An interior designer's reno on a budget

Article by real living

Interior designer Lauren Li stuck to a tight budget when renovating a 1970s two bedroom unit

Renovating on a strict budget, interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä still managed to employ a whole host of great ideas to make her Melbourne, 1970s brick-veneer unit a comfortable, light-filled home – and include a few luxury items to boot.

The 68-square-metre, two-bedroom unit is also home to husband Phil and daughters Indigo and Coco, so practical, space-saving, airy solutions were a must. “We use every inch of space so I’m really pleased with the minor alterations we made to the floorplan,” says Lauren.

Investment pieces

Around the home, a few pieces were splurged on “to trick up the inexpensive items”, says Lauren
She couldn’t resist the “super-comfortable” Arflex Pecorelle armchair from Poliform in the living room.
In the renovated kitchen, Anthropologie knobs add interest to Ikea cabinets, and a Stone Italiana bench and handmade Perini tile splashback add luxe.
While original timber floors feature, there’s carpet in bedrooms. “It’s beautiful to walk on and adds luxury.” Luxe for less.

Words by: Diana Prichard. Photos by: Eve Wilson. Styling by: Studio Moore/Real Living.

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A large Ikea “Stockholm” rug makes the room feel generous. “My pet hate is rugs that are too small – they float around the room and don’t do anything,” Lauren says. The Moroso “Bloomy” yellow chair is from Hub.

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Interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä used every inch of space to transform her 1970s brick-veneer unit into a comfortable, light-filled home. Photo by Eve Wilson.

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Interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä used every inch of space to transform her 1970s brick-veneer unit into a comfortable, light-filled home. Photo by Eve Wilson.