A family member has purchased her first home. Like most houses it has some positive features and several negatives. The good news is that the most important things, those that can’t be changed, are positives. The house is in a good suburb, it receives all-day sun and has water views. It also has a large reserve and playground close by and is located between the owner’s workplace and her horses.

From an interior designer’s viewpoint the work required to update this ex-rental is mostly cosmetic and labour intensive; fixing fences, filling in holes and painting. I would suggest enhancing the view by replacing the dining room window with a generous window seat. Drawers below with padded seating will give additional storage and increased glazing will improve the light and view.

There’s a large house across the street and this could be partially blocked by building a garage with a flat roof at the front of the house. This addition, adjoining the conservatory, would give single car covered parking with an exterior entertainment space above. The rectangular addition with a flat roof, strategically placed potted plants, an indoor/outdoor rug and floor cushions would be perfect for an outdoor theatre. Invite friends to bring a bottle, a plate and a rug and they could enjoy their favourite movies under the stars.

Thank you,
Betty