REVELATIONS

H&G ADVICE
A FRONT LIVING ROOM
This is where the rising damp was at
its worst but, post-restoration, it’s
Taylor’s quiet retreat. Architect Tom
Ferguson designed the bookshelves
flanking the fireplace. Walls in Dulux
Silkwort. Artwork by Salvatore Zofrea.
B STUDY
Located on the second floor, next to
the main bedroom, the study doubles
as Taylor’s dressing space. “It’s a
handy location but also out of the
way if I need to concentrate on work,”
he says. The curtain fabric is Artek
Siena cotton from Anibou.
C BATHROOM
Taylor chose a simple palette to suit
the room’s modest size. “I introduced
marble subway tiles on the basin
plinth for visual interest,” he says.
D GUESTROOM
Once a storage space, the attic level
is now a guestroom with an elegant
Scandinavian ambience. Splayed
furniture legs and chevron stripes
mirror the sloping roofline.
KITCHEN/DINING AREA (BELOW)
Taylor opted for a dining table rather
than an island bench in the kitchen.
The routed grey joinery is designed to
look like finely crafted furniture.
Artwork by Paul Saint.
BEFORE
Bath
Living
Courtyard
Living
Kitchen
Dining
Attic
storage
Balcony
Bed
Bed
Balcony
AFTER
MATTHEW TAYLOR’S RENOVATION TIPS
❖ When you’re choosing the house, you’re actually starting a renovation. Try to
imagine the finished project and make sure it’s achievable. An architect will be able
to help you as they are used to visualising this sort of thing.
❖ Don’t just think about mapping out the rooms. Think carefully about the way you
live and let your architect know. If you have to reach out for a towel when you get
out of the shower, for example, make sure there is a hook in a more convenient spot.
If you like reading, make sure there is a well-lit nook for that, too.
❖ As much as possible, do your research and make all the decisions on fittings and
fixtures before you start construction. Unexpected things always happen during
a renovation project. Keeping to your budget where possible means it’s easier
to make the decision to spend the money when you have to. #
Living
Courtyard
Living
Kitchen/
dining
Bath
Laundry
Bed
Balcony
Study
Bed
Balcony
For Where to Buy, see page 259.
THE BUDGET
Preliminaries $9000
Asbestos removal $1200
Demolition $8100
Groundworks $2200
Termite protection $1,000
Dampcoursing $3200
Subfloor ventilation $2000
Brickwork $1600
Cement render $1550
Carpentry $36,400
Plasterboard $13,000
Roofing $13,300
Joinery $22,450
Plumbing $11,500
Shower screens $1800
Electrical $17,500
Waterproofing $4000
Tiling $11,000
Painting $12,000
Final clean $1200
Tiles $2518
Kitchen appliances $4811
Bathroom fittings $3323
Architect $25,000
Structural engineer $1500
Surveyor $1500
Council $1000
Certifier $2000
TOTAL $215,652