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Room for living

The second episode of the Make It Happen makeover series tackles a complete lounge-room transformation

For 21-year-old university student Max, the saying ‘a mother’s love knows no bounds’ certainly rings true. About two years ago, to create a much-needed third bedroom for him, his mother sacrificed the living room in their Melbourne home by rather awkwardly slicing it in half. “There was really no other option for me,” explains Max. “We put up sliding doors to separate the lounge room, and then I was living in the other half.”

Issues with the arrangement emerged almost immediately. “It basically took away the lounge room,” explains Max. “It was very claustrophobic and so tight with the two couches and the TV in the corner. No-one really wanted to use the room knowing I was right behind them. They couldn’t watch anything late at night because then I couldn’t sleep!”

Clear space, clear mind Despite these issues, the family lived with the layout until Max’s older sister moved out and the Bunnings Make It Happen team moved in. Series host and renovation expert Lucy Glade-Wright of Hunting for George (huntingforgeorge.com) began the transformation by clearing out the space. “They’d crammed a lot into a very small space. I wanted to open it up and look at what we were dealing with,” says Lucy. “Max wanted to create a living area his mum and family could really enjoy. It ended up being a simple cosmetic fix.”  LUCY GLADE-WRIGHT of Hunting for George and resident MAX

Before

The main living area walls were given a fresh coat of British Paints White Beam...

“It’s sometimes good to stick to neutral tones on the wall and on the floor, to help create a base on which you can layer”

Swiss cheese plant in hanger, for similar try Eden ‘Artisan’ 120cm cotton macramé hanger, $10.98, I/N: 0089916. (On table) Succulents in Northcote Pottery ‘Rib’ 13cm x 11cm small terracotta self watering pot, $14.98, I/N: 0206307, and 16cm x 15cm large terracotta self watering pot, $24.98, I/N: 0206309 (plants sold separately). Monstera plant. Artwork, Adairs, adairs.com.au. Throw, cushion in Rust and (below right) vase in Tan, Pillow Talk, pillowtalk.com.au. Pear ornament, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Coffee table and (below opposite) entertainment unit, Matt Blatt, mattblatt. com.au. (Below left) African milk tree. All other products, stylist’s own

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Lounge-space renovation

An inside job As a key focal point, the non-working fireplace was given an instant update by painting its interior black and refreshing the white exterior. “I wanted the inside to be painted because it was ugly bare cement. Simply painting that elevated the fireplace and made it look completely new,” says Lucy.

Mantels matter when decorating a fireplace surround; here, simple works best with a few stylish accessories and, of course, some greenery, sitting below a pill-shaped mirror.

... while Porter’s Paints Aniseed helps define the study/gaming zone

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1 British Paints ‘Clean & Protect’ low sheen interior paint in White Beam, $170/15L, I/N: 0093367. 2 Smart Home Products ‘Soundguard’ 1213mm x 196mm x 9.5mm acoustic laminate planks in Darjeeling, $83.30/pack of 10 (2.38sqm, $35/sqm), I/N: 0147511. 3 Future Glass 1000mm x 400mm stainless steel framed pill shape mirror in Black, $242, I/N: 0198302†. 4 Brilliant ‘Otway’ DIY plug-in wall light with natural shade in White, $69.90, I/N: 0230872 (globe sold separately). 5 ThreeSixty ‘Modn-3’ ceiling fan light with Bond Bridge wi-fi and remote control in White, $489, I/N: 0236418†. 6 Tuscan Path ‘Stone Art’ 45cm x 38cm large egg pot in Rust, $74.60, I/N: 0044426. 7 Oslo 290cm x 200cm rug in Cream, $416, I/N: 0183898†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Before

Chinese money plant in Tuscan Path ‘Diego’ 13cm x 13cm pot in White, $13.80, I/N: 0096769 (plant sold separately). Google ‘Nest’ mini smart speaker in Charcoal, I/N: 0214187†. Pencil organiser, tumbler and tray, Kmart.

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1 Verve Design rattan drum lamp shade, $79, I/N: 0021463. 2 Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ paint in Aniseed, $130/4L, I/N: 0162933. 3 Windoware 2230mm x 1400mm sheer eyelet curtain in Misty White, $15.50, I/N: 1262215‡. 4 Verve Design ‘Mardin’ 36cm lamp base in White, $20.50, I/N: 4371011. 5 Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 1 x 4 storage unit in Oak, $74, I/N: 0086361. 6 Windoware 175-305cm x 25mm decorative ball expanding curtain rod with rings in Black, $72, I/N: 1262176. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Quick fixes Removing the makeshift doors that separated the living room and bedroom brought in much-needed natural light. Holes were patched, the walls and ceilings painted, the old carpet ripped up and new laminate floorboards installed. “That’s one of the best parts of the renovation,” says Max. “The floor is much easier to keep clean – and it looks a lot nicer, too.”

Fixtures and fittings were refreshed with a modern ceiling fan and wall light, while stylish and airy sheer curtains add softness, texture and gently diffused light as the perfect finishing touch.

Watch it!

To see the makeover team in action, visit

youtube.com/bunningswarehouse

Into the zone An enthusiastic gamer, Max had often coaxed his mum into playing too. Creating a space where they could continue to spend this time together was important for Max. “We had the idea to have a desk where they could still play games together, but it would be an inclusive space,” says Lucy. Defining the area was as simple as painting a feature wall, adding a desk and installing some storage above – actually a Clever Cube floor unit secured to the wall with strong angle brackets. ◆