The colour-filled family home renovations that took hard work, sacrifice and emotions
By Heather Nette King
Pops of brilliant colour make this family home a warm and welcoming place.
“The kitchen bench faces the backyard, a design feature we mimicked from the original house,” says Sarah Auld. “My uncle, Martin, made the dining table from spotted gum.” The “Arcade” pendant lights and “Fun” chairs are by Dowel Jones and the pink tapware is from Par Taps in Preston.Credit: Armelle Habib
The home
A two-storey, three-bedroom home in Melbourne’s north.
Who lives here
Sarah Auld, a primary school visual arts teacher and visual merchandiser at Pinky’s store in Preston, her husband Matt Callinan, a marketing executive, and their children Gus, 11, and Minnie, 7.
What we did
“After living here for four years, we demolished all but the front facade and bedroom,” Auld says. “Then we rebuilt, adding a third bedroom, an ensuite,
a powder room and a home office. Council permits took years, but it was worth it.”
Our favourite room
“Every corner is meaningful because of the hard work, sacrifice, time and emotions that went into creating it all.”
Future plans
“No plans at this stage as the renovation took two years instead of the expected nine months so we’re still a little scarred,” Auld says. “We’re also aware that we’re incredibly lucky to live in a home and area we love.”
The ’hood
“Our favourite haunts are Miinot Gelato and West Brunswick Milk Bar, a true hidden gem with a deli, fresh rolls daily, mixed lollies and coffee at pre-inflation prices.”
Best advice
“Buy pieces you love with the intention of never replacing them. There’s already enough over-consumption in the world.”
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.