Giving an older home a fresh makeover is about uncovering new possibilities while working within an existing framework and its constraints. Originally built in the 1920s, this Californian-style bungalow in Kensington, Sydney has been carefully renovated and extended to create a more functional, contemporary family home. The lower level now accommodates an open living zone, dining area and a reconfigured kitchen, while an upper-level addition provides two new bedrooms. The renovation includes a rear extension that deliberately blurs the boundary between indoors and out: the interior social zone flows directly onto a gorgeous wooden deck, and a custom pergola crafted from Cypress Pine enhances the outdoor living area by providing shade and visual texture.
The renovation, led by CPlusC Architectural Workshop, respects the original bungalow while introducing contemporary interventions that let the old and new sit comfortably together. Inside, a restrained palette of white, soft gray and warm timber sets a calm, cohesive tone throughout the home. Accents of brighter color are used sparingly and seasonally, so the overall aesthetic remains timeless. An internal atrium was introduced to invite natural light deep into the plan, reducing the risk of gloomy spaces and creating a fresh, airy atmosphere. In the living area, sections of the original brick wall have been left exposed, providing texture and history that contrast beautifully with the new finishes and open-plan layout.
The rear addition introduces a contrasting upper section clad in gray timber with gracefully curved profiles that sit beside the original exposed brickwork. This mix—warm timber, soft gray modern cladding and the honest texture of brick—creates an engaging composition that feels both contemporary and rooted in the home’s history. The backyard and terrace areas were conceived as true living spaces, ideal for family gatherings and for extending daily life outdoors during warmer months.
The kitchen and adjacent living spaces prioritize connection to the deck, with timber surfaces and white cabinetry that reflect light and reinforce the clean neutral palette. Sliding or folding glazed elements open the indoor rooms to the deck, making entertaining effortless and allowing natural ventilation. The atrium, positioned to capture daylight, baths interior spaces in soft natural light and keeps circulation areas bright and inviting throughout the day. Bathrooms and service areas follow the same refined approach—white and gray finishes that are practical but still understated and elegant.
Overall, this Kensington bungalow demonstrates how sensitive design and thoughtful material choices can reinvigorate a 1920s home without erasing its character. By preserving key historical elements and introducing well-considered contemporary additions—an upper-level extension, a rear deck and pergola, an interior atrium and a restrained, light-filled palette—the project achieves a balanced, welcoming home that meets modern family needs while honoring its architectural origins. [Photography: Murray Fredericks, Jem Cresswell and Michael Lassman]