This Tarragindi home received a much-needed internal renovation to transform its dated look into a bright and functional space. The goal was to modernise and brighten the overall feel using updated finishes and minor layout changes. The renovation focused on removing visual barriers, modernising the aesthetic, and making better use of available space, resulting in a light, open-plan interior that supported everyday living and future flexibility.
Before: The Problem with the Old Layout
Prior to this renovation, this Tarragindi home featured a style typical of its era, with dark timber finishes, visual barriers, and interrupted flow between key living zones. The kitchen was boxed in by overhead cabinets and vertical posts, separating it from the dining and lounge areas and making the space feel fragmented. The original stairs were also fully exposed with timber railings, adding to the visual clutter and making the living space feel more like a thoroughfare than a relaxed, defined zone. A textured stone feature wall ran along the side of the home, adding to the heavy, outdated look of the space. While the home had good bones and generous space, certain design elements made the layout feel smaller and more disjointed than it truly was.
Project Details: How We Transformed the Space
Improving Layout
The renovation focused on improving the internal flow of the home while modernising its overall look and feel. The former dining area was reimagined as a functional kitchen island with seating, creating a new focal point and encouraging easier movement between the kitchen and lounge. A previously blank wall behind this zone was updated with a new doorway, leading to a newly introduced multipurpose room that adds extra flexibility to the home without disrupting the open-plan layout.
To further streamline the space, the exposed timber staircase was partially enclosed with a clean, minimalist wall. This subtle change helped visually anchor the lounge area and reduce distractions, allowing for a more relaxed and cohesive living environment.
Modernising the Aesthetic
Outdated finishes were replaced with a crisp, clean palette that feels light, airy, and timeless. The new kitchen features soft green herringbone tiles, sleek white cabinetry, and streamlined bench lines that bring a fresh, contemporary edge to the space. Recessed downlights and a neutral colour scheme help reflect natural light, making the interior feel brighter and more open without altering the original window placements.
The bulky stone-clad feature wall on the side window side of the room was finished with a smooth white surface, instantly lightening the visual weight of the room. The furniture was also updated to match the clean, modern aesthetic, with bulky dark pieces swapped out for a more minimalist sofa and lighter-toned finishes, with selections sourced from Amart Furniture to complement the new aesthetic. The overall effect is calm, open, and uncluttered, transforming the once-heavy interior into a more welcoming and stylish everyday space.
Material Selection
Warm-toned timber floors were preserved and polished, bringing a beautiful contrast to the newly introduced white and soft green elements. The kitchen now includes stone-look benchtops, integrated appliances, and matte black fittings that offer a modern, cohesive finish. Timber-framed doors and windows were updated with black-framed aluminium, giving the space a refined edge while complementing the overall colour story.
Challenges Faced
While the renovation didn’t involve major structural changes, it still required thoughtful planning to achieve the clean, open feel the homeowners were after. Key visual barriers, like the bulky overhead kitchen cabinetry and exposed stair railings, had to be removed or reworked in a way that improved internal flow while maintaining a cohesive design.
Achieving a seamless ceiling line, enclosing the stairs cleanly, and introducing a new doorway into the sidewall all required precise detailing and coordination. By focusing on these elements, the team successfully modernised the layout without needing to alter the home’s original structure.
Get a Free Renovation Quote
Need better flow and functionality in your home? We specialise in full internal renovations, including kitchen and bathroom upgrades, across Brisbane’s Southside suburbs such as Tarragindi and Capalaba. Whether you’re opening up a layout or planning a bathroom refresh, asking these essential questions before you start can make all the difference. Book your free onsite renovation consultation today and let’s bring your vision to life.
