Renovation of Oliphant-designed home retains historic charm

Steven and Lisa Cetrtek weren’t bound by heritage restrictions when they set about renovating their 1950s Kenneth Oliphant-designed home in Griffith, but they were committed to preserving the home’s character. 

“We thought there was definitely some value in keeping one of Canberra’s first architect’s homes and keeping it fairly well intact,” Steven says.

A delicate steel-framed corner window is one of the Cetrteks’ favourite features and along with the home’s facade, it will be retained.

An open-plan design will extend the home and give the family of four the space they need. 

Lisa’s styling the home with a mix of mid-century pieces and modern furniture, which will reflect the property’s mix of old and new. 

“We are particularly excited to furnish the lounge room with pieces like a classic bar cart, mid-century sofa and chairs and coffee table and lots of art for sparking conversation over cocktail hour around the fireplace,” Lisa says. 

Follow the Cetrteks’ renovation on Instagram at salohouse