In just a few days, Tara transformed Phil's incomplete extension into four very functional and contemporary areas, in the form of a hallway, lounge room, home office area and new bedroom for young Sam.

Tara used classic clean lines throughout and took inspiration from Jodie and Phil's design ideas for the areas. First the new area was gyprocked, creating a lounge room, child's bedroom, entrance way and computer nook.

Hallway and home office

The new front door opened to a smart, modern foyer. The classic look was created with halogen down lights and slick tiles from Di Lorenzo Ceramics, with an unusual border run the length of the hallway. The tone of the hallway blended particularly well with the new lounge room.

A practical home office space was designed off the hallway and tucked away from the foyer behind bi-fold doors from Stegbar. Tara then fitted out this little computer nook. In keeping with Phil and Jodie's ideas, Luke replaced the existing doors between the home and the new lounge room with a sliding cavity door. This new door allowed the best use of space in the lounge area.

In the new lounge, Tara created the perfect adult retreat for reading, relaxing and watching TV, just as Jodie and Phil were after. In carpeting the area and opting for subdued colours, Tara delivered a cosy hideaway.

Simple and sophisticated furnishings such as the brightly-coloured cushions and lamps highlighted the warm, dark tones of the room. Sliding glass doors were also added from the lounge room onto the new deck

In Sam's room, Tara created a calm and cosy feel by carpeting the bare floor and painting the walls in Thin Ice from Dulux. In terms of decorating, Tara recycled some of the existing furniture, bringing it to life and giving it some much-needed character.

The lower part of the dated wardrobe was painted in bold, coloured stars and used as a new storage space for toys, much to Sam's delight, Tara handpainted the chest of drawers with teddy bears. To create a little extra colour, Tara framed some of Louis and Angus's drawings as wall prints. To complete Sam's new bedroom, Tara added a built-in wardrobe and smart new curtains.

Greg relocated the cubby house to the backyard and removed the large plum tree, allowing space for a smart timber deck. Greg's aim was to create an open space perfect for Phil and Jodie's three boys to play in, as well as completing the deck and adding a decorative water feature. In terms of plants, Greg went for tropical, low-maintenance plants that are well adapted to the Melbourne climate.

After levelling the garden, new turf was laid, creating a safe and level playzone for Angus, Louis and Samuel. Hardwood sleepers were also laid, defining beds around the borders of the new garden. In the garden, Greg opted for plants such as liriope, hebe, Bird of Paradise and windmill palms.

The deck was extended to run the length of the house, opening out from the new living area. It was finished in an exterior stain in Gunmetal Blue. Greg added an unusual water feature to the deck. This decorative piece was made from treated pine, mini orb and river pebbles.

With the mini orb the same colour as the front fence, the modern Australian theme was carried throughout. The garden and outdoor area was transformed from a hoarder's haven to a clutter-free, modern design for Phil, Jodie and the boys to enjoy.