Having occupied a single-storey home for many years, the owners of this Morley property decided they needed to build up when grandchildren arrived on the scene.

“One of the owners is an artist and they have lots of art around the home, so they wanted a place for their grandchildren,” says Summit Home Improvements design consultant David Sell.

The existing house had two bedrooms, a living, dining and kitchen area, a games room, a study and a home studio.

With an undercover porch at the front and undercover alfresco area and large garden at the back, the block was already “quite full”, David says, so adding another level was the best option.

A second storey could also take advantage of park views across the road.

Initially, the owners wanted a balcony to enjoy the views but they were more than happy to discuss an indoor/outdoor-style space with windows that could be pulled open along the full width of the room.

“We made what was originally going to be a balcony into a sitting room with French bi-fold windows, which allow the room to be opened right up,” David says.

We showed how it would be much nicer to have an indoor room that could be opened up rather than have a balcony.

“The owners are now using that room more than they thought they would.”

The sitting room, which is also used as the TV room, has long bi-fold doors close to the staircase, which give the owners the option of completely opening up or closing off the room from the rest of the home.

There is also a master bedroom and children’s bedroom upstairs – with a freestanding bath, double vanity and glass-screen shower.

Modern French Provincial-style furniture pieces have been chosen for the upstairs rooms blending well with the French windows on both floors.

David says few changes were needed to the ground floor.  The staircase was positioned in an unused part of the home.

“We pulled the stairs forward and put some storage space behind so there’s a big linen cupboard off the passageway,” David says.

Several external areas at ground level were also rendered.

“We wanted the staircase and second storey to blend in and look as it it’s always been there.”

“It’s worked out nicely – the whole home flows really well.”