WHEN Emma and David Engelman bought their Edward Street house in 2008 they quickly set about renovating it by modernising many key areas while still retaining its historic features, including its ornate ceilings and original fireplace.
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The couple was delighted when they pulled up the house's out-dated carpet and found beautiful floorboards which they then spent hours restoring to their former glory.
The end result of their hard work is a lovely three-bedroom family home that the couple have decorated with an eclectic mix of high-end contemporary furnishings.
The Engelmans couldn't be happier with the way the house looks now.
"This is the house that we could afford to buy at the time and we just made the most of it," Emma said.
"I'm a bit fussy and we liked being able to put our own stamp on our home."
One of the house's most unique features is its custom-made concrete bench, which the couple purchased in Western Australia.
"We just wanted to have something that was unique and different to what you can get out here," Emma said.
While renovating the Engelmans were mindful of ensuring the house was "child friendly" and met the needs of their now three-year-old son Oscar.
Emma said because of the house's central location she's able to walk to most places, including the supermarket.
"We love the area and our house is now so homey and comfortable," she said.
Emma said she'd advise any other couple thinking about renovating to "go for it" and says there's plenty of inspiration to be had from house and decor magazines and television programs such as The Block.
In fact the couple want to test their renovation skills by appearing on The Block, and have applied to be contestants on the next series.
"We thought it would be a fun thing to do, we're young so we thought why not?"
Emma admits the house wouldn't look as good as it does now without the help of family, including her brother Ben Johns who painted the house, her father-in-law Chris Engelman who helped with the building work and mother-in-law Joy Engelman who supplied some of the house's "beautiful, bright and bold" paintings.
"David has also put so much hard work into the house and he never took off any time from work to do it," Emma said.
"He's got a very mathematical mind and he's able to think outside the square.
"He's a pastry cook but he's very clever."
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
