An Unusual Remodel And Extension Done To A Edwardian House from Australia

If this house looks unusual to you that’s because it is. As you can see, it has a modern overall aesthetic but it also has another distinctive vibe. That’s because it’s an Edwardian-style home which has been recently remodeled. As it’s often the case with a lot of old structures, getting them to fit into the contemporary vernacular while also preserving their original character is not easy. In this case it was up to architect Rebecca Naughtin to find the best design strategy.

The back of the house mimics the front but in a modern style
The back of the house mimics the front but in a modern style

The owners of the house wanted to update it and to fix some of the issues related to the previous remodel which was done back in the 1990’s in a faux Edwardian style. One of the most important aspects of the project was the desire to expand the house. However, the owners didn’t want to attach a modern annex to the back of the house as it’s commonly done. They wanted the addition to be almost imperceptible. 

The interior design is a blend of old and new and mixes the two styles in a pleasant manner
The interior design is a blend of old and new and mixes the two styles in a pleasant manner
the new living area is a large open space which integrates the seating area, kitchen and the dining room
the new living area is a large open space which integrates the seating area, kitchen and the dining room

You might be wondering where the new areas actually are because the house as a whole looks and feels very homogenous. You can catch a glimpse at them from the outside where you can see the outline of the roof and a section of the windows. These mark the new bedrooms which were added to the existing house. That allowed the original floor plan to be changed in order to better suite a modern lifestyle. 

The updated interior features a neutral and subdues palette of colors and finishes
The updated interior features a neutral and subdues palette of colors and finishes
The kitchen has a very clean and bright look thanks to the white built-in cabinetry
The kitchen has a very clean and bright look thanks to the white built-in cabinetry

At the back of the house a set of sliding glass doors were installed which allow the living area and the kitchen to connect with the deck and the outdoor areas. Here there’s also an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue area. Inside, the house is predominantly modern and has a clean and simple aesthetic. However you can still find remnants of the original style which keeps the heritage of the place alive. One notable example is the main bathroom which used to be a bedroom and still has the old fireplace. 

The front of the house preserves the heritage intact and had minimal changes done to it
The front of the house preserves the heritage intact and had minimal changes done to it
The backyard has an outdoor kitchen which in placed in the continuation of the indoor one
The backyard has an outdoor kitchen which in placed in the continuation of the indoor one
When the sliding doors are open, the living area extends seamlessly outside
When the sliding doors are open, the living area extends seamlessly outside
At the back of the house there's also a detached carport that's been added as part of the remodel project
At the back of the house there’s also a detached carport that’s been added as part of the remodel project
The new furniture has a modern vibe but is designed is a similar style to the original Edwardian furniture
The new furniture has a modern vibe but is designed is a similar style to the original Edwardian furniture
A wooden staircase leads up to the new areas which have been added
A wooden staircase leads up to the new areas which have been added
Upstairs there's a bedroom with a stylish and simple interior and access to an open balcony-like space
Upstairs there’s a bedroom with a stylish and simple interior and access to an open balcony-like space
The master bathroom used to be a bedroom and still has this beautiful Edwardian fireplace
The master bathroom used to be a bedroom and still has this beautiful Edwardian fireplace
The only sign that an extension has been added to the house is the subtle outline of the roof
The only sign that an extension has been added to the house is the subtle outline of the roof