**Alt description:** Single-storey heritage cottage with a corrugated metal roof, rendered façade and central front door, set behind a low garden and showcasing traditional Australian residential architecture.

The Cox Street Restoration

Overview

Set in the charming town of Mudgee in New South Wales, The Cox Street Project is a shining example of thoughtful restoration. Built in 1910 with humble materials like rubble, earth, old timbers, and tin, the home now stands renewed, embracing its original character while offering modern comforts for a young family. 

**Alt description:** Front elevation of a traditional Australian cottage with a symmetrical façade, corrugated metal roof and central entry, framed by a neat lawn and low planting, reflecting classic heritage home design.

The home’s north-facing aspect was one of the first features to capture the heart of its owner, Liv Johnson. As an interior designer, Liv was immediately drawn to the sunlight-filled living area, kitchen, and master bedroom—a warm and inviting atmosphere.

These tranquil, garden-facing views became a cornerstone of her vision for the restoration, inspiring a design that balanced the home’s historic charm with the practical needs of modern family living. 

An unexpected easement limited how far the property could be extended, presenting a creative challenge. The solution was to extend the façade to house a laundry and ensuite, an adjustment that allowed for a reimagined roofline and a new porch slab. These careful updates not only reinforced the home’s structure but also revitalised its appearance, staying true to its original spirit. 

The restoration preserved the lean-to structure, adding a gabled extension at the rear to create a spacious living area. A striking 7.5-metre-high chimney, crafted from rammed earth, serves as a centrepiece—an enduring element that echoes the home’s roots while offering a focal point for modern family life. 

Restoring Cox Street meant selecting materials that could stand the test of time, both in style and durability. With Mudgee’s intense summers and chilly winters, the finishes had to endure the elements while accommodating the bustling life of a family with two young children. 

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, a palette of dark and light woods was chosen to add warmth and depth to the interiors. Paired with creamy whites, this combination creates a sense of balance—both grounded and airy—that feels at once natural and timeless. 

The final touch came from TradCo hardware, infusing the home with an extra layer of charm and authenticity. Milton Knobs and Menton Levers were thoughtfully chosen to bring a classic elegance to the doors, while Window Sash Lifts and Fasteners offered a perfect tribute to the home’s heritage, seamlessly combining beauty and functionality. 

The Antique Brass finish, a favourite of the homeowners, tied everything together with a cohesive and timeless look. Refined yet approachable, this finish perfectly complements a home that gracefully balances historical authenticity with modern practicality. 

By restoring this 1910 treasure with timeless materials and TradCo hardware, its owners have created a home that honours its history and is ready to embrace its next chapter. 

The Cox Street Restoration features TradCo's Milton Knob and Menton Lever in Antique Brass.

Menton Lever - Long Backplate

Inspired by French Provincial design, the Menton Lever adds a clarified elegance to restoration projects. Its width subtly expands towards the edge of the lever, defined by a distinctive recessed band. Crafted from solid brass with a timeless long backplate, the Menton Lever suits a wide range of architectural styles including Queenslander, Modern Farmhouse, Victorian and English Cottage making it a versatile choice for homes seeking warmth and heritage appeal.

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Decorative wall feature formed from natural twigs above a simple white mantel, styled with woven textures and soft neutral finishes, adding an organic, handcrafted detail to the interior.

Menton Lever - Square Rose

Inspired by French Provincial design, the Menton Lever adds a clarified elegance to restoration projects. Its width subtly expands towards the edge of the lever, defined by a distinctive recessed band. Crafted from solid brass with a timeless long backplate, the Menton Lever suits a wide range of architectural styles including Queenslander, Modern Farmhouse, Victorian and English Cottage making it a versatile choice for homes seeking warmth and heritage appeal.

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Kitchen interior featuring a reclaimed timber island on castors, paired with simple timber stools, white cabinetry and pendant lighting, blending rustic character with clean, contemporary detailing.

Dished Sash Lift

Solid brass dished sash lifts.

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Milton Knob - Long Backplate

Influenced by classic English hardware design during the early 20th-century, the Milton Knob features a rounded form lightly bound within a refined rim. For those seeking to reintroduce heritage integrity within their home, the Milton Knob complements Federation and Edwardian homes built between 1901-1920, and California-style Bungalows built between 1915-1940. Its graceful profile is also suited to interpretations of traditional designs, including Modern Farmhouse.

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Close-up of a heritage-style front door featuring the Milton door knob.

Milton Knob - Long Backplate

Influenced by classic English hardware design during the early 20th-century, the Milton Knob features a rounded form lightly bound within a refined rim. For those seeking to reintroduce heritage integrity within their home, the Milton Knob complements Federation and Edwardian homes built between 1901-1920, and California-style Bungalows built between 1915-1940. Its graceful profile is also suited to interpretations of traditional designs, including Modern Farmhouse.

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Light-filled kitchen sink area with a stainless steel benchtop and tapware set beneath a timber-framed window, finished with a soft fabric blind and understated, heritage-inspired detailing.

Dished Sash Lift

Solid brass dished sash lifts.

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View through a hallway into a softly styled sitting room, featuring timber flooring, layered textiles, classic cabinetry and natural light, creating a warm and timeless residential interior.