloss Spanish Irregular Edge Porcelain Subway Tile 4415 from Tile Factory Outlet), which brought warmth and character to the space. The benchtops were updated with a beautiful white engineered stone, adding elegance and practicality. And the missing parts of the cabinetry were finished off with panels and kickboards from Ikea. Above the island, we brought in a Made by Mayfair Luella 1.5m LED Colour-Shifting Pendant in Black with Spanish Alabaster from Beacon Lighting.
“This was a beautiful kitchen with a great layout. It just needed an injection of style to make it truly sing!”~ Interior expert Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Living room interior design on Selling Houses Australia
To enhance the open-plan living area, we introduced a soft, calming colour palette with nature-inspired greens and whites. This not only brightened the space but also created a seamless flow from the kitchen to the living room. The addition of light, airy curtains and strategically placed lighting fixtures helped to accentuate the room's natural light, making it feel more inviting and spacious. Slimline furniture pieces from Lounge Lovers were size and scale appropriate for this lovely little terrace. Fresh curtains from Wynstan add that final touch of elegance. Artwork in this area and throughout this home is by Darren King, available from Art Lovers Australia.
The lovely living area on Selling Houses, restyled with slimline furniture pieces and a rug from Flooring Xtra.
Selling Houses Annandale: kids’ bedroom and attic conversion
Boy, did we have an idea for this bedroom! After immediately clocking the attic space used for storage, I knew we could exploit it to its full potential, and to include a clever way to access it while maximising space. The solution was to create a custom-built bunk bed with integrated stairs, providing easy access to the attic while maximising the use of space in the children's bedroom below. The bunks and stairs are made of MDF and ply and sized to suit single mattresses, and we also built in a desk and shelves under the stairs.
Upstairs in the attic, I included a railing around the stairs on the attic level (for added safety) and installed large Velux skylights to flood the attic with natural light, turning it into a bright and functional space. I chose Dulux Gentle Calm paint for the bedroom and carried it through to the attic for a sense of continuity. The attic is currently dressed as a playroom with lots of cute finds from Ikea and Adairs, which made sense for this family. But the beauty of it is that it’s a multifunctional space that can be repurposed for whatever needs its future family holds.
Completing the built-in laundry in Annandale
The built-in laundry was cleverly reconfigured to maximise space and functionality. The laundry was already built into the under-stair area, but the addition of custom cabinetry (internals are comprised of Laminex in Danish Walnut Chalk) and a sleek laminate benchtop – Laminex Figured Limestone in Natural with a square-edged finish – provided ample storage and workspace, making laundry day a breeze. Bosch laundry appliances were chosen for their sleek functionality and whisper quiet operation. The space was finished off with Kethy hardware. This thoughtful design not only improved the home's practicality but also added to its overall appeal.
Landscaper Dennis Scott transforms an urban garden
Dennis Scott took on the outdoor areas with flair, transforming the backyard into an entertainer's paradise. The existing decking was extended to create a spacious outdoor living area, complete with a sleek new awning for all-weather use. The garden was reimagined with lush, low-maintenance plants and a fresh lawn, providing a perfect play area for the kids. The addition of a stylish outdoor kitchen, featuring a bar fridge and barbecue, made this space ideal for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Isn’t it fab?!
Selling Houses Annandale: did it sell?
Annandale is a highly sought-after suburb, known for its leafy streets and charming terrace houses. Sean and Edwina's home, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property, was initially listed at $2 million but struggled to attract buyers due to its unfinished state. Despite the stunning transformation, the property did not sell on the show. The family simply had a lot going on, and instead decided to rent it out, providing them with a steady income while they relocated to the south coast to focus on Scout's recovery and enjoy more family time.
UPDATE: I am delighted to report that the Annandale home recently sold at auction! Edwina and Sean were over the moon to sell for $2.2 million! Such a beautiful ending for a family we all fell in love with, and we are so happy they are now completely free to enjoy their next chapter.
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Sean and Edwina contributed $75,000 towards the renovation, a significant investment that ultimately enhanced the home's appeal. This certainly was not a budget renovation. Although the property didn't sell, the transformation made it a desirable rental property, helping the family move forward with their plans.
