“I can’t stand the arches and the walls.”
In 2014, as Richelle and Ryan walked through a 1960s Mediterranean house in Adelaide’s east, they overheard the real estate agent receiving some pretty direct feedback. Seven years later, it’s far more positive.
“Our youngest son Beau is adamant he will have the house once we are gone and, as sad as that is, it makes me happy that he loves this house as much as we do,” Richelle says with a laugh, or maybe a tear.
Beau is only eight, but he knows what he’s talking about. As for the other person who made that initial assessment? We won’t answer that, in case they are reading.
It’s those features, along with the high raked ceilings, that saw Richelle and Ryan - owners of Adelaide company Retro Revamp - fall in love in the first place. And the same ones this renovation is based around.
“We could see everything we wanted to update and keep on our first open inspection. Having renovated before we could definitely see the potential,” Richelle explains.
“It was really important for us to work with the original architecture as that is what makes the house so special.
“We have always worked with the original bones of the house - the arches, cement rendered interior walls, louvre doors and staircase.”
With their business, the pair live by the philosophy that “if it can be made new again, then don’t throw it out”. And they are living it through this transformation, too, bringing the beauty of the home, which was designed by Adelaide architect Ian Hannaford, back to life.
In fact, the only changes the couple made to the original floorplan was removing the sunroom, which was added in the mid-80s, and knocking out half a wall to open up the kitchen. The rest was about working with what was already there.
Painting the walls and ceilings white opened up the rest of the home, further highlighting the original features and design, but there was nothing over the top.
“I would love to get a little crazy and include more colour and texture but with this house, it is about doing it once and not really having to revisit it again in the future,” Richelle says, revealing this is their seventh renovation.
A touch of black, in the form of mirrors, door frame, window trims and artwork, adds depth to the interior, while natural elements, including furniture and the restored timber floors, bring warmth. But, sometimes, it’s not about getting crazy. Especially when you’ve got a, well, crazy, view.
Yes, extra windows have been added deliberately to take advantage of the breathtaking view of the city, but why was that person looking at the arches in the first place?
“Once we changed the windows in the home it completely changed the feel of the bedrooms in particular. We knew they would really open up the view of the city from the lounge and they have really lifted the exterior of the home and help with the energy of the house internally,” Richelle adds.
The existing windows were also replaced with new double glazed windows throughout the house. Not because you can see the city better, but to reduce heat from the western sun.
If you’re not looking at the view, you’re probably looking at the exquisite custom-made arched timber cladding front door and window. The window was replaced and modified, and the addition of the arch aligned it with the rest of the house perfectly. Two Velux skylights in the revamped kitchen – I know a guy – and one in the ensuite were added with equally-stunning effect.
We know what Richelle and Ryan are really looking at, though, and it’s why their simple style of “relaxed, practical and neutral” works.
“Home means everything to us, especially since having our boys. It is the place to create memories that will last a lifetime,” Richelle says.
“Our parents were really house proud and so creating a nice home is ingrained in us.
“It is our dream home. We live in the foothills with resident Koalas and kookaburras, we have views of the city and plenty of space to enjoy outside. It has space for us as adults, it has a downstairs area for the boys to grow into and have their own space.
“The practical side of things allows for our boys to be boys and smart choices with darker colours and textures hides those living imperfections.”
The family, which also includes Storm the cat and puppy Roxi, are not only enjoying their home together but they enjoyed the adventure getting there.
“The journey is my favourite part of renovating. Especially if you do live in the home,” Richelle says.
“The exciting moment of starting a project and seeing it all evolve. We had a basketball ring inside when we removed the carpet for the boys and they turned the living area into a basketball court, I have photos of them helping remove the carpet and parts of the kitchen when we were at that stage too. It very much becomes a family renovation when you live through it.”
So how long did the renovation journey last?
Richelle laughs. “It’s still going!”
They will redo the bathroom on the lower level soon, as well as the restore the timber floors and modify a few more windows down there.
The rumpus room is currently an indoor soccer room, complete with a basketball ring. But a proper office for the business which, again, makes use of the view, is the plan there. Beau, and his brother Max, 9, might not like that one. There’s also the lower back yard and pool, which is set to be the most expensive project in this renovation to date.
“We have been lucky that the project is paid in stages completed which makes the total amount of the project seem way more achievable,” Richelle explains.
“While it is a large amount we can definitely see the value in this project, the value that will be added to the house long term, and the quality of workmanship our landscaper will provide.”
Can’t Ryan get out there and lend a hand?
Richelle pauses.
“Ryan’s become such an interior guru that when I asked him to help remove the front garden box near the house, he went to use the jackhammer and broke his hand,” she laughs.
“We are still unsure if this was on purpose to get out of the work or an accident, either way he hasn’t done any work outside since.”
RICHELLE AND RYAN'S PLACE
Built: 1969
Land: 800 m²
Bed: 3 + home office
Bath: 2.5
Interior Design: Richelle and Ryan
Landscape, pool and entertaining area: Yergen Landscape
Deck and front timber fence: Elite Carpentry
WHAT THEIR PLACE TAUGHT THEM
It's important to know your project brief
"Are you going to be selling in 10 years? If so, renovate accordingly so that you maximise your return on investment. Play it a bit safer with your finishes and stick to your budget. If it is your forever home, make the selections based on the finishes you love, don’t be swayed by trends, create a space you will always love."
The benefit of doing it yourself
"Being prepared to do some of the work yourself will save you money and sharpen your skill set. It also heightens the sense of achievement, as you did it yourself rather than just paying someone to do it for you."
You get what you pay for
"Tackle the projects you can achieve with a quality you are happy with - and then outsource the rest to trades who are professionals."
Swipe right to see what their place looked like before and during the renovation