Designed by Simone prior to joining reimagined habitat

This home renovation and extension in Melbourne transformed a cold and disconnected Brighton East house into a warm, light-filled and energy-efficient family home designed for modern living.

The original layout was no longer supporting the needs of a busy family of four. Rooms felt tight, the kitchen was isolated from the main living spaces, and there was little connection to the garden or outdoor areas. The home was also cold and draughty during winter, while the kitchen and bathroom were overdue for renewal.

The project focused on rethinking the existing 130m² floorplan and introducing a carefully designed 44m² rear extension to improve flow, comfort and functionality while maintaining the character of the original home.

A key part of the renovation was improving the thermal performance of the house. Existing windows were replaced with high-performance double glazing, while insulation was retrofitted throughout the home to reduce draughts and improve year-round comfort and energy efficiency.

The reconfigured layout now includes three bedrooms, a flexible guest room or study, two modern bathrooms, a generous walk-in pantry and a dedicated laundry. At the centre of the home is a bright open-plan kitchen, living and dining space that connects directly to a north-facing deck and lush rear garden — creating the indoor-outdoor connection the family had long wanted.

Natural light now flows throughout the living areas, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere that supports everyday family life. The renovation not only modernised the home aesthetically, but significantly improved how it performs and feels to live in throughout the seasons.

Thoughtfully reconfigured and extended, this Brighton East renovation demonstrates how careful design and targeted performance upgrades can completely transform an existing family home without losing its original warmth and character.

Builder: Gaia Construction

Photography: Arch Studio Ink