Eight great reno ideas from a Carlton North terrace

Renovating terrace houses, particularly the grand old double-storey ones found in older suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne, presents a unique set of challenges due to their historical nature and often narrow, dark layouts. This guide, featuring insights from builder Daniel Mazzei of Mazzei Homes and architect Katrina Malyn of Design Projector, provides seven key tips to navigate the renovation process effectively, especially when dealing with heritage overlays. One crucial aspect is increasing natural light, as terrace houses are typically dark and narrow. Strategies include installing skylights and lightwells, and innovatively placing windows. For single-storey terraces, skylights can brighten entryways and even run the length of hallways. Two-storey terraces can benefit from large floor-to-ceiling windows at stairwell landings to illuminate both floors. When incorporating such windows, frosted glass is recommended to maintain privacy. Another significant tip is to strip back and open up the traditional floorplan. Terrace homes often feature long, narrow passages with segmented rooms, including cramped galley kitchens. To achieve a more open-plan feel, consider removing internal pillars to combine front rooms and opening the rear of the property to integrate the kitchen, living, and informal dining areas. For Victorian terraces, where kitchens are often half the width of the lot, extending to the boundary can create a spacious informal dining area. Maximizing small outdoor spaces is also vital for inner-city terrace living, where large yards are rare. The use of varied materials, textures, and colors can draw attention away from the limited space. Recommendations include diverse outdoor flooring finishes, textured walls, slatted timber cladding, laser-cut screens, and potted plants of various shapes and sizes. Features like small fire pits or water features can create a sense of movement. Vertical gardens or fast-growing vines on trellises can introduce greenery in space-constrained areas. Maintaining continuity in finishes and surfaces is essential to seamlessly blend new extensions with the original structure. Avoiding stark contrasts between old and new sections creates a natural flow. This can be achieved by echoing certain period features into new additions, such as decorative skirting and molding. Using the same floor finishes, lighting, moldings, cornices, and skirting boards throughout the home helps to synchronize the renovated spaces. A cohesive color scheme, such as all-over white walls, can unite old and new elements, or bold colors can be experimented with if similar tones are referenced in furnishings. Creating a palette of textures is important for decorating the often cramped interiors. Instead of numerous ornaments, different surface paints can be used on walls. Polished renders reflect light, while rough textures work well with oblique lighting. When using a rich texture palette, restraining color to a neutral scheme is advised. If incorporating many objects, such as pots, maintaining a single color for them ensures coordination. Enhancing indoor-outdoor flow is key, despite it not being a feature of 19th-century designs. French or bi-fold doors connecting living areas to outdoor spaces can bring the outdoors in. If outdoor spaces are intended for entertaining, strategically placing the kitchen near back doors allows for gas-strut window serveries or easy flow between indoor and outdoor kitchen areas. Finally, thoroughly researching heritage overlays is paramount. Early awareness of restrictions prevents wasted planning efforts and potential design clashes with council regulations. This is particularly crucial for extensions, as the visual impact from the street is a significant factor in council approval processes. #TerraceHouseRenovation #NaturalLight #OpenPlanLiving #OutdoorSpaceDesign #HeritageOverlay #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovationTips

The article details a Brooklyn homeowner's experience renovating the neglected back terrace of his 1882 Bed-Stuy brownstone. This project, undertaken during the pandemic, transformed the outdoor space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing extension of the home, specifically connected to the kitchen via a NanaWall glass folding-door system. The renovation addressed an initial oversight from the main house renovation, where budget constraints prevented the terrace from being updated. The project exceeded its initial $15,000 budget by about 50 percent, a common occurrence in renovations. This 'project scope creep' included additions like a mini-fridge, which necessitated dedicated electrical wiring and extra outlets for outdoor lighting and electronics, adding approximately $1,000 to costs. Despite the increased expense, the author notes the high value of outdoor space in New York City, especially post-pandemic, citing a real estate broker's estimation that the new terrace could increase the home's market value by $75,000, suggesting a significant return on investment. A key design choice was the installation of hardwood floating deck tiles from DeckWise, specifically 20-inch-square ipe tiles costing $3,000. This floating system offers a sleek, high-end look and practical benefits, as tiles can be easily lifted to address potential leaks, a past