Rapid Renovation Formula Student Story – Lipstick Lane

I simply love seeing my students excel in their renovations, especially when they are creating a space they are so passionate about!

Rapid Renovation Formula students Jeanie and Matthew Hunter are a talented and driven couple who have just renovated a beautiful creative space called Lipstick Lane. Lipstick Lane is a boutique co-working artisan share space and creative workshop venue  in Noosavile.

Designed by the principles of “space medicine”, it is an inspiring and innovative place to work with modern private amenities, a chill zone & study nook, Cafe’ style kitchenette + 3m coffee bar below the indoor garden arbor.

Check out their story below:

Who is behind lipstick lane?

Jeanie & Matthew Hunter (Zen Eco Living Design).

where are you from?

Noosaville – Queensland.

Type of property renovated?

Industrial Warehouse space approx. 130 sqm & 20 – 30 y/o.

A bit about yourself and the people you share the space with?

Team Hunter includes Matt – the all-rounder tiler, painter, cabinet maker, plasterer, assistant decision maker & incredibly talented qualified tradie (QBCC # 725425 ) and Jeanie – Interior stylist & ideas person, finance tracker, improviser, thrift queen, team nutritionist (totally unqualified , absolutely passionate) & plant lover, Jackson 14 y/0 the new very strong tradie assistant, Cooper 12 y/o potential team photographer & baby A’rora ( on the way ) team mascot.

date you acquired the property?

Leased Dec 2017.

estimated value/profit added to property?

The space has the potential to earn $95 000 p/a.

Reno experience?

 We have completed 3 renos prior to this project. 2 x basic cosmetic renos ( 1 = buy & sell , 1 = buy & rent / hold ) 1 x full Reno inc new kitchen/ bath/laundry/ landscaping + small structural changes = buy as PPR reno & sell.

Time to complete reno?

3 months.

What was the property like pre-reno? Was it hard to see the potential?

The warehouse was actually a lovely blank canvas to create a co- working space. It did have structure in place where the showroom + 2 x offices were. They had dreadfully old carpet – a horrid (company colours) colour scheme of black & lime green walls. The kitchenette & toilet facility were the original maybe 20 -30 y/o.

Were you renovating to sell/for profit/to live or work there?

We renovated the space to create a business which has the potential to provide passive income, but also as a “permanent work base” for our renovating business to hold/store materials – meet clients etc.

walk us through the main changes you made and how?

#1 repaint the showroom & offices + flooring and installation of statement pendant lights.

#2 Installation of an indoor garden arbor / pergola frame to formalise a space intended for the “café style bar” + kitchenette + reading / relax nook & coffee bar.

#3 Build a 20 sqm mezzanine + enclosed creative workshop underneath with feature particle board + closed cell polycarbonate sheeting & funky barn doors.

#4 Build 4 x large mobile work benches & storage shelving units from salvaged materials + utilise a 3m x 600 slab of Caesar stone + old desk tops & build a feature coffee bar.

#5 Upgrade mismatched blue painted concrete flooring in the workshop area using Rustoleum decorative paint chips in the Saddle Tan blend over a light grey epoxy base.

#6 Remove old kitchenette cabinetry & move H/W cylinder + add a nib wall to extend the kitchenette area. Install salvaged office shelving into overhead cabinetry + New Kaboodle kitchen units in Mocha latte + pumpernickel laminate benchtops finishing with a multi coloured/ textured mosaic splash back.

#7 Remove centre wall in bathroom + move hand basin & upgrade to a shower / toilet facility + fresh paint + replaced old tiles + modern hand basin.

#8 Matt did all of the works above with the exception of electrical & plumbing, which was completed by licenced trades.

Biggest challenge?

Upgrading the floor was really time consuming & incredibly toxic smelling – the premise could not be occupied for at least 8 – 12 hours after each coat. Even after it was dry & ready for the next coat the smell was atrocious.

What made the biggest difference to the property?

Extending the wall in the kitchenette added more length to the space allowing an extra 600mm cupboard to be added + behind the wall is a small laundry tub + machine + cleaning storage shelves which are nicely tucked away & out of the main line of site.

Best bargain product/change to add value?

Absolute best bargain was the kitchenette pendant lights – we were at Bunnings right beside the pendant isle when the manager announced a flash sale – they were reduced to $50 each so I promptly took all 3. They added a lovely wow factor & incorporated a beautiful shade of timber to the space. Second best bargain product that added value was the Rustoleum decorative paint chips @ $20 box covering about 20 sqm they transformed the floor brilliantly.

What’s you favourite part of the property now?

The café style kitchenette / coffee bar.

What was the biggest lesson you learnt?

I need to spend time in a space to feel how it wants to be used.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely – creating & or transforming a space is so incredibly rewarding – especially getting to see others enjoying the space too.

 Advice for would-be renovators?

Always have the finished end goal in mind before starting the project – that way if you meet a hurdle or change of plans at any stage – you know what the end goal / project design is – so making unexpected decisions or design changes are easier.

Interested in becoming a Rapid Renovation Formula student too? Find out more here.