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didge_mack

How do I modernise my Balmain terrace?

Rog M
hace 7 años
The previous owner renovated this terrace, but not to our liking. Hate that terracotta colour! We want a modern, but timeless look (is that possible?) we have seen a few places around that have a look we like (the sample below is in Balmoral) We will definitely be hiring an architect, but would love some feedback on what you think could be done.
Respuesta destacada
  • Rog M
    Autor original
    hace 2 años

    More pics

    Comentarios (52)

    • PRO
      Leigh Holt
      hace 7 años

      Hi Rog The house has great scope indeed. From what you have suggested as reference I feel you could use strong material and organic textures Corten, Steel ,Timber Concrete This would give it an impressive and sophisticated but timeless feel. The Overall front facade needs to be determined with consideration for what you want to change and your budget. The roofline is the strongest dictating factor at present . Please contact me should you require any further assistance

      Rog M agradeció a Leigh Holt
    • LouieT
      hace 7 años

      Your home has very strong lines & that terracotta is a spoiler!

      I agree with wuff re the black & love the inspiration photo you have posted. Good luck with the project & making that terracotta disappear would be first on my list too!

      Rog M agradeció a LouieT
    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Only in Victoria TT Trek.

    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Wuff hasn't got here yet Louie.

    • LouieT
      hace 7 años

      Credit to olldroo for the black silly me!

      Sorry about that olldroo confused in the Houzz...

    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      :)) Couldn't resist Louie.

    • User
      hace 7 años

      I'm always right about colour trends, as I do my research off Houzz. Terracotta and dark green are coming back. We already had a glimpse of it in Marsala, but even the t. tiles will be back. Basically, the 70s and 80s are back in.

    • wuff
      hace 7 años
      Hello I am here now, i didn't expect the front to be so modern with the pavers out the back, the old bricks have had their time out the back of such a modern home, someone else would love them. Great chance for something really modern with glass and decking etc. Rog, I am looking forward to seeing what every one comes up with. I am a big fan dark greys etc in modern homes. But anything done with a bit of panache always looks good. Keep some personality though not too stark. I am thinking about the back again with the article about the black Window frames.
      Rog M agradeció a wuff
    • wuff
      hace 7 años

      Like the Balmoral idea, I like the different textures and still have some plants. Plants should be included in every front no matter how big or small

    • Vy
      hace 7 años

      I love terracotta..always have..

    • Vy
      hace 7 años
      Última modificación: hace 7 años

      my favourite :)

    • Vy
      hace 7 años

    • Vy
      hace 7 años

      I would ditch the other colours and choose an appropriate colour to tie in with the terracotta..terracotta is timeless..if done right


    • LouieT
      hace 7 años

      The OP has stated his case against the terracotta...he hates it!

      I like the thought of all white with black or charcoal picked out on the horizontal beam & this would make the garden greenery really standout.

      Although this would likely blend the modern home with the Victorian terrace next door I think with the addition of some restrained timber features it has the potential for a fresh & modern classic result.

      Kooyong · Más información


    • girlguides
      hace 7 años
      I wouldn't go too dark like the photo you posted it will date. Need more light and dark contrast. That's one thing most terrace houses have - in my book keeps them timeless
    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Yes, wuff that thread on the black window frames had a lot going for it, in the right place and this could be the right place on a white house. It would transition the house between the black and white terrace on one side and the more modern grey on the other and I would rather see adjoining homes compliment each other than compete. The Balmoral house is real wow, but I can see it having a Use By date.

      Good point with the bricks too, as lovely as they are, they definitely are very wrong.

    • cloudpants
      hace 7 años
      I'm pretty sure I have been to that Balmoral house and it is even more impressive in the flesh. I think if you don't like the terracotta then you should definitely rid yourself of it.
    • cloudpants
      hace 7 años
      Ps: Oldroo I was just wondering where you have been of late and am happy to see you're still with us
    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Had family with new grandbaby visit for 6 weeks cp, so been out of action a bit. Slowly catching up.

    • Rog M
      Autor original
      hace 7 años

      Some great suggestions from everyone, the old terrace next door has recently been renovated and is now black with white trims....so I think white would now work well between the 2 houses either side. I really like Leigh Holt suggestion of incorporating some unusual metal cladding, Makes things interesting. We are also tossing up whether to put in a roof-top terrace, would mean straightening up the roof though, and reinforcing the roof - sounds expensive (harbour views though). If anyone has any pics to help visualise that would be great!

