Home Tours
That ‘70s Bungalow; Where a Modern Renovation Meets Retro Inspiration
Instagram: @that.70s.bungalow
Builder: Insitu
Photography: Atelier Photography
That ‘70s bungalow. You know the one with the vibrant and playful palette, mid-century modern interiors, and is currently undergoing the most awe-inspiring transformation that would make Slim Aarons proud? If not, then you’re about to explore a family home undergoing a complete renovation to enhance its retro charm while creating functionality for modern-day living. Welcome to That ‘70s Bungalow, home to Nina, Dylan, and their daughter, who bought the Newcastle abode with big DIY plans in mind. Documenting their renovation journey on Instagram (@that.70s.bungalow), the eclectic, yet relaxed home has faced its fair share of renovation challenges and risks, but after this tour, we’re sure you’ll agree that they’ve completely paid off.
Come with us as we sit down with Nina to discover That ‘70s Bungalow, the muse behind the transformation, and why they don’t live with “reno regret”.
That ‘70s Bungalow was purchased in 202o with a lot of the original elements needing to be completely stripped back and redone. Nina and Dylan wanted to make sure they created a space that would suit a modern family while still paying homage to the original '70s charm. A focus was put on restructuring the layout and design of a lot of the rooms within the home, such as creating a study nook, which was a spontaneous addition replacing the spot that used to house the old linen press.
Even the addition of an ensuite and a walk-in robe was added to the master bedroom to increase the functionality and value of the home.
When you step inside That ‘70s Bungalow, classic nostalgia of the past is immediately felt. And how did Nina achieve this atmosphere so perfectly? By using the original ‘70s wallpapered bar as the hero and muse of their entire renovation. With its sage green and subtle gold details, soft arches, and opulent patterned wallpaper, the space sets the tone for everything from the vibe to the palette, and the selections throughout the home.
As arches are currently everywhere in interior design, Nina and Dylan really harnessed this trend and created a connection between each space through the organic shape. Archways, mirrors, curved built-in cabinetry, and soft, rounded furniture can be found in abundance throughout the home.
A palette of greens can also be found in various elements within the bungalow, such as in the kitchen. The Verde Onyx Stone perfectly complements the travertine tiles, timber cabinetry, and brass fixtures. It’s no wonder that the kitchen is one of Nina’s favourite parts of That ‘70s Bungalow. The space sets the tone for what’s to come within the home while providing a welcoming zone for people to gather or the family to spend nights together.
Speaking of the kitchen, as with all renovations, there are always risks and challenges to overcome. The kitchen design was a bold choice for the family who felt they were stepping out of their comfort zone and opting for something striking. And it really has paid off. We’re in love with how the warm materials, such as the timber, contain a touch of that mid-century modern aesthetic, yet the kitchen is still bright and open, enveloped by natural light and soft sheers which acts as a nod to the home’s coastal location.
Another risky choice Nina and Dylan had to make was the repurposing of the internal double garage. They wanted to utilise the space to extend the home so they could create that dreamy kitchen space, open plan living, and dining room. They weighed up the pros and cons, including the consideration of overcapitalising, but ultimately decided to go with their gut and extend the home. “There’s nothing worse than living in reno regret, so we always take the risky path when making decisions - will that come back to bite us one day? Probably haha! But it’s how you learn and grow too, and create epic things along the way. We will still be adding a double garage on the property, so we aren’t taking away a key element of the home,” notes Nina.
As always, we love discovering each homeowner’s favourite feature within the home, and apart from the kitchen and the study nook, Nina and Dylan are in love with the bar. With its original personality and character, the space is unique and vibrant, giving a beautiful Art Deco vibe to the home. We can see why it was the muse for That '70s Bungalow.
With renovations still being carried out, we can’t wait to see the final result of That ‘70s Bungalow. Feeling inspired? Bring your retro visions to life using our mood board tool.
Go-To Suppliers Used on That ‘70s Bungalow:
