STEP BY STEP: Ready, set, SELL!
Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.
Epping home-sellers
Andrea and Jim have put their large family home in Epping on the market. Last week I assisted them in styling for the real estate photography, and I was thrilled with how gorgeous the home looked. As is often the case with homes being styled for sale, the predominant thought for the vendors is “why didn’t we do this sooner?”
The key elements of success for this renovation were white paint throughout the inside of the home, re-sanded and polished floorboards, and upgrading carefully chosen elements of the fittings and fixtures. It was important not to over-capitalise at a time when the family was not going to get substantial benefit themselves from their investment. We replaced the laminate benchtops with stone and installed a new kitchen sink and tap. In the bathroom, we replaced old vanities and tapware with new and re-grouted where necessary. We resurfaced the majority of tiles in the ensuite, brightening and making the room feel consistent but leaving the floor tiles in a deep olive colour to ground the room. We selected new feature lighting in certain rooms, replaced mis-matched door hardware and installed new roller blinds for the windows. Another major job involved covering a dated ‘popcorn’ ceiling in the living/dining room with gyprock to modernise and create consistency. Smaller tasks that packed a punch included adding moulding to the built-in wardrobes in the bedroom and purchasing accessories, plants and bedding to style the entire home. The family also spent significant time decluttering to re-house a huge amount of unused clothing, furniture and household items in order to create a sense of spaciousness in the home.
The total budget was under $50,000, but the real estate agent estimates the return on investment should be more than double that figure. By not replacing carpet, kitchen cabinets, furniture or major built-in fixtures like showers and baths, Andrea and Jim minimised their spend but maximised impact. I was delighted that Kate Kerin Interiors was able to support and guide them throughout the process and I’m excited to see how the sales campaign progresses. You can see before/after images in my Instagram feed and on my website.
Collaroy Kitchen
Last month I was pleased to take on new clients Alan and Michelle, who live in a multi-generational home in Collaroy and are also embarking on a downsizing exercise. They, too, will be selling their large family home but they are keen to completely renovate their kitchen, including creating a new butler’s pantry space and an outdoor kitchen. Their home is very coastal and stylish, but the utility rooms haven’t been upgraded since their large family was very young. Now that a sea-change is on the cards, it’s time to prepare the home for a new family to enjoy.
This project has required spatial planning, an area I love to work in. I’ve created drawings for the family using SketchUp, so they can visualise the changes to their home and really understand how their new utility spaces will look and feel. Alan is a builder, and plans to do most of the installation work himself; my role is in creating the designs and assisting the family with their finishes and fixture selections. This will be my first kitchen renovation since the ban on engineered stone was introduced, so it’s exciting to be considering alternatives that are within budget but also look great. Watch this space for more details as we embark on the design process!
Greenwich apartment refresh
And finally, an update on Pam’s gorgeous apartment in Greenwich. After much consideration, Pam decided to replace the cabinet doors and handles in her kitchen and laundry, but to keep her benchtops and splashback, as well as the carcass of her cabinets which were all in good condition. We spent some fun hours trying out different options and I provided her with multiple large colour swatches to select a restrained yet elegant colour for the joinery. Pam has some mobility limitations with her right hand and wanted to maintain the function of her existing high-clearance handles, while modernising and improving the look of the kitchen. Ultimately we selected the Mayfair range from Dorset Australia, in gorgeous brushed nickel. This elegant handle is a true upgrade to Pam’s kitchen but is still functional for her needs. Win-win!
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
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