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Cora by The Reno Project
Transforming a Home: Jarrod & Sofie's Journey with CORA
Renovating a house can be a daunting task, but when you add heart, passion, and a touch of creativity, the result is nothing short of stunning. This is the story of Jarrod and Sofie from The Reno Project, who recently completed their latest endeavour, CORA - a remarkable transformation that combines unique design elements and a sense of timeless beauty.
The Story Behind CORA
The name CORA has special significance to Jarrod and Sofie. It represents two concepts: "Core" and "heart." These words resonate with their vision of creating a "forever home," a place where a family could create lasting memories. The meaning behind CORA perfectly encapsulates the couple's approach to renovation and design—where the heart of a home becomes the centre of a family's story.
The Reno Project: From Passion to Purpose
Jarrod and Sofie have always had a deep love for architecture and design. They started The Reno Project in 2017 with the purchase of their second property, documenting the renovation process as they transformed it into something truly special. The success of that project allowed them to acquire an older property with incredible potential to bring their vision of CORA to life.
"We love buying an older property and transforming it into something special, giving it a new lease on life," says Sofie. Their goal with CORA was to create a home that someone could cherish forever. To achieve this, they collaborated with Luke Holmes Design, an acclaimed architectural firm, to ensure every detail was crafted with care.
Design and Aesthetic
To reflect their personal style and align with their chosen Uniqwa Collections furniture's aesthetic, Jarrod and Sofie focused on incorporating soft curves throughout the property. This design choice creates a sense of flow and calmness, adding to CORA's inviting atmosphere. From round side tables to curved furniture, each piece contributes to a harmonious environment.
The timelessness of Uniqwa pieces also played a role in their design strategy. "We wanted CORA to be timeless, just like Uniqwa," Sofie notes. This approach ensures that the new owners will have a home that is both elegant and enduring.
Overcoming Challenges
No renovation project is without its challenges, and CORA was no exception. The most significant hurdle was the weather. Jarrod and Sofie lived in CORA during the entire renovation, and just when they removed all the roof tiles to prep for a new roof installation, the weather took a turn for the worse.
"There were many 2 a.m. wake-ups with Jarrod jumping on the roof, trying to tie down the tarps in gusty wind and rain!" Sofie recalls. Despite the setbacks, they persevered, turning what could have been a disaster into a successful project.
A Space Filled with Calm
The finished CORA project exudes a serene aura, a feeling that the couple worked hard to achieve. They chose natural white for the interior walls and soft natural marble for the kitchen countertops. Strategically placed Velux skylights in the main kitchen/dining area allow natural light to flood the space, enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
"We wanted the new owners to feel a sense of calm the moment they step into CORA," Sofie explains. And they achieved just that.
Memories That Last
As Jarrod and Sofie look back on their journey with CORA, one moment stands out above the rest. The day they pulled all the roof tiles off, friends and family gathered to help. It's these moments, shared with loved ones, that they will cherish forever. While the renovation was a full-time job, juggling work and rising living costs, these shared experiences made it all worthwhile.
With CORA complete, Jarrod and Sofie are ready for their next challenge. As they continue to transform houses into homes, their passion for design and creativity remains at the heart of every project. We can't wait to see what they do next.
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