Where It All Began
When we bought our first home, we saw potential where others just saw a lot of hard work. With limited funds but endless enthusiasm, we started renovating piece by piece, often living right in the middle of the chaos. And honestly? Yes, it can be done. It is entirely possible to live through the dust for a while because the end result makes it all worth it.
Whenever we had a little money to spare, it went straight back into the house. Room by room, project by project, we brought our dream Pinterest boards to life. And if you think those flawless Pinterest ideas can only be pulled off with big budgets, guess what? At HausBarry&Co, we can make that a reality whether your budget is big or small.
Our thoughtfulness in design paid off. Thanks to the professional finishes we poured into the home, we secured a sale price much higher than market value. We had outgrown the space, the kids were ready for their next schooling phase, and we knew we were officially hooked on the renovation hustle.
The Edgemead Era: Goodbye Popcorn Walls, Hello Oasis
We needed a new project, which led us to a beautiful old house in Edgemead that was practically crying out for modernization.
First order of business: Does anyone hate popcorn and orange peel walls as much as we do?! Cue the glorious, dusty process of skimming (IYKYK), But ALWAYS WORTH IT!! We were in our element tackling the kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring. But the real dream come true was the backyard. We transformed it into our very own Love Island-style pool area—a refuge where we could host friends and family, making our everyday home feel like a holiday house.
The Eversdal Challenge: The Full Gut
As the kids approached high school, we were on the hunt again, drawn to Durbanville. This time, we wanted a REAL challenge. We took on a full gut renovation. We literally had to stay with friends for six weeks just to convert the flatlet into temporary housing for ourselves! This turned out to be our biggest project yet. Collaborating with the fantastic Altia at Aim Interiors, we totally redesigned the layout. We tore down the old, cluttered aesthetic and brought our vision of a modern, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space to life. Transforming the main house and flatlet completely solidified our passion. It wasn't just a hobby anymore; we realized we wanted to bring this exact same joy of modernization to others.
Making Brackenfell Home
Eventually, Taryn needed a dedicated sewing studio, and Devin was itching for a new project. So, what better way to solve both than to sell up and find the next ideal property in Brackenfell?
We transformed the property's flatlet into a beautifully designed sewing studio for Taryn and her clients. And, of course, we couldn't resist doing what brings us happiness to our core, a total home "glow up." We installed new bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and uniquely laid-out bedroom cupboards perfect for our now-teenage kids. We finally felt completely at home.