Like many first-home buyers, Simone Haag and her husband Rhys had plans to buy a house, renovate, sell and repeat. They bought their mid-century property in Melbourne's outer east in 2011 and gave it "about five coats" of fresh paint, put in a new kitchen and bathroom and furnished it on a newlyweds' budget.
With plans of starting a family, it was inevitable they would need a bigger place, but the home's views of the Dandenongs and family-friendly location made them reluctant to sell. "Our connection to this space was so strong we decided to extend instead," Simone says.
The couple asked Melbourne architecture firm Kennedy Nolan to consult on ways to achieve maximum space without too much intervention. Rhys had the idea of enclosing the balcony to create a larger living room, which provided extra space for a custom rattan unit (where the TV pops up) and a magnificent marble table positioned to soak up those views.
Elsewhere, the couple created a master suite with wardrobe and ensuite, as well as access to a raised deck. "I call the deck my Zen deck and have dreams of meditations out there," says the mother-of-three.
Simone worked with Haymes Paint to establish her home's colour palette, opting for Charcoal Grey on the panelled walls and Night Moves in the master suite. As for filling all that extra space, "Rhys was very encouraging of me refreshing the space with new pieces of furniture and objects, so that's exactly what I did!" Simone says. "I found myself opting for more unusual pieces, generally with a vintage Italian sensibility."
But above all, the couple have created a place for the family to retreat and relax. "In winter, Rhys lights a fire most nights. In summer, the doors are swung open and we'll have a gin on the outdoor benchseat overlooking the garden."