INSIDE RENO SCHOOLER ELIZABETH MACKISON’S WHIMSICAL SEMI RENOVATION

We started Three Birds Renovations with a dream to inspire and empower women to create homes they love. Twelve years on, nothing gives us a bigger kick than seeing exactly that happen.

Reno Schooler Elizabeth Mackison’s gorgeous semi is a perfect example.

From the moment we saw it, we were swooning. Elizabeth has celebrated the home’s original character, then layered in quirky contemporary touches that are completely her own. Think warm timber, unexpected curves, playful pops of colour and one show-stopping green kitchen island, with a little Parisian inspiration thrown in.

It’s unique, utterly inviting and packed with personality.

But there’s more to this reno than its good looks. Reno School gave Elizabeth the confidence to lead her renovation, trust her instincts and let her own style shine through.

A LITTLE PIECE OF PARIS… IN RANDWICK

Elizabeth shares her Randwick home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs with husband Joss and their Japanese Spitz, Miso. But its design inspiration came from much further afield.

Hotel Le Lapin Blanc in Paris blends 1950s style with whimsical colour and playful, unexpected details. Drawn to the hotel’s quirky mid-century charm, Elizabeth used it as the design inspiration for her semi renovation, reimagining the look with a distinctly Australian spin.

And boy, did she nail it.

A white backdrop lets warm timber, playful colour and unexpected details do the talking. It feels elegant without taking itself too seriously.

Exactly our kind of home!

CELEBRATING THE OLD, EMBRACING THE NEW

Like our own Character Semi renovation, Elizabeth’s home came with beautiful details worth saving: original windows, timber floors, a ceiling rose, architraves, picture rails, French doors and a gorgeous arched hallway.

Rather than erase that history, Elizabeth made it part of her new design.

It’s a great lesson for anyone renovating an older home: new doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Sometimes the best results come from celebrating what makes your home special, then confidently adding your own chapter.

And Elizabeth certainly did that.

Her six-month renovation, completed last year, is full of clever ideas. One of our favourites is the main bedroom, where wardrobes wrap around the bed to create a cosy nook while squeezing loads of storage into the room.

Smart and beautiful. Tick, tick!

COLOUR, CURVES AND THAT KITCHEN!

Now, can we talk about THAT GREEN ISLAND?

It’s a show-stopper. Warm timber cabinetry and flooring add softness, while that glorious green brings the personality.

It’s also a great reminder that you don’t need colour everywhere to make an impact. Pick your moment and let it shine.

Elsewhere, curves appear in unexpected places, including the living room joinery and reversed curved detailing in the office / third bedroom, while terracotta-toned bathroom tiles bring another delicious hit of colour.

Together, the white-on-white palette, warm timber, earthy hues and quirky details give the home its distinctive personality; a little nod to Paris, but completely Elizabeth.

BUDGET LESSONS FROM THE REAL WORLD

Of course, beautiful design is only one part of a successful reno. You’ve also got to make the numbers work.

Elizabeth saved by sourcing materials such as flooring and tiles herself, but still encountered those pesky renovation unknowns.

After removing a wall between the kitchen and living area, different existing ceiling heights meant a new ceiling was needed and an unexpected cost was added to the budget.

Her biggest Reno School lesson?

“To be realistic about budgeting and specific about scope, and to not change your mind unless you want significant cost changes.”

Amen to that!

WHY ELIZABETH JOINED RENO SCHOOL

Reno School isn’t just for first-time renovators. For Elizabeth, joining was about gaining the confidence to take control of her project.

“As a woman, especially as a woman in construction, I didn't want to be taken for a ride. I had received wildly different quotes from various builders and I needed the builder to know that I would be heavily involved. Reno School gave me a lot of confidence.”
Music to our ears!

Reno School isn’t about becoming a builder; it’s about becoming an informed renovator. Understanding the process, knowing what questions to ask and feeling confident making decisions about your own home.

But Elizabeth says one of the most valuable parts wasn’t a lesson or spreadsheet. It was the Birdie community.

“The community was by far the most valuable. Reading the stories, challenges, and successes made me feel that I wasn't alone, especially as I led our project.”

Sometimes you need expert advice. And sometimes you need another Birdie to say, Yep, that happened to us too!

WHEN CONFIDENCE MEETS CREATIVITY

When we asked what drew her to Three Birds, Elizabeth’s answer went straight to our hearts:

“Seeing three women doing this work inspired me greatly. As women, we always think we need to be an expert before we even try something. These ladies gave me a strong foundation to feel confident in my choices.”

And that’s why this renovation makes us so happy: Elizabeth backed herself.

She preserved what she loved, took some design risks and created a home that couldn’t belong to anyone else.

You don’t need to know everything before you renovate. But with the right knowledge, tools and community behind you, you can have the confidence to trust your instincts and make smart decisions along the way.

Photography: @tomwholohan