3 UNEXPECTED RENO SCHOOL PROJECTS YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE
What do a bus, a caravan and a colourful ice cream shop have in common?
They’ve all been gorgeously renovated by our super savvy Reno School students!
Over the past few years, we’ve come to expect the unexpected from our clever cohort of students and graduates. Whether it’s dream homes, new builds, or a totally out of the box projects like these, they never fail to surprise and delight.
We think you’ll love these transformations too…
SUNDAE SESH
Journalist by trade, go-getter by nature and reno queen by rights, Jonica Bray’s renovations (yes, that’s plural!) are always ones to watch. You’d be right if you think her name rings a bell, Jonica is the clever creator of the tiny shipping container home with the big love story in Vanuatu and her own home on NSW’s Central Coast.
Having called the Central Coast home for over two years, in November last year Jonica signed a lease on a whim and opened an ice cream shop in the coastal village of Umina Beach. Without any industry experience (does loving ice cream count?!), she and her hubby, Clint, threw caution to the wind and Pinterest pics onto a vision board… and (in just 3 weeks!) Sundae Sesh was born.
SUNDAE SESH VISION BOARD
Jonica’s vision was to create an ice cream shop with a vibe that’s friendly enough for families but cool enough for date night, clean and fresh with a bubblegum colour palette. And it had to be very shareable on socials!
Jonica’s Vision Board - supplied. Photo credits: Pinterest.
BEFORE
AFTER JONICA SPRINKLED HER RENO MAGIC
Can you believe this whole project took only three weeks? And that included change of use of the property to food premises! #wonderwoman #renospeedrecord #jonicabolt
Sundae Sesh is a feast for the eyes, as well as the belly. With its vibrant colour palette, cute booth seating and something for every sweet tooth, it’s no surprise that the first weekend was a sell-out! #theyallscreamedforicecream
Has all this talk of ice-cream got you drooling? Drop-in for a sesh next time you’re near Umina: @sundaesesh
A CARAVAN NAMED ‘BELLE’
Steph Spaninks jumped for joy (literally - see photographic evidence below!) when she and her husband, Matt, found their dream caravan-to-be.
Born in the ‘70s and with more ‘mission brown’ accents than you could poke a stick at, this old gal was ready for a new lease on life, with a young family to love her.
While Matt started stripping her back to her bones, like all diligent Reno Schoolers, Steph, got busy boarding.
STEPH’S VISION
Steph drew inspiration from Parisian apartment interiors with herringbone flooring, linens and moulding on all the cupboard doors. She wanted it to be beautiful and boutiquey… but not too precious that it wasn’t practical.
Steph’s Vision Board - supplied. Photo credits: Pinterest.
With a toddler in tow and baby on board, the reno took longer than expected but we all know that good things take time and the result is, well… TRES BELLE!
Steph’s favourite feature is the vinyl flooring. “We got vinyl peel and stick planks from Bunnings, cut them in half and laid them in a herringbone pattern. The parquetry floor adds a sense of luxe to the van and elevates the whole feel of the interiors.”
See more of this cute caravan: @journey__home
AARDVARK THE BUS
After the obligatory “We bought a bus!” jump shot, Dane & Monique set to work to transform this people mover into a home on wheels.
The reno was the perfect passion project during COVID lockdown in Australia, with Dane, Monique and a few mates mucking in to get the home ready for its big Aussie adventure. Eager to hit the open roads, this entire renovation took the couple just two months from go to woah!
Affectionately named Aardvark, the bus is now fully fitted out, including a toilet and shower, one of the couple’s favourite features, along with the rooftop deck which is perfect for picturesque sundowners and also houses the bus’ solar panels. She’s wired with solar power which runs the lights and the fridge - now that’s our kind of bus!
Currently off on a year-long trip around Australia, you can follow Aardvark’s adventures here: @aardvark_the_bus
LOOKING FOR MORE INSPO?
Click the images below to see some more of our favourite student reno projects.
ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR OWN RENOVATION?
Join us for our next intake of Reno School!
