Let’s face it: this townhouse wasn’t exactly falling apart. It had good bones, a decent layout, and some space to work with. But it was also wearing a wardrobe that screamed "safe developer chic"—aka, dutifully uncontroversial, beige, and not exactly winning any style awards.
The plan was never to tear it all down and start from scratch. The client wasn’t asking for a total overhaul—just a fresh facelift to breathe some life into multiple spaces. Budget became the real boss here, though, so some of the more ambitious ideas had to take a back seat. But here’s the thing: even with a more restrained scope, we could still deliver a movie worthy makeover montage.
The original concept focused on a quiet luxury, neutral palate that had Japandi DNA
Minimalist Magic is the result—a home that’s calm, beautiful, and modern with just enough wow factor to make it feel like it’s been totally reimagined.
The Kitchen & Butler’s Pantry: From Standard to Stunning
The kitchen was already functional and to be honest, in pretty good nick, but it needed a little pazazz to elevate it. Enter Navurban White Mountain Oak and Taj Mahal Quartzite stone to add warmth and sophistication, giving it the modern luxe feel it deserved. The butler’s pantry went from a dark, cramped afterthought to a light, functional extension of the kitchen. Now, it’s not just about function—it’s also a part of the show.
The Dining Room: Storage with Style
Nobody ever says, “I wish my dining room had more bland cupboards.” Instead, we took those storage needs and turned them into statement pieces with curved Mountain Oak panels and silk 2pac fluted doors flanking each side of the main entry like stylish sentinels. It’s both practical and eye-catching—a subtle yet bold way to transform a space.
The Living Space: A Modern Makeover
The original TV entertainment area was just... there. Ok but a little dark and brooding like an emo teenager. But now? It's the heart of the room, thanks to a new gas fireplace, modern cabinetry, and curved Venetian plaster walls that add a soft, tactile texture. The statement sconces? Just the right touch of luxe. This space is no longer just functional—it’s designed.
The Main Suite: Walk-In Robe Meets Walk-In Wow
The walk-in robe was less of a walk-in and more of a “quickly hustle through to the ensuite.” We fixed that by creating a more thoughtful transition, making it feel like part of the main suite, not an scrappy thoroughfare. The ensuite makeover is where we really brought the luxury—Grigio Orsola tiles and a bespoke vanity crowned with dramatic Rosso Levanto marble make the space feel more like a personal spa. Oh, and did we mention the new skylight and raised ceilings? Suddenly, it's bright, airy, and luxury all the way.
The Challenges: High Taste on a Tight Budget
Let’s talk budget for a sec. My client has impeccable taste and knows quality materials when she sees them. Lovely, but we’re not out of the woods yet—this project is currently undergoing some “budget engineering” (yes, a dreadfully complicated term for “can we make it cheaper”) to revisit a few of those very expensive material options. While we’re making smart choices and prioritising where the impact will be greatest, the goal is still the same: luxury without the luxury price tag. Watch this space.
The Takeaway: Magic is in the Details
What’s the takeaway here? It’s simple. You don’t need to gut a house to create something special. By rethinking how spaces are used and prioritising key design elements, we turned a perfectly fine townhouse into a dream beachside home. Minimalist? Yes. Magical? Absolutely.
