When buying a home, but you may not like the look of certain rooms
Buying a property is not generally something you do on a whim. It is usually the culmination of much thought and pre-preparation. We speak with Carmel Siciliano Director of The Build Studio about what to consider when buying a home but you don’t like the look of certain rooms.
There is more to your new home than just how much you love or hate the interior. Before you set foot inside the door, look at the property from the street. Does the building itself look sound? Is the roof intact or sagging? Are there cracks in the brickwork, dry rot in the timber, or flaking paint everywhere? Does the garden suit the style of home and is it well maintained? What is the fencing like?
I suggest beginning at the front door.
Home Designed by - The Build Studio
Check the entrance for that welcoming feel as you approach the front door; if it has nice character but you just don’t like the colours; or a lovely grand entry with high ceilings but you hate the ornate ceilings; these are all cosmetic changes that can be changed…. that allows you to create your dream home, but starting with a home that had great “bones”…. Meaning character, possibility, structure, great light, solidness, good location, all things that allow positivity to change and a “good buy!”
When you have this amazing home with character, that is when you call in the experts. I normally walk thru the home and ask my client what they love and what they hate about the home, and then I listen to how they use the space… if they have kids, a baby or perhaps retired. This all affects how we design the space to what materials you use. My role is to listen then transform the best space for their scenario whilst still trying to work to some sort of budget.
It is my job to bring all the materials, ideas and mapping together and to then hand it over to a builder to transform that dream. Working hand in hand till the project is complete.
Normally without a tile or the main floor selection, it is impossible for me to begin. Choosing that particular tile or material becomes the underpinning of everything that happens above. I.e. if I have a client that wants to use natural stone on their main floor, I might opt for a plainer, simpler white kitchen… making the floor the feature. Or I might have a client that wants to use a simple grey large format rectangle, clean cut, super modern tile… therefore we might take that opportunity to introduce some veneer in their kitchen or some connection to their joinery, to play off the simplicity to the floor. So choosing the right tile is the absolute “hanger” for me in design.
Custom Built Home by Klemm Homes, Interior Design by Carmel Siciliano, featuring Italia Ceramics tiles
Everyone has a budget. No matter if, you are starting or building your final home. Even in my larger homes, I rarely see anyone with “no budget” as people want to go on holidays and want to do other things. However, I do do my own developments and understand key elements in designing spaces on a super tight budget. My tip is to keep tiles at a large format so the room looks larger and simpler without having grout lines that over complicate the design. Consider a simple clean lined kitchen and perhaps add a little interest to make the kitchen a bit more special, i.e. some veneer to the island or overheads, maybe a window splashback for extra light and some key pendant lighting. All these things do not cost much but will transform your space and make it feel more inviting. There’s something said to having nice white walls with lots of natural light and then hang some large artwork, to make the home feel loved and have some character. Rugs and material sofas also make the home feel cosier and if you can afford to install a fireplace as a feature, even the most simplest designs, can make the house feel inviting and like “home.”
1. Pick a paint colour that lasts. When in doubt paint it all white! Leave old doors, skirtings and architraves and paint out white
2. Remove old drapes and allow natural light wherever possible. If you can afford new curtains, consider a sheet or leave it with nothing!
Custom Built Home by Klemm Homes, Interior Design by Carmel Siciliano, featuring Italia Ceramics tiles
3. Rip out carpets and try have one floor i.e. timber or tile throughout to make your space look bigger
4. Add some feature lights to your existing kitchen and if the kitchen is dated, paint it white!
Home Designed by - The Build Studio
5. Create a focal point – Your focal point might be a dramatic range hood in the kitchen, a mantle and artwork in the living room or a bedhead in the bedroom. Whatever it is, choose something that will draw attention.
6. Be bold –Personality is what makes a space great. Make your own statement and have fun. The more you try, the more you will begin to see what works and what does not.
Custom Built Home by Klemm Homes, Interior Design by Carmel Siciliano, featuring Italia Ceramics tile
7. Add texture. Add fabric sofas, rugs, textured cushions, timber tables. Make people feel like THIS is home~!
Home Designed by - The Build Studio
About The Build Studio:
”Carmel Siciliano is an Interior designer/Architect with more than 20 +years experience in the industry. Her practice has seen her move more recently in her career into “Property Development” and now owns she owns a business called “The Build Studio” helping people do their own property development or find the right builder for their dream home. Carmel is an independent consultant and can be engaged to help you with your next project, no matter how big or small. ” Her experience helps you from concept to handover of your building.
THE BUILD STUDIO
ADELAIDE, SA 5000,
AUSTRALIA
+61 413 802 255