When Lisa bought her Stafford Heights property almost a decade ago, she fell for its bones and the sweeping Moreton Bay views. The house itself was another matter. A roof past its use-by date, dodgy wiring, peeling paint, and a carpet that had seen too many decades of wear meant it was teetering between renovation and demolition. With a $400,000 budget, she had a choice: clear the block and start again or see if creativity could stretch further than cash.
Making Tough Calls
Lisa’s renovation journey began in 2021, just as building costs began to surge during the pandemic. Architect Paul Butterworth, who has long championed mid-century design, joined her on the project. Together they mapped out an ambitious plan—restore the façade, widen the balcony, sand back the original floors, update the plumbing and wiring, and add bursts of colour that would reflect Lisa’s lively character.
But as prices kept climbing, their spreadsheets told a harsher story. A plunge pool earmarked for the front yard was quickly scrapped. The roof, plumbing and electrical repairs were deemed non-negotiable. Cosmetic upgrades would have to wait. Lisa and Butterworth pared back the list, focusing on essentials that would preserve the structure while still giving the home a personality refresh.
Balancing Colour and Character
Despite the cutbacks, the home never lost its identity. A chartreuse front door and a striking mural on the balcony became its defining flourishes. Inside, the kitchen and bathroom were lightly modernised while retaining their original footprint. The balcony, widened from one to three metres, opened the living space to the surrounding views.
Butterworth often said that bold colour needed to be treated as carefully as any other design element. The risk of turning the home into a patchwork of mismatched hues was real, but careful composition allowed the colours to feel deliberate and confident.
Resisting the Wrecking Ball
The decision to renovate rather than rebuild went against the grain in a city where demolition often feels easier. Yet Lisa’s choice to invest in what already stood shows how Brisbane’s post-war and mid-century housing stock can adapt. Her home, once described as a “Palm Springs hangover,” now carries an unpretentious retro flair that fits the suburb’s hillside character.
Butterworth said the project demanded a balance of restraint and boldness—resolving structural problems first, then adding personality through targeted design moves. By the time practical completion was reached in February 2024, the house no longer looked tired. Instead, it reflected the reality of budget constraints: you can’t do everything, but you can do enough to make a place feel alive again.
Neighbours and visitors have watched the transformation with interest. What was once a rundown property on a Stafford Heights street has become a local talking point. The story has resonated with others planning renovations of their own. It shows that prioritising essentials over luxuries doesn’t have to mean compromising on individuality.
Published 19-Aug-2025
