In a recent St. Kilda renovation, we had the opportunity to transform striking yet outdated bleached blue gum timber flooring. Known for its rich red tones, the bleached blue gum timber was too warm and traditional for the client’s modern vision of the home. They sought a contemporary, light finish to complement their sleek kitchen and living space.
The Initial Condition
The bleached blue gum timber, characteristic for its deep red hues, dominated the space with an old-fashioned aesthetic. While structurally sound, the color clashed with the desired modern, minimalist design the client had in mind. Our goal was to lighten the timber significantly to create a more neutral and inviting atmosphere.
Timber After sanding, still very red.
Our Approach
To achieve the transformation, we began by bleaching the blue gum timber to strip out the intense red tones. Afterward, we applied a subtle lime wash with a hint of warm grey to achieve the light, bright finish the client envisioned. Throughout the process, we provided color samples to ensure the result would align perfectly with the overall design concept.
The samples provided a range of tones, each highlighting different possibilities for the final look. Ultimately, the client chose a soft, limed effect that maintained the natural grain of the timber while eliminating the overwhelming red.
The Result and Client Satisfaction
The finished floor was a beautiful, lightened surface with just the right amount of warmth to create balance in the modern renovation. The bleached blue gum’s grain stood out subtly, while the red was replaced with a chic, contemporary tone that tied the entire interior together.
The client was thrilled with the results, emphasizing how the flooring now seamlessly aligned with the rest of the home’s design.