Why I Renovate

I believe every Australian can have a home to be proud of by getting handy… But what’s so captivating about the process of renovating?

I’ve put some thought into the philosophy of ‘doing it yourself’ and have come up with eight reasons why it’s rewarding.

“If the definition of renovate is to restore something old to good condition, to revive and refresh one’s spirits, then renovating should absolutely be uplifting.”

— Natasha

RENOVATING IS… ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSIDERATE

Our humble weatherboard began as a tiny fibre-cement shack in the 1960s and expanded over the years with clunky results, odd-sized bedrooms, a bathroom without a window and dysfunctional kitchen. But it’s structurally solid and nestled in bushland, surrounded by wildlife. 

> The key to improving the daily experience of living here is to keep it empathetic to the surrounds by making choices such as eliminating the need for air conditioning so we always hear the distant sound of the sea and changing the front door so there’s no need to take keys on walks.

RENOVATING IS… AN EVERYDAY DELIGHT

A comfy home is all about quality of life – navigating smoothly through zones, with efficient temperature control, good lighting, space for privacy, decent storage, easy cleaning… 

> I like to work with what has stood the test of time, rather than ruthlessly tearing it down to start again. Taking on one room at a time to make a few changes has given me time to develop DIY skills to improve the house as a whole. Installing a new floor then moving the fireplace and upgrading to one with a lighter footprint has ensure this area is toasty in winter but feels cool and bright in summer.

RENOVATING IS… A TEST OF STRENGTH 

Home improvement isn’t just about grand extensions, glamorous butler’s pantries or high-tech media retreat. 

> I find nothing more rewarding than rolling up my sleeves to spruce up a home to make life more comfortable, sustainable, tidier and easier on the bills. See how I knocked out a wall to move a bedroom door and build a wardrobe. 

RENOVATING IS… CREATING A VIBE

Considering the function of a space and how furniture, homewares and art integrates with it helps create a place I want to come back to. 

> I imagine every scenario of how life is lived in a room, breaking down the elements into what is essential and what isn’t. For this small but sweet retreat, I built a low bedhead with integrated shelves and wall-mounted lights to eliminate the need for bedside cabinets. A fan improves airflow and a customised built-in robe adds tucked-away storage. 

PHOTOGRAPHY Cath Muscat STYLING Matilda Roberts

RENOVATING IS… A DOMINO EFFECT

How one DIY job affects another – and scheduling them in a manageable order – is the key to being able to cohabit with an in-progress renovation. I relish working out all the little details.  

> I start with what needs to be removed, such as the old kitchen joinery. Then plan for the big things that need to be added, in the most logical order, such as assembling the flat-pack cabinets and laying new flooring. Then I plan the finishes, beginning with paint and ending with features like  timber display shelves for coffee cups used every day.

RENOVATING IS… SPACE-MAKING

Most Australian homes built a few decades ago have a tiny bedroom. To prevent it from being a dumping ground for household stuff, I replaced the door with a sliding door cavity to increase the usable floorplan. I clad the side in timber to create a beautiful feature. It’s now a great home office.

> Looking at the big picture helps turn small and dysfunctional into well-designed and functional while increasing space – and the property value.

RENOVATING IS… TRANSFORMING

Who doesn’t get a kick out of a great before and after?

> When you see how this outdoor living area started out – and how I used simple DIY deck-building system to completely change it – you’ll agree.

RENOVATING IS… ABOUT THE TOOLS (of course!) 

My renovating journey began with this childhood memory…

‘I’m in my father’s workshop, playing in the wood shavings on the cool floor, dust dancing in the sunlight streaming through the window, the warm scent of timber enveloping. Dad bangs away at the workbench while I keep rhythm with a kid-size hammer, knocking in tiny nails and frustrated that my bits of wood don’t stay together like his do.’

> Fast-forward through the decades to my own workshop and the knowledge that I was missing clamps and an impact driver. It’s always been about the tools! Check out my current workshop.

I originally wrote a variation of this story for Better Homes & Gardens ‘Before-and-After’ one-off magazine, where I was honoured to share some of my DIY renovating projects.