With tones and textures inspired by the natural world, this home on the NSW Central Coast artfully combines antique and modern elements for a character-filled aesthetic.
Words Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer / Photography Tanya Zouev / Build ABuild Constructions
When Bec Van Roosmalen discovered a pair of 100-year-old antique Chinese elm doors (pictured below), she knew she had to incorporate them into her renovation – she just didn’t know how yet. Her family had outgrown their three-bedroom, one-bathroom red-brick home and had begun transforming it into a spacious, light-filled four-bedroom, two-bathroom sanctuary featuring earthy hues. “I’ve always been drawn to warm colours, and I love colours from nature,” she says. “I knew I wanted to incorporate more green and other colours to create a textured, organic vibe.”
A rear extension was added to provide the extra space that Bec, her husband Nathan and their two young sons craved, housing a bright, modern open-plan kitchen, living room and dining area flowing out to a timber entertainer’s deck, tiled pool and outdoor shower.
The original lounge room was transformed into a tranquil master bedroom, while the tiny galley kitchen became a minimalist laundry. A gracefully curved, convex-panelled wall in the hallway connects the old and new parts of the home, and the smooth lines continue into the kitchen where the stone island and kitchen bench feature complementary curves, this time in timber convex panelling. The Chinese screen doors found their forever home between the kitchen and butler’s pantry, forming a distinctive showpiece.
Throughout the house, muted shades of sage green, terracotta, warm white and timber accompany rattan pendant lights, ceramic wall lights and textured tiles to create a calm, grounded atmosphere. Additional antique treasures, including a dining table and console, have been confidently teamed with modern pieces.
Nathan, a lawn-care expert, was responsible for the lush landscaping surrounding the exterior, but the interior was all down to Bec’s vision. “I chose all the materials, finishes and colours for every room in the house, including the outdoor deck, BBQ and pool area,” she explains. “I also did the styling, using a mixture of modern textured pieces combined with op-shop finds.”
Bec had previously renovated a townhouse on a tight budget, but this was her first major project, and she learnt some lessons along the way. “Double check all boxes when they arrive to make sure you’re getting exactly what you ordered!” she cautions. “And trust your gut on the things you like and are drawn to, regardless of what’s on trend.”
Learning how to advocate for yourself is the key to a successful renovation, Bec says. “Keep in regular communication with your builder and tradespeople about how you would like things finished, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – politely, of course.”
She’s smitten with the entire house, but it’s the undeniably character-filled kitchen that makes Bec’s heart sing: “The feeling I get every time I see the antique Chinese doors paired with the cabinetry and stone benchtop is pure joy.”
