A Family Home Turned Cali Cool Inner-City Bungalow: Discover Three Birds Renovations Latest Project

When a family of five handed over the keys to their tired 1920s Californian Bungalow in Sydney, they asked Three Birds Renovations to do what they do best: create a beautiful, functional home without the stress of decision fatigue. What they got in return is a reimagined family home full of charm, clever design and thoughtful details.

The brief was simple: more space, more light, and a whole lot of laid-back elegance. The result is a ‘Cali Cool’ haven, blending coastal textures, boho charm, Scandi simplicity and a touch of mid-century soul. But what really sets this home apart is how every room feels like part of a whole. There’s a strong design thread that runs throughout the home thanks to the careful selection of finishes and fittings, including a considered mix of our products throughout.

Walking through the main bathroom, it’s clear that compact doesn’t mean compromised. For a space that needs to work hard for a family of five, the ISSY Cloud Vanity by Zuster is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Customisable and locally made, it brings a warm, organic feel with solid American oak timber legs and detailed timber beading, along with the kind of storage a busy family needs. It’s paired with Sussex Scala Tapware in Brushed Platinum Gold, elegant, practical, and made from 100% recycled brass. The Milli Mood Twin Rail shower is a standout, featuring a beautifully veined stone niche and soft blue tiles that layer texture and colour without overwhelming the space.

In the ensuite, as the palette softens even further in the bedroom, continuing the creamy tones of the bedroom into a calm and inviting space, the ensuite makes a bold statement with a custom made marble vanity. The Sussex Scala tapware appears again, helping create a sense of continuity throughout the home. Here it’s teamed with beige tiles and Omvivo Villa Basins in White Haven. These matte solid-surface basins bring a subtle, organic feel for a timeless, tactile, and beautifully understated ensuite.

The powder room takes a more playful turn. It’s compact, but packed with personality. The Omvivo Venice Pedestal Basin acts as a sculptural centrepiece, and the decision to use a bath spout for the tap, again in Brushed Platinum Gold, brings a creative twist while staying true to the home’s overall palette. With camel-toned tiles and textured finishes, the space feels warm, layered and intentional.

In the kitchen, practicality and polish go hand in hand. The Memo Harper Butler Sink in fine fireclay delivers durability without sacrificing style. It’s paired once again with a brushed platinum gold sink mixer from the Sussex Scala collection, reinforcing that all-important thread of consistency. Repeating elements like tapware may seem simple, but it’s one of the most effective ways to tie different spaces together visually. To continue the cohesive Cali Cool vibe, the laundry continues with the same tapware and sink collections. Creating a functional space, acting as a laundry and overflow kitchen space, perfect for the family of five.

We love the way every room in House 17 has its own personality, but nothing feels disconnected. Through smart planning, consistent finishes and a clear design direction, Three Birds Renovations have delivered a family home that’s as practical as it is polished.

Looking for more tips from Three Birds Renovations? Bonnie takes us through how to add luxury and character to your bathroom renovation, no matter the size. Watch it here.