Personality Adds to Home

The West Australian, New Homes Magazine, 11th September 2009

Jim and Beverly Ward’s renovated home is proof that introducing your own personality an improve the value of your home.

My husband says I have a renovating disorder”, Mrs Ward says of her eight renovations in 20 years.  “This house had a lovely, sweet feel to it when we first saw it and even though it was on a busy road I could visualise the potential”.

“It wasn’t big enough for what we had wanted so we knew we had to extend”.

The home in Subiaco blends Caribbean and European influences with a range of traditional, antique and modern pieces.  “Everything in here is a collection of our lives and tells our story – I never throw anything away”, Mrs Ward said.

The original part of the house, built in 1916, and which the Wards renovated themselves, has a European feel. 

The walls were painted with Dulux Whisper White with Vivid White with Vivid White trims, and plantation timber shutters and doors give the space a fresh feel.

What was wooden flooring in the passageway and meals area is black and white tiles, which lend a traditional touch.

The original lounge room is an impressive library, with floor-to-ceiling shelving and a cosy décor including soft, luxurious chairs and a wood fire reminiscent of a European home.  “During winter it is a lovely room to sit in with the fire going just reading our books”, Mrs Ward said.

“We both love to read so it was important to us to have a library to display our collection”.

The original third bedroom was converted into an ensuite for the main bedroom.  “We filled in the existing doorway to the bedroom and created a new one in the master bedroom”, Mr Ward said.

French touches include travertine marble tiles, a French-style vanity and new chandeliers.

One of the favourite rooms is the main bedroom, where new French doors with plantation shutters open out on to a front courtyard.  “My bedroom is one of my favourite rooms,” Mrs Ward said.  “The colours are so calming and it is so peaceful in there.  It is a large room and I love to lie in the bed reading or just relaxing”.

The new kitchen is part of the extension built by Dale Alcock Home Improvement.  “We had the kitchen pantry built in behind the existing wall of the old kitchen so not to affect the flow of the design and maximise space”, Mr Ward said.  “It co-exists as the laundry and the high ceiling and windows give a vivid sense of space with plenty of storage and accessibility”.

Mrs Ward wanted the new kitchen to catch the morning sun and wit6h big folding glass doors, the couple can enjoy the outside from inside whenever they please.  “Having the folding doors really opens up the whole area and lets the sunshine in”, Mrs Ward said.

The kitchen also blends old and new.  Marble-look benchtops and sleek cabinetry are offset with a beautiful rustic pine table and stools.

The new living areas have a distinct holiday feel, due in part to Mrs Ward’s background.  “I grew up in the Caribbean and I always bring a sense of that to every renovation I do”, she said.

“In this house, I’ve added the plantation shutters, ceiling fans and tray ceilings, which really embody a sense of the Caribbean”.

White lounges contrast beautifully with the English and American oak flooring.  “I have always had white lounges and people think I’m mad but the covers are removable and can be washed.  And white doesn’t fade so it’s actually a practical choice,” Mrs Ward said.

The living area is wrapped around the courtyard to catch the northerly light and has folding glass doors to create a perfect entertaining area with indoor and outdoor seating and access to the kitchen.

“Having the courtyard and living areas opened up enables us to entertain with friends and family,” Mrs Ward said.