The owners of this large Warrandyte South home came to Open Door Design not seeking a major property overhaul, but a modernisation of the main living spaces, and new bathrooms.

Kate Lucas, interior designer and founder of Open Door Design, explains the brief, ‘Despite its ample size, the house featured a compact kitchen with a separate living and dining room. The objective was to open the floor plan, improving connectivity between the primary shared zones. [The owners] envisioned the kitchen as a central hub where the family could gather, dine and unwind.’

To meet these requirements, the internal layout of the home underwent moderate adjustments, primarily involving the partial removal of a wall located between the dining room and kitchen.

Additionally, the kitchen and pantry were substantially increased by changing their orientation.

Open Door Design were inspired by the exisiting 1980s design of the home and surrounding environment. The updated material palette references these elements, and includes recycled features from the original interiors.

‘I love the kitchen, especially the natural terrazzo central island bench-top sourced from Tiento Tiles. Finding such a large slab that was readily available required quite a bit of research,’ says Kate.

‘Another favourite is the solid feature grain messmate. This was used on the custom-built shelving and planter box light by local furniture maker Lee Gratton.’

Altogether, Open Door Design’s updates have created a more light-filled and relaxed home where the family can easily come together and entertain, while the 1980s spirit of the home has been retained in the exposed brick walls, sloped timber roof, and framing of bush views.

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