Shorts Road, Coburg
Residential Fitout | Entire Home Renovation | Coburg
Project Duration
Project Brief
DAME Build has recently completed a home renovation on Shorts Road, Coburg North. The project scope includes structural improvements, updates to services, and a complete overhaul of the interiors, including the redesign of the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry, along with extensive repairs to the flooring and exterior. Instead of stripping the house of its original character, the team embraced a bold Art Deco influence throughout the renovation.
Client Brief
The homeowners conveyed that they wanted a property that would stand out. Their request included the use of bold colours, adding multiple storage spaces, and increased comfort, as they rejected the standard "safe" finishes of white walls and grey tiles. Open to design experimentation, they asked that practicality remain a priority. This signal allowed the team freedom to explore unique and expressive finishes.
Design Stage
DAME Build conceptualised the interior design to be playful and imaginative whilst ensuring functionality. Vibrant colours such as green, orange, and blue were chosen to invigorate the palette, complemented by deeper timber shades for added richness. The design goal was to create drama and uniqueness while ensuring the durability needed for a space.
Structural Repair Work
The project began with the necessary reinforcement. Damaged timber was replaced to regain structural integrity, ensuring that a solid framework supported the interiors. New bearers, termite-treated pine joists, and concrete stumps were used to reconstruct the subfloors, then secured with a termite barrier for ongoing protection.
The home's infrastructure was upgraded. A new switchboard and mains cabling were fitted to support modern appliances. At the same time, plumbing upgrades included the installation of a Rinnai B26 continuous hot water system and full sewage renewal, completed in coordination with Yarra Valley Water. These upgrades established a robust foundation for the home, aligning with both compliance requirements and tenant comfort.
Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen was renovated as the social heart of the home. The custom-made furniture, made of Laminex Natural Teak, anchors the lower units. Moroccan Clay adds earthy warmth to the shelving and benchtops, while Olivine Natural provides a muted green tone for the overhead cupboards. The design is completed with a splashback of National Tiles Marrakech Olive gloss tiles, whose reflective glaze adds depth and complements the cabinetry palette.
High-quality appliances were added, such as the Bosch Series 6 oven, Bosch dishwasher, a Schweigen undermount rangehood, and a Fisher & Paykel LPG cooktop. Bella Vista sink mixer and stainless steel were added in the sink. At the rear, a new aluminium sliding door reframes the kitchen as an entertainer's space. The owner can now transition easily from cooking to the backyard, extending the kitchen's lively outdoors.
Bathroom & European Laundry Renovation
Effective planning was essential to merge one of the bathrooms with the laundry room. The original layout separated bathroom and laundry functions into two constrained rooms. By removing a dividing wall, the space was reconfigured into a single bathroom/laundry room.
National Tiles' Ascoli Travertine tiles now line the floors and walls, their subtle patterning creating a quiet backdrop for stronger accents. Laminex custom cabinetry in Olivine Natural colour conceals the washer and dryer area, while Moroccan Clay introduces warmth to benchtops and shelving. Bella Vista's brushed gold tapware ties these elements together, lending cohesion and refinement.
Instead of using clear glass, the shower features Rhonde glass blocks that provide a retro touch while allowing natural light to filter through. The owner will enjoy a complete set of amenities, including a 1700mm Esti pressed-steel enamel bath tub that combines durability with comfort, a dual shower rail, and integrated mirrored storage.
Bathroom Renovation
The second bathroom renovation presented a challenge due to its smaller footprint and posed as the most difficult room to plan, primarily because storage was a critical requirement. Custom cabinetry in Laminex Moroccan Clay paired with a sculptural Loop 02 basin by Nood Co in Musk colour, its rounded form adding softness to the small volume.
Walls were decked with Urban Atelier Laranja tiles from National Tiles, featuring a glazed orange surface that reflected light throughout the room. The strips of Marrakech Azur blue tiles provided a striking contrast, adding depth and a sense of coolness to the warm tones. Sage-green Berimbau sconces from Beacon Lighting completed the design, casting light that danced over both the tiles and the basin. The result is compact yet expressive, turning the limitations of size into a space of character and atmosphere.
Exterior Works
The exterior was treated with the same respect as the interior. Weatherboards were repaired and refinished, restoring the building's surface while addressing accumulated wear. Timber windows were carefully re-corded and draught-sealed rather than replaced, improving performance while maintaining the property's original charm. These subtle interventions ensured the exterior presentation matched the renewed life within, while also protecting the property for future owners.
The Result
The home renovation at Shorts Rd, Coburg North, redefines what a home can be. Instead of neutral palettes and predictable finishes, the interiors embrace colour, pattern, and texture, offering tenants a home that feels carefully designed as well as durable. The bathrooms combine functionality with ambience, while the kitchen encourages social gatherings. Achieving such a distinct style requires careful consideration of inspirational images before making commitments. The results here demonstrate that imagination and discipline can coexist. For the homeowners, this was an opportunity to inhabit a home that feels both expressive and dependable.
Planning to renovate your home and looking for unique design ideas? Explore more of DAME Build’s projects for inspiration!