Renovation magic: a home in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs gets a modern makeover

This story is part of the June 9 edition of Sunday Life.See all 14 stories.

A home with “good bones” gets a classic revamp.

“I describe my style as comfortably minimal,” says Bochnik, pictured in her lounge. “It’s classic with a modern edge.”Credit: Armelle Habib

The home
A 1980s, architect-designed, three-bedroom home in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs with high vaulted ceilings and an open-plan living space.

Who lives here
Interior stylist and decorator Karin Bochnik with her daughters Milla, 14, and Gia, 11, and their cat, Pepper.

What we did
“The house had great bones but everything else needed a facelift,” says Bochnik. “I gutted the home, opened up the kitchen into the living area, added a powder room and updated the interiors.”

My favourite room
“The open-plan living and dining room, as it comfortably holds my 14-seat dining table,” says Bochnik. “I also love cold nights spent on the couch in front of the open fire with a glass of wine. It’s my happy place.”

The ’hood
“It’s green and safe and I love that it’s minutes from the freeway, making my busy life much easier,” says Bochnik.

Future plans
“I feel like we are outgrowing the house, so we might explore moving,” says Bochnik. “However, my heart is set on a shack along the Victorian coast rather than a larger home. Time will tell.”

Best advice
“Take your time making decisions and, if in doubt, engage a professional. It often costs less then you think and can save a lot of hassle.”

“The garden was a collaboration with a local landscaper,” says Bochnik. “We worked on maximising the small space so there are as many usable corners as possible.”Credit: Armelle Habib

“I designed the table in collaboration with Made Studio and chose a stain that was darker than the floor but not too contrasty,” says Bochnik. Credit: Armelle Habib

Bochnik with Gia in the light-filled kitchen. “I took out a wall to open the kitchen up,” she says. “It was a game changer.” The stools are from Grazia & Co.Credit: Armelle Habib

A brass mirror from Melbourne design studio Middle of Nowhere reflects the tranquil main bedroom. The artwork is by Sydney artist Jonny Neische.Credit: Armelle Habib

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