If you lust after the classic American colonial style you are going to fall head over heels for this light-filled and gorgeous home.
When Sarah saw the outside of her home, she instantly fell in love with its colonial style and proportions, but it was in need of some serious modernisation. What followed was a major home renovation project that turned the outdated interior and exterior into an exquisite home that looks straight out of the Hamptons. We were lucky enough to catch-up with Sarah to speak to her about renovations, colonial style and reclaimed wood.
HOUSE AT A GLANCE
Who lives here: Sarah and Tobin along with their daughter aged 5 and Tobin’s children aged 15 and 13.
Type of property: Detached colonial style home
Size: 5 bedrooms and 4 bathroom
THE RENOVATION
Where did you start?
The first thing we decided to do was open up the kitchen/dining space to create an open plan living, which works for our family. We lived with my parents during this part of the renovation as everything was being ripped out, the walls were being knocked down and it was not the place for a toddler! Once the kitchen was liveable we moved in and started on all the other rooms, the main bathroom being our next biggy! It was again a complete refurb and everything but the beautiful colonial style arches (a favourite feature of mine) were replaced!
What took the most time?
A major part of our renovation was waiting on planning permission for a separate garage with above living space and taking on this new build. I did lots of research on colonial homes and pinned lots on Pinterest, we really wanted to keep the colonial style of the house and had to make sure the garage was going to complement our existing property. A fun part of the process for me!
What’s your favourite room in the house?
My favourite room is our kitchen/dining space. It’s where we spend lots of family time and entertain with friends as it has plenty of space and beautiful views out of the back of the house – it’s also where I like to sit and enjoy my morning coffee before the chaos of the day starts!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about a home renovation?
My advice to anyone starting a renovation would be to live in the house for a few months before ripping things out, you might come to love them. Also, be true to your own style and not get caught up with the latest trends. I feel like I’ve found my style now, but it’s taken a few years to really get it right!
Would you do anything differently?
I wouldn’t be so hasty with trying to get rooms finished, and buying pieces that I later realised weren’t working well.
We love your rustic dining table! What other reclaimed wood pieces do you have?
Over the years I have collected a few pieces of reclaimed wood furniture, from a large wine rack, butcher block table and various chopping boards. I love pairing rustic furniture with more modern pieces; it brings warmth to a space. I chose upholstered dining chairs and a solid wooden bench to go with our refectory style rustic dining table as I liked the contrast of elegance and simplicity. To add cosiness to the dining bench, I bring in soft textures, such as throws or a sheepskin rug.
For a similar style wood dining table our Serenity Reclaimed Wood Dining Table both feature decorative pillar style table legs in a classic design. Check out all of our reclaimed wood dining tables and rustic dining tables here.
See more of Sarah’s gorgeous home and style at @inside_number_5_
All images Sarah Jane Rogers @inside_number_5_