ROLEYSTONE BY EVOLUTION

Build : Evolution Design : European Concepts Images : LP Visuals

After raising four boys who now have families of their own, Peter and Betty’s house in the Perth hills, had always been the corner stone of their growing brood. Betty; a natural entertainer was always used to hosting large family dinners and collective special occasions, with time together the backbone of this extended family’s upbringing.

But, as the family kept growing, it came to reason that this mid-century beauty of a kitchen was no longer servicing the way they wanted to live. How could it ? You can barely swing a fondue in there ! To capture that energy again, and to make gathering far more functional and enjoyable; it was clear that the ‘rock, paper, scissors’ approach to who got a seat needed a serious upgrade !

This tiny [ but very instagrammable ] retro kitchen, in a home ‘hand built’ by Peter in 1979 could no longer house the rabble - not that it did the best job when they were young either [ the daily ritual of the boys racing under the bench seat to get the hot spot creating total carnage ]. Cherubs.

It’s possible as you continue reading, you too may begin to recognise this home, as Peter and Betty are also the family that own Raeburn Orchards [ Perth’s most instagrammable orchard - I feel a trend happening here ! ].

I remember pulling into the driveway, falling instantly in love with the red brick facade and the familiarity it gave off. It’s nestled up high with an outlook that’s simply extraordinary; so after driving from the burbs I started to wonder how the Perth hills were flying so far under the radar ? It was also my first visit to the orchard itself . But it’s ok. I fessed up to that soon after.

As I entered the home, greeted warmly by Peter, I was so delighted [ in fact I may have let out a little squeal when I went inside ] to see the original Jarrah ceilings had remained untouched. What a total jewel in the crown.

Evolution and Peter at that point had me at hello !

When you stand in their kitchen and look down, all you can see are fruit trees. You get an instant sense of what life was like a little tacker living up in the hills with long days spent hiding away from everyone amongst the goings on of a busy orchard. A little boys heaven !

Kitchen Design : European Concepts | Benchtops : European Ceramics | Kitchen : Doimo Cucine

Feat : Table and dining chairs : Jardan | Stools : Miniforms | Appliances : Winnings & Fisher Paykel

Range hood : Falmec

The original doorway was relocated to the right to create a new entry to the old walk-in pantry which is now a butler’s pantry. This created symmetry for the large bank of cabinets to site between the door to the laundry and the door to the pantry. A new Jarrah door frame was used to match and tie in with the existing original doors and skirting boards.

Evolution are true purveyor’s of the human details dictating their builds, and their approach is that daily rituals, habits and individualisms are something they look to understand intimately before any other action takes place. As a custom builder, they don’t rush into the process. If anything they make sure to pause first. I like this a lot. It’s undoubtedly why they are featured in our Experts Directory too.

It would be under the guidance of Interior Designer Antoinetta Miraudo of European Concepts, that this Perth kitchen renovation began it’s ‘evolution’ from humble hub of the house into a beautiful multi-generation space to hold all memories past and create new ones to come.

HOMES HOLD STORIES.

Jarrah House I knew was a throwback home; and because of that I think Evolution questioned if this style of smaller scale Perth renovation would even pique my interest ? Are you kidding me ? If anything we are so starved of everyday renovation projects to feast upon. After all - renovation is something we have all likely contemplated these past two years ? Am I right ?

I knew you’d want to see this house because it has such big memories as a family home…something I’ve never really experienced in that traditional format being brought up by a single dad and I wondered if Peter could tell ? Truth is, I was just happy to be included.

Doimo Cucine kitchen cabinetry from European Concepts

The original brick kitchen wall was removed to create an abundant kitchen space - something Betty had longed for but never experienced in the previous format. This also allowed for a vast working triangle and a enviably HUGE island bench wrapped in stainless steel with a European Ceramics porcelain benchtop [ Norr Gra RR02 12mm for those asking ! ].

The stainless steel benchtop also houses an integrated Falmec range hood that sits flush when out of use and rises up at the touch of a button - a reminder, that this kitchen has turned a contemporary corner!

FOR THE LOVE OF JARRAH.

If you can even imagine this, [ actually - BEFORE you read this next bit make sure you are standing on carpet as there’s a good chance you’re about to keel over ! ] Peter originally built this home for around $60k.

Say what now ? Hehehe.

The bricks he bought in bulk and as they were going for a song with the manufacturer more than happy to off load them in one go [ you cannot get them anymore ]. The entire scope of this home was tirelessly built across three years and given it’s design, it’s as if Peter had a crystal ball.

It’s brilliant.

The pitched roof creates the most fabulous double void [ particularly when looking up from the lounge area ], and those Jarrah beams add so much warmth and nature to this space; it just ‘feels’ so good to be in there. I guess back in the day with it’s clashing curtains and carpet the Jarrah would have had a serious case of the ‘oranges’ [ “orange you glad I didn’t say banana”? - a little orchard joke for you there ], but now against the sleek black cabinetry, steel and porcelain, it’s become something of a hero.

Sadly; not all the original features could be salvaged. The copper range hood kind of collapsed [ held together by the last remaining whisker of Peter’s deft building skills ] with the tiles and benchtops required a wrecking ball approach to remove [ Pete didn’t mess about when he built this place]…but you’ll be pleased to know Betty’s gorgeous retro ceramic pottery is alive and well; cosily sleeping off it’s big innings on one of those hidden drawers !

SMALL AND CONSIDERED.

When I visited Jarrah House by Evolution, I kept saying to Rob “this is the kind of project we need to see more of” - because I know, those of you following along have been yearning for more relatable projects like this to digest.

Everything about this home is so normal, and my personal hope is by looking at what they have achieved you have the same faith that you can achieve it too. I love that I got to meet Peter, and I love that Evolution, whilst wildly talented custom home builders, also took their time and skill applied it to a case like this.

Smaller scale renovations are something to be celebrated. Whilst Rob and the team aren’t solely positioning themselves as renovators, it’s very fair to say they take on each project with the mindset of best fit, rather than best portfolio.

And small or not, the quality, the sheer level of detail and craftsmanship applied here is clearly of ‘award winning ‘ levels. It’s also why this new contemporary kitchen remains as Roleystone humble now as it did then. The tiny hub more than capable of facilitating epic scale bake off’s, very long lunches, and family size soiree’s like a total pro - and it still overlooks that glorious orchard ! [ press play below ].

You can leave your comments for the team below as I know they’d love to hear what you have to say, and stay tuned to Spreading Roomers for a more candid tour around the Jarrah House by Evolution.

Big thanks to Peter and Betty for letting me come home.

Deb xx