“Initially, we thought we wanted a mini makeover with some funky doors and some new kitchen cupboards,” say the owners of this 1920 California Bungalow in Thebarton, a suburb of Adelaide, Australia. However after they met with local firm Fabrikate, the project took a delightful swerve.

“We now have a home which reflects who we are and what we value—foodie, coffee-addicted, gardening book nerds who like piles of cushions, and random pops of red.”

Indeed, the homeowners clicked with designer Kate Harry of Fabrikate from the first site visit. “Immediately, I loved how lived-in the home felt. It lacked pretentiousness and oozed character. I wanted to sit and enjoy the company of these people,” remembers Harry.

When not working, the family enjoy their downtime and life at home, which includes cooking, “pottering,” and spending time with each other and their pets. To better support that lifestyle, Frabrikate drew up a remodel with more living space, a connection to the fruit trees in the yard, and a private en suite bedroom for the parents.

“We wanted to create a cohesive space that worked far more functionally and was a pleasure to be in,” says Harry. “Creating a seamless transition between the old and new was also paramount.”

Before: Kitchen and Dining Area

In order to give the kitchen more breathing room, Fabrikate co-opted an exterior terrace into an interior living space. Sliding blackbutt-framed doors now open onto a new deck, creating a connection with the garden. The kitchen perimeter essentially stayed in place, while a new large island provides enough counter space for multiple cooks to operate at a time.

After: Kitchen and Dining Area

“The old kitchen table acted as a combined landing spot, kitchen island, and dining spot, which was perpetually cluttered,” say the owners. “Fabrikate pushed the table out and created a proper kitchen island that makes the whole space functional. Without taking a step, you can stack the dishwasher from the sink, empty the dishwasher straight into the cutlery drawer, and bump your hip into the powered garbage drawer to bin the recycling.”

Shop the Look

Before: Terrace

After: Living Room

Before: En Suite Bathroom

After: En Suite Bathroom

After: Study

More from Fabrikate:

A Crafty Remodel Recasts a Dreary Kitchen as an Inviting Jewel Box

The Surrounding Countryside Inspires a Family Home in the Adelaide Hills

Project Credits:

Architectural Draftsman: Ryan Watters

Build: The Little Build Co

Interior Design: Fabrikate / @fabrikate_creative_spaces

Cabinetry Design: Fabrikate

Cabinetry Manufacture: Kustom Joinery Manufacturers

Appears In

Before & After: A Vibrant Remodel Tunes Up an Australian Bungalow for a Family and Their Pets