A renovation rescue in Harrington Park on Selling Houses Australia
We were called on to make a dated 1990s home in Harrington Park a modern marvel to compete with the new builds in the area. But did it sell?
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
This is a story about transformation. Sometimes, it’s not just about adding new features but about reimagining the space to meet modern expectations. Diane, our homeowner, found herself in a bind after purchasing a new home before selling her current one. With a bridging loan looming over her, she needed to sell her six-bedroom house quickly and for a good price. The challenge was to make this really large, somewhat dated home appealing to buyers who might otherwise be drawn to newer properties. To do that, it needed oodles of character and a LOT of styling – not to mention a serious kitchen update!
Harrington Park Selling Houses kitchen transformation
The original kitchen in Diane’s home was small and uninspiring, especially for a house of its size. To create a more inviting and functional space, we decided to knock down a wall, expanding the kitchen into the adjacent room. This allowed us to install a luxurious custom kitchen with a sleek bank of integrated appliances and a central island perfect for entertaining. We chose a warm terracotta tile with a blush undertone for the splashback (Bricks Mattone matt Spanish porcelain subway tiles from Tile Factory Outlet), adding a touch of elegance and warmth. The new layout not only improved functionality but also created a seamless flow into the dining and living areas.
Now for the details. Deep breath: The lower cabinets are in Dulux White Beach half, upper cabinets in Basketweave Beige with gorgeous large Kethy handles (L866) adding functional adornment. The Blanco Village Farmhouse single sink is a favourite touch, set into benchtops in Caesarstone Brillianza, from its crystalline-silica-free-collection. A trio of Fjord drop pendants in Clay from Beacon LIghting are gorgeous overhead, while underfoot, I chose Limestone White anti-slip rectified porcelain tiles. The appliances are all Bosch.
“Alongside this kitchen, Diane’s much-longed for butler’s pantry became a reality, with all the same fixtures and finishes and splash of Laminex Danish Walnut finish on the shelves. I really loved this transformation”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Harrington Park living room interior design on Selling Houses Australia
To enhance the living spaces, we introduced a soft, earthy colour palette that complemented the new kitchen. The addition of large, neutral rugs from Flooring Xtra (Serenade Ezra) helped to soften the dark flooring, creating a more inviting atmosphere. We also updated the lighting with warm, intimate pendant lights from Beacon Lighting, adding a touch of luxury. The furniture was carefully selected to match the scale of each room, ensuring comfortable and stylish living areas. In the formal living space, a sleek mid-century inspired sideboard, generous ‘Stella’ sofas and a round coffee table, all from Lounge Lovers, made a huge difference.
The casual living area was more laid back, with pieces also from Lounge Lovers with a softer vibe – a modular ‘Long Beach’ couch and small timber furniture pieces completed the look. The result was a homely yet sophisticated space that buyers could easily envision themselves living in.
Selling Houses Harrington Park: master bedroom
Upstairs, the master bedroom was given a fresh look with new sheers and a calming colour scheme with a feature wall in Dulux Basketweave Beige. We focused on creating a serene retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The downstairs bedroom was transformed into a functional home office, catering to the growing demand for work-from-home spaces. This clever use of space added value to the home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Both rooms were furnished by Lounge Lovers.
Completing an outdoor transformation in Harrington Park
The outdoor area was a key selling point, and Dennis Scott wanted to make the most of it. The existing spa, which had become a haven for birds, was removed to make way for a stylish outdoor lounge setting. We painted the back fence a modern charcoal tone and added new plants to soften the space. The old awning was replaced with a sleek new structure, providing shade and creating a perfect spot for entertaining. This transformation turned the backyard into an inviting oasis, ideal for family gatherings and relaxation.
Selling Houses Harrington Park: did it sell?
Harrington Park is a desirable suburb with larger block sizes and family-friendly amenities. Diane’s home, with its six bedrooms and multiple living areas, was initially listed at $1.5 million. After the renovation, the property was revalued, and the potential sale price increased significantly. The transformation made the home a strong competitor against newer builds, and Diane was able to list it with confidence. The good news: the house sold for $1.4 million dollars!
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Diane contributed $100,000 towards the renovation, a significant investment that ultimately enhanced the home's appeal. With that budget, we could make a big difference in one of those really expensive rooms to update: the kitchen. Our sponsors contributed products, and Dennis and my time is on top, too – meaning that yes, our homeowners do get more for their money than most.
