Embracing the location in Ballina on Selling Houses Australia
This house in Ballina on Selling Houses Australia had a fun architectural vibe, but ignored its canal-side location. Can we maximise its potential?
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
Welcome to Ballina! This serene coastal town in northern New South Wales was the scene of our latest renovation, where siblings Alison, Ian, and Christine were eager to sell their parents' architecturally unique home, which had been their dream retirement spot. The devastating floods of 2022 changed plans: their elderly parents instead wanted to move closer to them in Sydney but the house, stuck in a 1990s time warp, was struggling to attract buyers. With a focus on maximising the stunning waterfront location, I worked with a modest budget to transform the interiors.
Selling Houses Ballina kitchen transformation
The original kitchen was tucked away in a corner, disconnected from the living space and the beautiful water views. I decided to reconfigure the layout, transforming the kitchen into a central hub that embraced the open-plan living area. By removing non-load-bearing walls, we created a spacious, sociable kitchen with a stunning island bench. I chose luxurious hard surfaces in soft neutrals, complemented by pendant lighting (two Amici 1 Light Pendants in Aged Brass with pleated white linen shades from Beacon Lighting) for a touch of intimacy. Walls are painted in Dulux Beige Royal Half.
We went with Bosch for those essential new appliances, which included a Series 8 Flex Induction cooktop, built-in oven with added steam function, built-in oven with microwave, integrated rangehood, integrated dishwasher and Series 6 built-in fridge-freezer. Sinks and taps are the Blanco Pleon 8 White sink and Linus-S White tap. For internals, I chose Blum 110 Standard hinges and Legrabox for the drawers, with a handle-free design.
“The new design not only enhanced functionality but also made the kitchen a focal point for entertaining and family gatherings.”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Ballina Selling Houses living spaces lightened and brightened
The living areas were dominated by hard, cold surfaces that felt unwelcoming. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I painted the walls in stunning Dulux Beige Royal Half with a feature wall in Caramel Sunday by Dulux. I also introduced laminate flooring from Flooring Xtra in driftwood tones, which added a sense of warmth and elegance. The newly open-plan layout allowed natural light to flood the space, highlighting the beautiful water views. I also added soft furnishings and window treatments to combat the hard angles of the architecturally designed property, and a trio of differently shaped Tamarind Handcrafted Linen Shades in Ivory from Beacon Lighting. The transformation was remarkable, turning a once clinical space into a cosy and inviting haven.
Master bedroom budget renovation tips
The master bedroom was transformed into a tranquil retreat with new warm carpets and a soothing neutral colour palette. I chose wool Lake Malawi Creek Blend carpet in a smooth beach tone from Flooring Xtra, which added a sense of elegance and comfort. The new design highlighted the room's natural light and created a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
How to renovate a family bathroom
The family bathroom (not pictured) was a time capsule from the 1990s, with dated fixtures and an awkward layout. I opted for a complete overhaul, choosing large format tiles in a calming horizontal texture to create a sense of space and luxury. The new design featured a beautiful corner Bao Bon bath, a sleek shower with a simple glass blade, a Indigo Cali II Raised Height Universal Rimless toilet suite and a vanity with curved edges (it was the Timberline Santos Dockland fluted wall hung vanity) all from The Blue Space. Tapware, mixers and towel rails and holders were all from the Indigo Alisa range in Chrome, are also available from The Blue Space.
Landscape gardener Dennis Scott’s take on the outdoors on Selling Houses Ballina
Dennis was able to transform this desolate quarry into a lush, inviting entrance. He introduced a new lawn, consistent planting, and a freshly painted roof to enhance the home's curb appeal. In the backyard, he cleared overgrown vegetation to open up the stunning water views and replaced the old pavers with turf, creating a seamless connection to the canal. The new glass pool fence allowed for uninterrupted views, making the outdoor space a true extension of the living area.
Selling Houses Ballina sale price
Ballina is a lovely coastal town known for its relaxed lifestyle and stunning waterfront properties. Alison, Ian, and Christine's parents’ home, a unique architecturally designed property, had dated interiors and lack of connection to the water. After the transformation, the home was revalued and successfully sold for $1,234,000, allowing the family to move forward with their lives and enjoy their new home in Sydney! Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic project!
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
The siblings contributed $70,000 towards the renovation. This money is definitely put towards the update, although it can’t cover the complete cost. Lots of the expense is picked up by our sponsors, with the majority of the money going towards labour and non-sponsored items. Dennis and my labour also comes without a price tag!