    • Rog M
      Autor original
      hace 7 años
      View from our roof
    • User
      hace 7 años

      Well that would bring it into line with the neighbour more. You could put a pediment of some kind at the front for privacy when you're up there, (and safety). Be aware that flat roofs leak more often than sloped. Need very good waterproofing.

    • PRO
      Leigh Holt
      hace 7 años

      This is a great sight with endless potential in an area that is regarded as quality and $$$ psm The options are many and I feel the first important step is to look at your exterior design options and Council guidelines When you feel you have a clear indication of the looks you like and what you want to incorporate on your wish list then its a great time to work with a Designer and an Architect to help you achieve this within your budget . Exciting ! Professionals will help you refine and make the best selections and usually be a cost saving to the job. Your house is probably one of the biggest investments and its important to get it right. Good luck

      Rog M agradeció a Leigh Holt
    • dohraime
      hace 7 años

      Be worthwhile getting the contact details of who did the work on either side of you also.

    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Wow, Rog, you will get a birds eye view of the NYE fireworks - FREE!! Do be careful with flat roofs though, they can be big problems if they are not done properly.

    • User
      hace 7 años

      My 2cents...being Balmain renovators also (read as Leichhardt Council roadkill, and Land and Environment Court survivors!!). I'd be finding a good local private Town Planner for some advice on restrictions. Just because you have a 80-90's gem, does not mean they will let you do what ever you want now with the facade. Quite the opposite. You might find they want you to recreate something more sympathetic with the street. Message me if you want a recommendation. Good luck!!!

    • wuff
      hace 7 años

      Oh wow, Rog, now I get where Balmain is. Can you sit in your roof, is there a deck, if not I reckon build one. I love Sydney, I love the harbour, but have only been there twice in my life.

    • Rog M
      Autor original
      hace 7 años
      Definitely in the plan to use someone who knows how to deal with Leichhardt council, hopefully make things go smoother. We do have a deck above the garage door, is nice but doesn't have the sweeping views of the harbour. Honestly I think we would only use a rooftop deck for NYE, may as well just sit on the roof for those 15 mins, and spend the money on the back courtyard.
    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Does Leichhardt Council still exist? With all these changes, I just wonder will it be business as usual with Councils or in the confusion will a lot of development sneak under the radar. It is going to be over a year till new Councillors will be elected.

    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      LOL "Leichhardt Council Roadkill".

    • User
      hace 7 años

      It's in administration, but word-on-the-street is that it is 'business as usual' and it ain't gonna change in a hurry. To put it this way- they will continue to assess DA's by the volumes of DCP's and LEP's relevant to the area. That can't change till they are re-written.


      Be careful of going straight to an architect. Having been burnt ourselves by a local architect who claimed we had a 'very compliant plan'. It was far from complaint.


      There are a couple local Town Planners- some have actually worked on council. Compared to architects and lawyers, they are cheap. Well worth the $200/hr IMHO. They can help 'guide' the architect about what is realistic.

    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Mel, I gather they are all in administration with all sorts of sub-committees and as you say "business as usual". We have 3 councils merging and the sub-committees are composites of officials from all 3. I still reckon it is going to be a mess for a while.

      I think you need to interview Architects very carefully to ensure you are on the same page too - my DD tried 2 different ones for a major extension and neither came close to her basic wish list. Gave up in the end.

    • Kat
      hace 7 años
      Última modificación: hace 7 años

      Paint: whole of facade in light grey, fence dark grey, window and door trims and the whole of the pergola cross beams and uprights in black, garage door black or dark grey. Cover the whole of the garage structure with a metal of some sort, or even some sort of specialised patina which rusts OR install some sort of modern piece of large artwork above the garage door. Finally age your garden gate timbers to look like old timbers, or refinish in old salvaged timbers laid horizontally, in the same tones as your rock wall. Landscaping or planting: clear away your overhanging plants, so that your fence looks crisp, plant grasses or spikey desert plants, some sort of tree, potted even, in your courtyard which you can clearly see above the fence and from the street. Good luck, please post your finished project photos.

      Rog M agradeció a Kat
    • PRO
      Cathi Colla Architects
      hace 7 años
      Última modificación: hace 7 años

      The great thing about painted surfaces is that it does't take much to change them - it just takes a little thought, imagination and style (and in your case, a DA). Changing materials and colours, however, can be a little more complicated - and a slightly larger budget (and DA approval).

