Farmhouse charm combines with a stylish, modern edge in this Sydney home transformed by Three Birds Renovations for one of their founders, Erin Cayless. This extract is from their latest book.
As the operations director at Three Birds Renovations, Erin is all about perfect planning and meticulous detail, so finding the right home to renovate took time. With the big reveal of this urban farmhouse project, the wait is finally over- and boy, was it worth every second!
Erin had been dreaming of this reno for years. The house had great bones and the property itself was love at first sight, with its lush gardens, pool, cabana and even tennis court - talk about a bonus! But the house? Well, it needed a serious makeover to match modern lifestyles and bring it into the current century.
When Erin and Nathan bought the property, it was your typical 1990s brick-and-terracotta home. Its rectangular shape and gabled roof reminded Erin of a traditional farmhouse, so we leaned into that classic architectural style and used it as the foundation for this transformation.
No frilly curtains or plaid here! Instead, we gave the home a facade makeover and injected warmth and texture into the dated interiors for the perfect blend of farmhouse charm with a modern urban twist.
From re-imagined open-plan living spaces to a show-stopping alfresco entertaining area, this renovation is easily one of our biggest and best yet. We give you the urban farmhouse of Erin’s imagination.
Farmhouse facade facelift
It’s always fun at the end of a reno to try to remember what things used to look like. That’s why taking before (above) and after pics is a must.
Document the whole process and you’ll be able to see how far the transformation has come.
This was our biggest facade transformation yet. The urban farmhouse went from plain and forgettable to a total showstopper. We completely re-imagined the front, adding character and charm with new cladding, steel roofing, fresh paint and sophisticated black window frames.
When we say total facade transformation, we mean the whole shebang! We kept a touch of brick for nostalgia, but everything else got an overhaul.
Gabled roofs are a hallmark of farmhouse design, so we needed to embrace them in this renovation. To nail that authentic farmhouse vibe (and for a more practical entry point), we relocated the front door to the centre of the facade and added a gorgeous portico with another gable to highlight that classic look.
THE APPROACH
Here’s how we brought this urban farmhouse dream facade to life.
1. Roof: This house has a lot of roof, and because it sits downhill from the road, you can see almost every inch. We swapped the dated terracotta tiles for steel panels in a deep, cool-grey colour.
2. Exterior walls: We went all out on texture. We painted parts of the original brick and added vertical cladding and stonewalling for timeless charm.
3. Windows: Black window frames were non- negotiable in Erin’s vision. We used commercial- grade aluminium which is super sleek and low- maintenance.
4. Colour: To tie it all together, Dulux "Grey Port" was our colour of choice on both the cladding and the brick, creating a cohesive look.
Define your vision to avoid cliches
A clear vision is essential for styling your lounge in a way that feels authentic and avoids design cliches.
For this renovation, we embraced an urban farmhouse aesthetic - a blend of timeless charm and modern practicality, ideal for a busy family home.
This vision guided our choices for soft furnishings, allowing us to create a space that felt warm and inviting without overdoing the farmhouse look.
The result? Beautiful, functional pieces that captured the style without veering into overly rustic or outdated territory.
The kitchen prior to the renovation.
Country kitchen revival
This dated suburban kitchen has been transformed into a fresh and modern urban farmhouse dream.
With pale timber tones, open shelving and a stunning island bench, it’s now the heart of the home.
THE APPROACH
These five features make up the heart and soul of the urban farmhouse kitchen.
Warm, natural materials: The light wood cabinetry and marble-look surfaces create a cosy, inviting vibe that’s both modern and timeless.
Seamless butler’s pantry: The open access to the butler’s pantry keeps everything within reach and maintains the kitchen’s clean, uncluttered look.
Airy and open design: The many windows, light palette and minimalist layout make the space feel bright, open and perfect for family gatherings.
Functional island with seating: The island offers ample workspace and seating, making it the perfect spot for casual meals or socialising while cooking.
Simple styling: Simple, rustic decor pieces add personality and warmth without overwhelming the space, keeping the farmhouse style elegant and fresh.
SAVVY SAVER
Modern laminate can now mimic real marble, offering all the elegance without the heavy price tag.
We used it on the vanity and splashback in this powder room with stunning results.
Plus, it’s super lightweight, making installation an absolute breeze.
Stylish, affordable and easy - what’s not to love?
PRO TIP
From our cabinet-maker: choose "post-formed" laminate to wrap around benchtop edges for a high- end seamless look without visible joins.
Plan the power points
When designing your walk-in robe, don’t forget about the power points.
You’ll thank yourself later for placing them in smart spots for charging your phone, heating your hair straightener or powering your steamer.
Think about where you’ll need them most - like near mirrors for hair tools or by shelving for those must-have gadgets.
It’s all about making your walk-in robe not just stylish, but super functional too.
Erin’s walk-in-robe checklist
These three small details have a big impact.
Linen-look cabinetry: It may look like delicate linen, but it’s actually a durable Polytec finish that’s resistant to marks.
Carpet: Make it boucle. Not only is it cosy underfoot, but it also brings a touch of elegance to the space.
The perfect balance of pretty and practical: Find the sweet spot between hanging space, drawers, open shelves and closed storage. Add some beautiful display shelving to elevate the room and make it feel extra special.
Main bedroom honour roll
The colour palette: Since this room is blessed with plenty of natural light, we chose the full-strength version of the colour used throughout the rest of the house, Dulux "Buff It", for the walls, trims and ceiling. It’s glowy, cosy and sophisticated.
Wall detailing: Skirting and architraves can make or break a room. In Erin’s bedroom, the 300mm skirting, paired with decorative architraves and vertical cladding, elevates the luxe factor.
Luxe furnishings and bedding: The beautiful bed is the centrepiece of this space. We paired it with matching side tables, bedside lamps and French linen bedding for the ultimate luxurious finish.
SAVVY SAVER
Why break the bank with a cabinet-maker when you can have your chippie work wonders instead?
Fibre cement cladding is not just weatherproof but also perfect for building outdoor kitchens that are both durable and budget-friendly.
Your builder or carpenter can frame up the bench, line it with fibre cement sheets, and cut out the doors.
Finish it off with a benchtop and handles of your choice.
Now that’s a recipe for success.
