Selling Houses Australia: Season 16, Mudjimba

From shack to chic – a budget-friendly coastal renovation

Back in 2012, Mark (known to his friends and family as Macca), purchased a small home on 600m² in the sought-after suburb of Mudjimba, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. 

Sadly, soon after moving in, Macca was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The arduous process of fighting this took its toll on both Macca’s wellbeing and his finances, and he soon found himself in a position where he needed government assistance for day-to-day living and medical expenses. 

Once recovered from his cancer battle, Macca decided it was time to sell his much-loved Mudjimba home and move to Brisbane, so he could be closer to his son Ben and his grandchildren. 

There was just one final roadblock for Macca: his house simply wouldn’t sell. Even worse – the agent couldn’t even entice potential buyers to step through the front door. Despite its superb location and generous land size, the home was extremely dark, drab, and uninviting. The scope of work required was just too much for buyers, and so Macca’s home remained unsold. 

In desperate need of a solution, and with a very limited budget for any renovations, Macca and his family called the Selling Houses Australia team to help. 

Bringing this coastal gem to life

With just a parcel of trees and bush separating Macca’s property from the beach, it was brimming with potential. Over the last decade, however, Macca’s ill-health had prevented him from doing much with the exterior – and it was dark, cluttered, and overgrown. A large fence and bulky carport dominated the view from the street, and there was no clear access to the rear of the property. 

Dennis and the team therefore set to work clearing the large yard—with the help of Macca’s son Ben, and a cavalry of his mates. 

The existing carport was replaced with a much simpler option with a slanting roof – adding an architectural feel. Large, circular stone pavers were placed in new turf , adding a very modern, beachy feel to the front of the home. New white paint, and a timber front door with an angular awning completed the contemporary, coastal picture.  

Luxury on a budget – a skip-bin pool

Determined to add significant value and saleability to Macca’s property, Dennis also installed what was a first for Selling Houses Australia —a new pool—at the front of the home. This smart and economical pool is made from a retired skip-bin, which was professionally lined and waterproofed, ready for quick and easy installation. 

Creating a bright, inviting interior

With the exterior of the home completely transformed, Wendy then set about revitalising the interiors, which were previously very cramped and drab.  

The first step was to remove the dark, timber tones from the home – replacing them with bright, linear surfaces that would create an illusion of space. The walls were painted in fresh, white tones; the existing flooring was replaced with light-coloured floorboards; and new VJ panelling was installed on the walls create a chic, coastal feel. 

“Incorporate a light coastal inspired palette of crisp whites, soft pastels, blues and greens; fabrics like cotton and linen; natural elements such as rugs, baskets, woven light fixtures; and driftwood inspired pieces and accessories, and you have a beach house with a carefree yet chic aesthetic that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” says Wendy. 

Bringing the light inside

Previously, one of the biggest drawbacks of this property was the fact it was incredibly dark and gloomy on the inside. It also lacked any kind of connection to the exterior. 

Wendy addressed this by knocking down a wall next to the dining room, and installing doors to the outdoor entertaining area. She also used some of the budget to create a servery – with a gas-strut window that could open and ensure a flow between both areas of the home.   

Choosing the right window coverings for this home was also very important in brightening the interior and adding an element of style and sophistication.  

In the main living space, Wendy therefore chose to install Luxaflex® LumiShades in Provincial Linen fabric and in Cool White colour. She also chose to run these across the entire length of the wall to create an illusion of space. 

“This is a really great trick. These windows are smack in the centre of each wall but by adding floor to ceiling blinds that run the entire wall, even though there’s no window, it’s a great effect to make the whole space feel wider,” she says.   

“And these Luxaflex LumiShades are perfect because they’ve got lots of movement and a really soft vertical line with that S-curve. So not only does it accentuate the  height of the room, it just adds a really beautiful sense of softness,” she adds. 

Luxaflex® Duette Shades were also added to the home, in two varying fabric types: Bamboo (which is translucent) and Elan (which is a blockout fabric). The sheer, translucent fabric maximises the flow of light into the space, while still ensuring privacy, while the blockout option is ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where a cosy, dark space is required.