Three Architecture graduates and a lawyer walk into a rental property.
And they lived in it how it was.
That was a good one, wasn’t it?
We all know that would never happen.
“As architectural graduates, we felt responsibility to restore the house to its former glory,” Shannon, one of the aforementioned quartet, tells Place Journal.
“From the first open inspection, we could see the potential and opportunity to make it our own and give it the life it deserved as best we could on renters’ terms and budget.”
Those terms and that budget can often be a roadblock – one that some tenants never get through.
But, as Shannon and her three like-minded friends proved, it doesn’t take much to make a space your own, regardless of how long you might be there for.
I mean, if they can remove a wall to expose a hidden fireplace on a state heritage listed site, anything’s possible.
The four-bedroom property was part of a significant South Australian landmark - a residential college, designed by well-known architects Newell Platten and Robert Dickson in the late 1960s.
We were lucky, Shannon says.
“We set out by removing the wall to the fireplace within the first fortnight of living there,” she explains.
But, as they all got to know the place, the rest of the work stretched out over the next few months.
Sure, the end result was one that became the backdrop for many formative moments, but the collaborative journey was just as enjoyable.
“We didn’t want to rush the process and wanted to make sure we found pieces that we loved and would work with the space at the same time,” Shannon says.
“It was a matter of living in the space for some time and identifying what was missing.
“We often made new projects for ourselves on the weekend.”
Along with exposing the fireplace, the other major changes the group made on those weekends involved the lighting.
“Bunnings lanterns and Ikea cords,” Shannon points out.
Curtains also made a big difference in softening otherwise hard spaces, while specially-curated artwork was another key piece of the styling puzzle.
“If you can’t drill holes to hang the art, use heavy duty hooks,” Shannon adds.
“And if you can’t drill holes anywhere, freestanding shelving is important.
“We think this is a great way to display your belongings.”
Any other advice on how to renovate while renting?
“Be strategic with the finer details like lighting that can be taken with you,” Shannon says.
“If you are willing to go the extra mile like painting - don't be afraid to ask your landlord to make such changes
“Think like your landlord - free labour and a freshly painted house.”
You guys painted then?
“We initially wanted to paint some of the walls but eventually became fond of the metallic green and gold paint,” Shannon laughs.
“Perhaps out of laziness, but there has to be at least some rental quirk we figure.
“We feel privileged to have lived in a place of architectural significance - not something a renter can say they usually have access to.
“Although they should!”
Well, as we've learnt, anything’s possible today.
Words: Jordan Pinto
Photography: Shannon Wark for Place Journal
SHANNON'S PLACE
Built: 1968
Land: 600m2
Bed: 3
Bath: 2
WHAT HER PLACE TAUGHT HER
Make it your own - but be strategic
Make the space your own, you’ll feel better for it. Be strategic with the finer details like lighting that can be taken with you. If you are willing to go the extra mile like painting. Don't be afraid to ask your landlord to make such changes (think like your landlord - free labour and a freshly painted house).
Scroll through to see what the place looked like before