After several decades, this 1970s blonde brick home was beginning to look a little neglected.

In need of some love, particularly to the kitchen (‘the sink covered up most of the bench space and it was in the middle of the house with no natural light’ explains Carmel Wylie, senior designer at GIA Renovations), the clients engaged GIA Renovations to introduce a modern interior brimming with colour and life, which would also work better for their family.

The renovation saw a complete redo of the back portion of the home, creating a lightwell garden zone before a new kitchen, laundry, and living area. ‘They wanted to have an island bench, butler’s pantry and a connection to the backyard,’ says Carmel. ‘The aim was to have the kitchen in a location in the home that you could see and connect with all of the surrounding rooms.’

The bold colour palette references the surrounding environment, with an Esmeralda quartzite island bench as the centerpiece. ‘Quartzite is my go to for family kitchens – it’s beautiful, natural and very durable,’ says Carmel.

Walnut laminate cabinetry references the colour of surrounding trees, while being durable and cost effective.

A metallic range hood, copper tapware and sink, and red aluminum window were meanwhile selected for warmth and to add small points of interest. Tiles on the kitchen floor were a practical choice, Carmel explains, ‘We need to be able to have little people scooting around without worrying about scratching the floor. This also enabled us to put in electric underfloor heat.’

GIA deliberately designed the kitchen sink zone to look back towards the front of the home, allowing views in both directions from the space. ‘It allows you to see into the internal garden area and right through to the front door,’ Carmel says. ‘For me, this was an essential part of the design for a family, and to keep the original heritage of the mid-century home.

The laundry/pantry gets its own design moment featuring statement wavy hardware, clay laminate joinery and Rosso Lavanto benches. ‘The combination is a match made in heaven and I think the darker stone top really elevates the space,’ says Carmel.

Square splashback tiles throughout the home are a nod to mid-century design in keeping with Rosanna’s architectural history and the clients’ taste.

Far from designing a stock standard all-white contemporary renovation, GIA have only added to this home’s history with a kitchen tailored specifically for their clients.