This 1970s Auction Home Was “Ugly” — Until a Reno Brought Out Its Best
Jessica Salem, her husband Edward, and their 3-year-old son, Charlie, recently moved into this house eight months ago, after what Jessica describes as some stressful years. “We knew our home needed to feel like home the minute we stepped foot in it. In its original glory we saw through the ‘ugly’ and won it at auction. There were 25 registered bidders. Luckily we won and started renovating the day we got our keys,” Jessica explains.
Known as a “basket range home,” their house was in quite the 1970s condition when they purchased it from the family of the original owners; it had “colorful carpets in the living areas, yellow walls throughout.” Jessica says they got to work on what they could themselves, almost immediately.
“We removed carpets, pulled out an old (and dangerous) built-in wall heater, got to painting and installing wardrobes,” Jessica begins, explaining that they also “removed carpets, sanded the floors, painted, installed wardrobes, changed light fittings and window dressings.”
But while they renovated dated features, they didn’t take out all the character. They “wanted to keep some of the character so the bifold doors, wooden door frames, and skirting boards in the corridor are in original condition. The cornices are detailed, and the light fittings chosen are somewhat less modern.”
The couple wasn’t looking to design some can’t-touch space, either. “The home needs to be durable with our 3-year-old who likes to drag his cars around so we aren’t super precious about our belongings. The leather on our sofas are worn, as is the rustic dining table,” Jessica explains.
“The house now has a very cozy vibe filled with all the things we love from houseplants to vintage trinkets, family heirlooms, artwork from our travels, and modern furniture.”
Resources
PAINT & COLORS
- Lounge/Dining — Dulux “Natural White”
- Son’s Bedroom — Dulux “Paris Creek”
- Guest Bedroom — Dulux “Toffee Fingers”
LIVING ROOM
- Coffee Table — Kmart
- Side Table — Facebook Marketplace
- Lamp — Ishka
- Ottoman — Moroccan
- Blanket Ladder — Ishka
DINING ROOM
- Dining Table — Reclaimed Wood from a Salvage Yard
- Chairs — Freedom Furniture
- Liquor Cabinet — Freedom Furniture
- Rug — Vintage
BEDROOM
- Bed Linen — Bed Threads
- Rug — Rugs Au
- Original Artwork — Gifted from my Husband’s Grandmother
SON’S BEDROOM
- Bedding — Spotlight
- Throw — Amigos De Hoy
GUEST BEDROOM
- Cushions and Bed Linen — Spotlight
- Juju Hat — Willow and Beech
- Side Table and Accessories — Facebook Marketplace
- Lamp — Morocco by Mish
Thanks, Jessica!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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