RENO SCHOOL ROYALTY DOES IT AGAIN!

BY LANA

Last time we featured Reno School Queen, Emma Ramia, on the blog she’d just finished flipping her second reno and was about to start planning a biggie – her own forever home! Well, like any seasoned renovator knows, you can’t let plans get in the way of a good opportunity so, when Emma found a dilapidated little cottage for sale, that needed some big lovin’, she just couldn’t pass it up.

Emma was one of our very first Reno School students and we’ve followed her projects for a few years now. So, we were thrilled to see that she’s been at it again with another transformation that will blow your socks off.

When Emma purchased this 100-year-old cottage in October last year, she knew it had great potential, being in one of East Toowoomba’s best neighbourhoods, but she certainly had her work cut out for her. When you see the transformation, you’ll hardly believe your eyes!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE IMAGES

What was your inspiration for this reno, EMMA?

A friend and I came down to NSW for Sophie’s open home last year (Three Birds House 10). We stayed in Byron Bay and I got a lot of inspo from the cute cottages there. I guess you’d say they’re traditional with a coastal/boho vibe. And that became my vision for this cottage too.

What’s your favourite room?

It’d have to be the kitchen and dining area. We added bifolds along the back of the house so that it opens out onto the entertaining space. I love how it feels so much bigger now that there’s a seamless flow from inside to out.

BEFORE

AFTER

What learnings did you take from Reno School?

Space-saving tip – bench seats are a great way to incorporate more seating while saving space. I put one in the dining area which I love.

Budget buy – the IKEA Bergsbo wardrobe doors. Much cheaper than custom joinery!

Favourite supplier discount – I saved 25% off all the lighting, from Beacon, by using my Reno School discount.

Lana’s words of wisdom - I had one of Lana’s favourite sayings “better done than perfect” constantly going around in my head. Being so old, with original panelled walls, there was no way that everything in this cottage was ever going to be perfect and I had to live with that. My poor painters! I felt for them.

What was your biggest challenge?

This quick turnaround reno took a little longer than expected when my fabulous builder broke both his feet on-site! Then, we happened to list the property for sale the week the COVID-19 restrictions hit, which meant no on-site open homes. Obviously, that’s something that we never could have planned for. I think the crisis has made buyers a lot more cautious and the sales process has really slowed down. We had the first open home last weekend and it was nice to see some people through the property.