issue for the home. While the diagonal arrangement of these tiles to mimic the kitchen's parquet floor added about $1,000 in labor costs for intricate cuts, it enhanced the visual integration of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Other small design changes, such as replacing concrete finials with bluestone caps and simplifying the railing design, contributed to a more refined aesthetic, allowing the railing to recede and providing functional surfaces for entertaining. The use of natural hardwood tiles, while visually appealing and matching the interior floors, requires annual cleaning and sealing to maintain their rich color, unlike lower-maintenance synthetic decking materials. A significant splurge was a $10,000 professional-grade DCS gas grill and matching fridge. The grill, built with heavy-duty stainless steel, is durable enough for year-round outdoor exposure and includes features like built-in LEDs and a rotisserie burner. The accompanying soapstone countertop on the fridge provides a useful work surface. To enhance privacy from neighboring terraces, the renovation included built-in planters, clad in the same ipe tiles as the deck. These planters, filled with ornamental grasses, flowering plants, and evergreen shrubs by a garden expert, create a living privacy screen that adds year-round color and interest. The total cost for the plantings was about $700. Given the south-facing orientation of the terrace, shade was a crucial consideration. An automated awning, featuring Para Tempotest fabric with a striped pattern, was installed to provide protection from the sun, making the space usable during hot summer months. The awning also serves as a design element, with its fabric matching the chaise lounge cushions. Storage solutions were incorporated with a five-foot-long storage bench, faced with ipe deck tiles, situated under the NanaWall window. This bench provides a discreet space for gardening tools, cleaning supplies, and other items, reducing clutter and offering additional seating for guests. Finally, the homeowner emphasized the importance of proper scale for outdoor furniture. Collaborating with RH Interior Design, which offered free consultations, led to the selection of a 48-inch round dining table, an appropriate size for the space and family's needs, paired with existing antique chairs and a matching chaise lounge. The furniture cost approximately $4,000. The renovation's most profound lesson was the enhanced connection to nature, even when indoors, demonstrating the terrace's successful integration as an extension of the living space. #TerraceRenovation #BrownstoneLiving #OutdoorSpaceDesign #NYCRealEstate #HomeImprovement #DesignArchitecture #FloatingDeckTiles #OutdoorKitchen #GardenDesign

This article details the deep retrofit and extension project of an Edwardian mid-terrace house in Oxford, spearheaded by Sow Space, an environmentally conscious architecture firm. The primary goal was to significantly reduce the property's energy consumption and enhance its thermal performance, transforming a typically dark, narrow, cold, and damp Edwardian home into a bright, warm, and energy-efficient living space. Additionally, the homeowner sought to better connect the internal living areas with the garden and maximize natural light. Sow Space utilized Archicad software to visualize the design process, creating 3D images and walk-throughs that allowed the homeowner to clearly see proposed changes, including the demolition of the sunroom to open up the rear of the property. This tool was crucial for explaining design details and material choices, particularly for changes like internal demolitions. Sustainability was a core focus of the project. Wood fibre insulation was chosen for its low embodied carbon and high thermal mass, which contributes to consistent indoor temperatures year-round and reduces the retrofit's carbon footprint. Triple-glazed timber windows further enhanced thermal performance. A notable challenge involved preserving the Edwardian aesthetic of the street-facing facade. To address this, internal insulation was applied to the front elevation, minimally altering the exterior, while external insulation was used on the side and back. An air source heat pump was installed as a modern, energy-efficient heating solution. Internally, efforts were made to retain original decorative features such as fireplaces, cornices, and picture rails, with Archicad assisting in visualizing how modern interventions would respectfully integrate with these period elements. The new kitchen incorporated natural and recycled materials, glue-free joints, and ultra-low VOC paint. Reclaimed bricks from the original structure were repurposed to create a new herringbone brick patio, showcasing a commitment to material reuse. The project included a rigorous measurement and monitoring phase. Sow Space conducted an environmental design report before commencing work to predict the energy performance impact of various retrofit activities, using Archicad for accurate dimensional data. Monthly energy meter readings, thermal imaging, and temperature/relative humidity monitoring established baseline performance. Post-retrofit, these tests were repeated, and data was compared. The results demonstrated an 88% reduction in heating and hot water use and an 82% reduction in overall energy consumption, leading to substantial financial savings for the occupants. Relative humidity levels now fall within the optimal 40-60% range, and summer overheating is minimal, staying below 2%. The yearly energy consumption per square meter decreased by 83.2%, achieving performance levels comparable to both LETI and Passivhaus standards for existing buildings. The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the blend of original Edwardian character and modern, green renovations. #EdwardianTerrace #DeepRetrofit #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableDesign #ThermalPerformance #Archicad #WoodFibreInsulation #AirSourceHeatPump #BuildingFabricUpgrade

