Happy days … Nathan Johnson with daughter Willow, 2, in the kitchen.
Sometimes, the best things in renovating happen by accident. Take the resort-style bridge across the pool in Jaynie and Nathan Johnson's backyard. Faced with a limited budget when they bought in Sydney's Sutherland Shire 18 months ago, they set about knocking out the back wall and putting in bi-folds, sourced on eBay, that opened onto their garden. The problem was, it meant they almost fell into the old kidney-shaped pool.
"We were going to cover it with decking and put water tanks in it," says Jaynie. "But friends said, 'People pay $70,000 to install a pool; keep it!' " So, they built the charming bridge across the pool as a way to access the backyard. "And we really love it now."
Inside, the light-filled rooms are filled with lovingly fossicked pieces - sofas from eBay, a mid-century sideboard found on the side of a road. An affordable kitchen has been created by ripping out ugly cabinets and hiding the clutter behind curtains. "I think our style here comes from not having a huge budget," says Nathan. "Relaxed is the word."
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Home of the week
Jane Hall's home in Melbourne. Photo: Armelle Habib
Nathan and Jaynie run Blacklist Studio Prints, selling Nathan's happy slogan artwork online. His distinctive calligraphy is on display everywhere. "We're both quite positive people," says Nathan.
And it's that positive spirit that gives this house its appeal. "It's important that a home really feels like you," says Jaynie.
Photography: Jennifer Soo
From Sunday Life
