- Oct 8, 2023
- 4 min read

Dana and Kristian's place: Renovation of a 1920s Adelaide bungalow

Dana and Kristian’s renovation story goes way back.

It’s a tale - spanning four decades, three cities and two countries - that’s almost as old as the 1926 Bungalow where the story ends.

Well, not quite – but you get the picture.

In the late 1990s, the pair bought and restored their first home in Goodwood, a suburb in Adelaide’s inner-south.

It was a true labour of love and they did everything themselves in a complete cosmetic makeover.

And as a young couple, ‘themselves’ meant with the help of mum and dad.

Hey, we’ve all been there.

“We had the tireless support of Kristian’s parents,” Dana tells Place Journal. “But by the end of it I swore I never wanted to hold or even look at a heat gun or paintbrush again.”

Almost a decade later, they were in Hampstead, London and Dana, more or less, stuck to her word, with trades called in for the more substantial renovation of a two-bedroom Victorian conversion flat.

Let’s just say they were ahead of their time.

Shortly after this renovation, Harry Styles purchased his first home nearby and it remains a very affluent part of London, where a long list of A-listers, including Noel Gallagher, reside.

But their real – don’t say it - oasis was waiting back in Australia.

If you can describe a rundown bungalow in Adelaide’s east with cracks you could fit your hand through and a family of possums living in the roof as an oasis.

In the same year Harry bought that house – yes, Harry’s House – Dana and Kristian signed the contract on their “forever” home, after being priced out of a number of other homes in the area.

“We could see past the cracks, the superficial problems and family of possums living in the roof space,” Dana says.

“It was fortunate for us, really, it turned many others away.

“We purposely sought a doer-upper as our budget did not extend to a home that was modern and complete in every facet. But I also always knew that I wanted to put my own stamp on any home we purchased.

“From the day our offer was accepted, we started dreaming of and then ultimately planning our renovation.”

But the story doesn’t end there.

After an unexpected move for work, Dana and Kristian lived in Darwin for the next three years.

In the summer of 2016, the project officially began - their renovation of a 1920s Adelaide bungalow.

The 1970s kitchen was the first thing to go, replaced with a brand new one, in works done by the couple.

The second phase, over the next two years, was all about the exterior. The original return verandah was removed and reinstated, the front facade repointed and full front landscaping completed.

Stage three saw the scope of work increase dramatically – but it was from here that Covid caused further disruption, ensuring this story would continue much longer yet.

Throughout the entire renovation, the pair worked with architect Bec Ryan and it was during this part of the project where Ryan began bringing their dream to life.

The addition of an ensuite and the conversion of the adjacent bedroom into a walk-in robe and study created the ultimate master suite.

Will someone think of the kids!?

Don’t worry, as promised by mum and dad, the couple’s three children, who have all hit double-digits through this story, get a pool at the end of it.

To this point, Dana and Kristian have learnt a lot.

How to let the small things go. When to do it yourself and when to leave it to the professional. How to manage the budget. When to live alongside the trades and when to move out.

“We lived on site during the stage three renovations which was interesting - trades, brick dust and mud everywhere,” Dana recalls with a smile.

“Experience taught us to move out for the stage four renovation, which we did.”

Not another city.

“We were lucky enough to rent a property next door,” she adds.

The end is in sight.

From up close, the family watched as the original lean-to – that was “subsiding and literally sailing away from the main part of the house” - was knocked over and replaced with a grand, new extension, featuring new living, dining, kitchen, laundry, mudroom and cellar.

And, of course, the pool. Yeah, the kids.

“I am a sucker for natural stone,” Dana admits, revelling in the stone-clad masterpiece that is their new kitchen.

It's the hero of the new space. But, like in every good story, the hero has a sidekick - someone who makes the hero look better.

And here, it's the full-height, modern steel windows and doors. They are striking as feature on their own, but the light and view - either way - underlines what Dana and Kristian have achieved.

"Seeing the steel window install - a major design aspect which was very nearly cut out due to increasing expenses - is a favourite memory of ours," Dana says.

"I’m so glad we stayed true to the original design and kept them as they truly define and make the space.

"Our home is a sanctuary to us, where each family member has their own space to enjoy. It's an ample family home without being oversized. Every inch of the house is used.

"Much blood, sweat and tears has gone into the full restoration of this old home since it was purchased and we are proud of the outcome we have achieved."

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