Something Borrowed Semi, Bellevue Hill

Borrowing ideas, views, skills, materials and ingenuity to create a delightful place to live

Something Borrowed Semi is the thoughtful renovation to an art deco semi in Bellevue Hill for a family of four.

Having tolerated a subsiding floor, leaking roof and asbestos for many years, the owners sought to create a functional, well-built home that could grow with their children and accommodate visiting grandparents from overseas.

The renovation focused on maximising space efficiency, enhancing indoor-outdoor

connections, and incorporating sustainable design while respecting the home’s Art Deco character.

The result is a three bedroom home + flexible fourth space. The total floor area increased to 173m² from 119m², keeping the footprint 40% smaller than the average house size in Sydney, showing a home can be generous while not necessarily big.

Our clients chose to retain and improve their rear bathroom, prompting a more thoughtful

balance between privacy and outdoor connection. The space was reimagined to accommodate a concealed laundry and WC, discreetly tucked behind a curved wall that leads to the garden.

When asked how they wanted the home to look and why, the clients simply responded, ‘Good - because we plan to take good advice from smart people.’

Something Borrowed Semi is located on the traditional lands of the Cadigal people.