What should have been a happy homecoming was, for Justine, more of a daily downer. Her facade just didn’t spark joy, and every time she pulled into the driveway, she was reminded that the outside didn’t reflect the love and personality inside.

The bones of the house were solid, but the facade was still stuck in the past. All that brick felt heavy, harsh and dated - a far cry from the warmth and character she’d worked so hard to create indoors.

She wanted the outside to feel like the inside she loves: fresh, modern and full of heart. So we reimagined the front facade and gave it a much-needed glow-up. Here’s how we brought it to life:

Step 1: Break Up the Brick with CLADDING

Brick can be beautiful, but when it covers every inch of your façade, it can feel more fortress than friendly. Justine’s home had brick, brick and more brick - and it was crying out for a little softness. So, we brought in our go-to game-changer: James Hardie cladding.

We used a mix of James Hardie products to add texture, interest and that classic edge Justine was craving. At the entry, Stria™ Cladding Fine Texture set the tone, while Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding paired with Hardie™ Axent™ trim gave us that classic board-and-batten look across the walls. Up top, Hardie™ Groove Lining on the eaves added another layer of texture and charm.

The best bit? All these products come pre-primed, are easy to paint, low maintenance and built to last.

Cladding completely changed the feel of this home. It lifted the whole façade, added definition and gave us a beautiful base to build on with colour and detail. James Hardie ticks all our boxes - timeless, durable and ready to work with any style.

Step 2: Transform the Mood with A TRANQUIL COLOUR PALETTE

Once the big stuff was done, it was time for our favourite part — choosing the colours. The right palette doesn’t just change how a house looks, it changes how it feels. And for Justine’s home, that shift was everything.

We went with a soft, neutral scheme that feels warm, relaxed and quietly elegant. The cladding was painted in Dulux ‘Antique’, while the trims and front door were finished in Dulux ‘Grand Piano’. Together, they created a balanced, timeless look that lets the texture shine without stealing the spotlight.

Neutrals often get called “safe”, but the truth is they’re some of the hardest-working shades out there. It all comes down to the undertones. We chose colours warm enough to feel welcoming, with just enough coolness to keep things crisp.

Now, instead of feeling stuck in the seventies, this home feels calm, contemporary and full of heart. Justine’s vision, brought to life.

Step 3: Make an Entrance with A GORGEOUS NEW FRONT DOOR

Your front door isn’t just practical, it sets the tone for everything inside. It’s the first hello, the welcome home, and Justine’s old one wasn’t quite cutting it.

We swapped it for a Corinthian Peninsula door, painted in Dulux ‘Grand Piano’ and finished with matte black hardware. The fluted glass and clean lines instantly elevated the entry - stylish, polished and still super inviting.

What we love about a Corinthian door is that it ticks both boxes. It’s built to last and looks the part. For Justine, it turned a forgettable front step into a feel-good moment every time she walks through it.

The Transformation in Full

Piece by piece, this facade makeover came together to create something really special. The James Hardie cladding gave the home breathing space and architectural charm. The Dulux colour palette softened the look, adding calm and cohesion. And the Corinthian front door turned the entry into a standout moment.

The result is a home that feels completely reborn. No longer weighed down by its seventies exterior, it’s now a modern beauty with serious street appeal.

Most importantly, Justine loves it. She says she’s over the moon with the new look - and honestly, the smile on her face says it all.

What We’ve Learned from This Makeover

This project was a great reminder that you don’t always need to knock down walls or add extra rooms to make a big impact. Sometimes, it’s about rethinking the outside - the part of your home the world sees first.

If you’re dreaming of your own facade glow-up, here are a few lessons to keep in mind:

✔️ Mix your materials
Too much of one surface (we’re looking at you, brick) can feel heavy. Adding cladding or stone brings texture and balance.

✔️ Choose your colours carefully
Neutrals, when done right, are anything but boring. They’re the secret to timeless street appeal.

✔️ Don’t overlook your front door
It might seem like a small detail, but it sets the mood for everything inside.

✔️ Think about proportions
Use colour and materials to highlight your home’s best architectural features and bring the whole look into harmony.

✔️ Use products you trust
We turned to James Hardie, Dulux and Corinthian for a reason. Their products look amazing, go the distance and stand up to Aussie weather.

GET THE LOOK

If Justine’s transformation proves anything, it’s that an exterior refresh can be seriously life-changing. You don’t have to settle for a home that feels heavy or dated. With the right mix of materials, colour and thoughtful design, you can create a space that makes you smile every single day.

What started as a flat, dated facade is now full of personality, warmth and style. And honestly, we couldn’t be happier for the lovely owners who live here.