Highlander Homes Project 1

Highlander Homes delivers a stylish refresh on this original 1960s home in the Southern Highlands. An extension of the existing home, this open-plan living, dining and kitchen brings a much-needed airy space by elevating the ceiling height and covering the walls with large windows that overlook the lush back garden. The extension is a seamless continuation of the rest of the house, creating a cohesive, functional and beautiful upgrade.

The extension opens out with a startling, raked ceiling featuring beautiful dark timber beams and unique large triangular shaped windows at the peak of the ceiling, allowing ample light to flood the open-plan space. The kitchen utilises the ceiling height to create ample storage in its full-height joinery. Keeping a minimal colour palette of black and white, the kitchen’s aesthetic blends postmodern influences with industrial, creating a soft yet masculine space.

In an otherwise minimalist space, the kitchen strategically highlights striking elements such as spherical dark wood pendant lighting and the decorative black rangehood casing that is mirrored in the island bench. These artistic choices are further enhanced by the mixture of textures – wood, laminate, and stone – as well as the juxtaposition between curved and sharp edges.

The living room sits comfortably beside the kitchen, a subtly division signalled by the panelled feature wall in which the TV is floating. This separation is further enhanced by a strategically placed black bookshelf showcasing the homeowner’s personality and style, which the generously sized L-shaped couch resides behind. The living area itself is defined by its striking fireplace, housed by an artful exposed brown brick statement wall segment.

The cosy atmosphere is achieved also through the placement of a book nook off the main living space, which overlooks the impressive views of the garden. While settling in the comfortable armchair and reading your favourite book, you can admire the manicured garden and wrap-around decking.

The alfresco entertainment area is a seamless continuation of the interior extension. It features plenty of seating for guests, along with a barbeque, meal preparation bench and access to the double-sided fireplace of the living room. From here, you have access to steps that lead to the lush lawn.