Five ways to rejuvenate the classic terrace

By David Servi

Sydney’s terraces are great places to live. These Victorian and Edwardian beauties give Sydney’s inner-city districts of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern and Woollahra their distinctive charm.

Here at Spencer & Servi we love terraces and we’ve sold (and helped buy) hundreds of them over the years, so we really understand both the attractions and the limitations of the classic terrace.

Usually flamboyantly decorated with intricate wrought iron fences and balconies, terraces have a lot going for them. Inside, their high and decorative ceilings, timber floors, steep staircases and small paved courtyards give classic terraces a special feel. But terraces can have problems too.

While they are mostly delightful to live in, terraces can be dark, and space can be limited. There are some easy fixes for these problems, ranging from the reasonably priced to more expensive renovations.

One note of caution: we’ve seen too many ugly terrace fixes, and we think it’s important to make sure any additions or alterations are in keeping with the style of the classic terrace. Experts should be consulted (preferably a professional architect: there are some who specialise in terraces): a jarring renovation might affect the value of the property.

1.  Get going with glass door panels

Replace interior (and potentially exterior) door panels or entire doors with safety glass to let the light flood in – for instance, a door between the hall and the living room could have glass panels. Or, another option, back doors can be entirely replaced with safety glass: maybe louvred panels, or glass sliding doors. One point to remember - Grade A safety glass is a requirement for all interior doors, for certain areas of glass around stairs and doors, low level glass panels and certain types of windows.

Frosted glass can provide privacy, and noise reduction glass can help keep sounds from travelling. Double and triple thermal glazing can both let the light in and keep the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

2.  Install skylights

Few terraces have many (or any) side windows – so natural light comes only from front and back windows and doors, or from skylights.

This type of overhead window can be artfully installed immediately above the stairs, and the effect maximised by the judicial use of a large and decorative mirror – either at the top of the stairs or on a landing, or both, angled to bend light into the dark spaces.

These days there are are skylights that can be opened and closed via a remote control, and they can incorporate blinds that can also be remotely controlled.

3. Open up the stairs

Rebuilding the stairs, too, can make the entire bottom floor feel lighter and breezier. A new staircase could be open, without risers, letting light and breezes through and opening up the space, and so making the room – which is usually the lounge room – look larger and airier. Could be very out of character.

4. Play with paint

If you don’t want all white walls and ceilings – the often automatic choice for darker houses - consider painting your walls a lightish colour, say a creamy yellow or a soft grey, and paint the ceilings and skirting boards white – which can add light and space to the look of a room.

5. Eliminate unnecessary walls

A potentially expensive option is to get certain interior (non-structural) walls knocked down, leaving the terrace with a clean sweep of space, letting the light and air flow through.

The ambitious terrace owner could even include a void, reaching up through two stories, which would add light, or move the kitchen and bathroom from the usual spot at the back of the house, adding light and space.

A Spencer & Servi agent would be delighted to advise you on your terrace, its potential and its future possible sale.