The article showcases five home remodeling projects in Northern Virginia that emphasize maximizing outdoor living spaces, transforming backyards into extensions of indoor living areas for relaxation and entertainment. Each project highlights a unique approach to outdoor design, demonstrating how creative solutions can enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. One featured project, by designer Alex Deringer, transformed a 2-acre parcel of land attached to her historic Alexandria farmhouse into a multitiered landscaped oasis. This extensive remodel included a swimming pool, a tennis court, and multiple patios. Deringer aimed to expand her family's indoor living space outdoors, ensuring the new areas matched the comfort and style of her home. The design, executed in collaboration with landscape architect Susanne Fyffe, incorporates tiered patios, an above-ground pond, a grapevine-covered dining pergola, and a stacked-stone outdoor fireplace. These distinct zones provide versatile gathering spots for dining, lounging, and socializing, furnished with colorful textiles, vintage pieces like ceramic elephant garden stools, and an antique armillary sphere. Another project by Andrea Maaseide of Casa Millie in Vienna focused on creating a "dreamy dining" space. The primary goal was to establish an exterior dining area capable of accommodating alfresco meals with family and friends. Maaseide strategically located the dining spot adjacent to the home's kitchen to ensure seamless flow and functionality, connected by sliding glass doors. The area features Virginia flagstone flooring and a motorized louvered pergola by Equinox, allowing for enjoyment regardless of weather conditions. The decor maintains a quiet palette to direct focus to the natural surroundings, with a long, narrow dining table seating up to 10 people, and flexibility to add more tables for larger gatherings of up to 20. Erin Tripodi of Erin Tripodi Design, based in Arlington, contributed to a "pristine porch" project as part of a larger house renovation. This screened-in porch, adjacent to the primary suite, offers private wooded views. Its design includes a white tray ceiling with a tongue-and-groove finish and a central fan. A rectilinear stone chimney incorporates an integrated flatscreen TV and a wood-burning fireplace, providing comfort and entertainment. Motorized screens allow the space to be fully opened to the outdoors. The porch is furnished with a weather-resistant faux wicker sectional and matching armchairs centered around a planked wood table. Neutral tones are accented with blue-green throw pillows, chosen to complement the woodland views and maintain focus on nature. Kevin Kurdziolek of Pristine Acres designed a custom 1,620-square-foot pool house and garage, with interiors decorated by Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors. This project aimed to create a detached structure with significant functionality to elevate the clients' indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The pool house features retractable screens for insect protection, sun shading, and weather control, allowing it to fully open to an infinity-edge swimming pool. It is divided into a kitchen and dining area, and a lounging area, separated by a built-in bar with a stone veneer base. The lounging area boasts a four-sided gable roof design that functions as both a structural and decorative element, defining the open-plan space. Additional features include a wood-burning fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen, and marble countertops. The furnishings adopt a contemporary, coastal-inspired style with a neutral palette and natural textures, creating an ideal setting for large summer gatherings. Finally, Tracy Schlegel and Kelcey Huff of Waterlily Interiors transformed a previously functionless walkway into a "catchy cabana" in McLean. Building on an existing mosaic circular medallion in the flooring, they selected a ceiling-mounted, coconut-beaded light fixture to evoke island vibes. The design incorporates a built-in wall of open cubbies, crafted by BOWA, for storing pool essentials like towels, floaties, and sunscreen. These cubbies feature white beadboard backing, brass hooks, and a wood-topped bench seat for contrast and a nautical feel. While maintaining a neutral palette consistent with the main house, the cabana's personality is enhanced with a textured grasscloth wallpaper in a tropical beachy pattern. These five remodels collectively illustrate diverse and effective strategies for transforming outdoor spaces into valuable and enjoyable extensions of the home. #HomeRemodeling #OutdoorLiving #NorthernVirginiaHomes #LandscapeDesign #PoolHouse #ScreenedPorch #OutdoorDining #BackyardRenovation