      I'd suggest reaching out to a few architects to discuss your 'big picture' project aspirations (project briefing). At the same time, let them know your budget and timeline, and definitely ask your prospective architect(s) if they are familiar with the local planning regulations.

      A good project needs a great team and clear communication. Once your architect fully understands your project criteria (as well as the local planning restrictions) you'd be amazed at what might come out of the design process.

      The colour for the front of your home is just one aspect readily resolved as part of a whole design process. The front facade may indeed be 'recreated' via an adaption of the colour and materials of the very classy looking terrace adjacent (to the left of your image). Another option might be to 'adapt' some of the materials and textures of your second image using the proportions and/or forms of the adjacent buildings to better suit the streetscape. Whichever - it is important to have your architect (consult with council.

      Best bet for you is to chat with a few architects whose work/style you like. Let them know what your design brief is (ie. what you need to change, and why). Let them also understand your existing home, and the good (and bad) features such as views and prevailing weather conditions.

      Then let the experts dream, experiment, and come up with the right solution - a solution that is specific to you and your site (and your budget). Then you will know what the best materials and colours will be for the front of your new home, as well as the resolution all of the other design challenges you may have.

      Rog M agradeció a Cathi Colla Architects
    • Rog M
      Autor original
      hace 7 años
      All wonderful ideas, thanks everyone for your input, we will probably start our Reno early next year, depending on how council approval goes..will definitely post 'after' pictures.
    • olldroo
      hace 7 años

      Good luck Rog - hope it all goes smoothly for you. Will look forward to updates.

    • User
      hace 7 años

      Yes, would like to see that.

    • Rog M
      Autor original
      hace 5 años


      Sorry to bring back an old thread. We have finally got final designs for our reno. Currently with council for DA approval. Will make a massive difference, includes a rooftop terrace that you cannot see in these images. look forward to feedback, especially on colour scheme. We were thinking grey but were persuaded to go white by architects.

    • olldroo
      hace 5 años

      Don't apologise Rog, we love to see end results so please keep posting now (hopefully) the fun begins. Hope you don't have any problems with DA and you find a good builder who really will deliver for you. It has just taken me 8 months to get a new kitchen that still isn't finished!!


      I do love the old iconic terraces, it is a shame to see them go, but I have to say the light you will gain with this will be huge and much more pleasant to live in. Looks like you gained a garage too?? Off-street parking just has to be a bonus in Balmain and should add megabucks to the house's value. Personally, I'm glad the Architect talked you into going white, grey really has had its day IMO.


      Good luck with it all and please keep posting.

      Rog M agradeció a olldroo
    • girlguides
      hace 5 años
      Lovely White is timeless and may dilute your neighbours terracotta
    • olldroo
      hace 5 años

      A little inappropriate on this website.

    • Rog M
      Autor original
      hace 2 años

      House renovated. We are very happy with the outcome.

    • olldroo
      hace 2 años
      Última modificación: hace 2 años

      Rog - congratulations, I think you have done a fantastic job. To me you have achieved a great balance between modern and trendy - modern lasts, trendy not so much, I even find it boring after a while. This looks like a home that has been decorated by the owners' and to their tastes too, nothing looks staged. As for the mural - I'm just speechless, what a piece of brilliance.

      Having just spent the last 4 years renovating and creating my new home (although I still have loose ends to tie up) I can really appreciate how you must be feeling now, being able to sit back and totally enjoy all the hard work. I hope you have many, many happy years there.

    • Kate
      hace 2 años

      Wow. Great work. Glad you are happy

    • macyjean
      hace 2 años

      Lovely. The hallway is wonderful.

    • anne_monsour76
      hace 2 años

      Lovely home and lovely that you have shared with us after the years

    • Bec
      hace 2 años

      Absolutely stunning. Well done.

    • Usuario de Houzz-925555113
      hace 2 años

      Love it, Rog! Great to see the finished product. That mural, and the whole hallway is stunning!

    • Michelle Murphy
      hace 2 años

      If you have any thoughts of selling in the next decade or so, it might be worth discussing with a local agent how much value a rooftop terrace with one of the most valuable views in Australia would add. I suspect it would be shed load; and it might help clarify your decision to lay out the money now.

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