Home Tour: $300,000 Renovation for an old 2-storey terrace house

When it comes to terrace house renovation projects that truly transform a space, this 30-year-old two-storey terrace home stands as a remarkable example of what vision, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design can achieve. The comprehensive makeover features strong wood accents that create a dramatic contrast against clean-lined modern elements, resulting in a home that honors traditional materials while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

$300,000 Terrace house renovation

Throughout this two-storey terrace house, dark wooden tones dominate – from the homeowner’s carefully curated collection of retro and vintage furniture to the rich timber accents incorporated into the interior architecture.

However, what prevents the space from feeling heavy or dated is the brilliant layout reconfiguration and elegant design solutions implemented by Museworks’ interior designer, Shawn Shum. The renovation, completed at an estimated cost of $300,000 including extensive carpentry work, strikes that perfect balance between timeless appeal and modern functionality that characterizes the most successful terrace house renovation projects.

Antique oriental wooden screens

The main living and dining spaces showcase the design’s anchoring elements – antique oriental wooden screens that serve as both functional dividers and statement art pieces. These heritage items establish the home’s design narrative, connecting the space to traditional Asian aesthetics while allowing the more contemporary elements to shine against their ornate backdrop.

Terrace house kitchen design

One of the most transformative aspects of this terrace house renovation focused on reimagining the kitchen – a priority given the homeowner’s passion for culinary arts. The interior team made the bold decision to remove a substantial column that previously dominated the middle of the space, creating an open flow that allows natural light to stream in abundantly from the living room. This structural change fundamentally altered how the two-storey terrace house functions, creating connectivity between previously compartmentalized spaces.

Professional home kitchen

The kitchen itself is a chef’s dream realized through meticulous planning. This fully functional culinary space features a professional-grade industrial hob that would satisfy even the most demanding home cook. Adjacent to the substantial island countertop sits a thoughtfully designed breakfast and tasting table, creating a casual dining zone perfect for morning coffee or sampling dishes in progress.

In a particularly inspired touch characteristic of high-end terrace house renovation projects, interior designer Shawn incorporated a small garden visible from the kitchen windows, ensuring the homeowner enjoys refreshing green views during meal preparation and casual dining moments.

Under staircase design

Beneath the staircase, what might have been dead space in a less thoughtful terrace house renovation has been transformed into a sophisticated wine showcase and cellar. This elegant storage solution complements the stylish bar area the homeowner chose to position next to the dining room – creating a natural entertainment zone where friends and family can gather for pre-dinner drinks or evening socializing.

Common bathroom design

The common bathroom exemplifies the home’s design philosophy through its simple yet refined aesthetic. Textured walls and quality fixtures create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary – a recurring theme throughout this two-storey terrace house renovation.

Sliding glass door partition

Ascending to the second floor reveals how the renovation thoughtfully addressed the upper level of this two-storey terrace house. The master bedroom features a striking sliding glass door framed with black powder-coated aluminum, with adjustable blinds providing privacy when desired.

The decision to install a glass partition rather than maintain the original solid wall that once divided the master bedroom from adjacent rooms allows natural light to filter through, creating a brighter, more open feeling throughout the upper level.

Antique wood panels bed headboard

The master bedroom continues the home’s celebration of collected treasures, incorporating more of the owner’s antique pieces. Most notably, historic panels have been artfully embedded into a custom false wall, creating a stunning headboard that serves as the room’s focal point. This creative reuse of heritage elements represents the thoughtful approach to design that elevates this terrace house renovation above ordinary projects.

Wood accents interior design

What makes this two-storey terrace house truly special is interior designer Shawn’s expert balancing of classic wooden elements with contemporary accents. This skillful juxtaposition prevents the overall aesthetic from tipping into overly dramatic territory, instead creating a sophisticated dialogue between past and present throughout the home.

Black bathroom tiles

The attention to detail that distinguishes superior terrace house renovation work is perhaps most evident in the master bathroom, where Shawn selected black tiles embossed with subtle motifs. Under direct lighting, these etched designs emerge dramatically, creating a shimmering effect against the deep black background – a small but impactful design choice that adds unexpected visual texture.

Luxurious bathroom design

The secondary bathroom on the second floor offers a different atmosphere from the rest of the home, designed with intimacy and luxury in mind. This space demonstrates how a comprehensive terrace house renovation can create distinct moods within different zones while maintaining overall design coherence.

Through thoughtful planning, material selection, and attention to both historic elements and modern needs, this two-storey terrace house renovation demonstrates how a significant investment can completely transform not just the appearance but the fundamental livability of a decades-old property.