![A modern home office with a solid oak wood desk that takes advantage of the window views.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/home-office-simple-wood-desk-by-window-200421-1136-01.jpg)
Architecture firm JTA (Jacobs Thomas & Associates), has designed the remodel and addition of a house in Melbourne, Australia, for a busy retired couple who wanted to downsize into a smaller house without compromising on amenities.
One of the main requests of the couple was that they would each have their own desk.
![A modern home office with a solid oak wood desk that takes advantage of the window views.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/home-office-simple-wood-desk-by-window-200421-1136-02.jpg)
The desks, both of which have a similar design, include a simple wood desk that runs the width of the open room.
![A modern home office with a solid oak wood desk that takes advantage of the window views.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/home-office-simple-wood-desk-by-window-200421-1136-03.jpg)
The minimalist design of the solid oaks desks allows for a clutter free workspace, while the second desk is located at the opposite end of the room. There’s also shelving built into the wall above a cabinet.
![A modern home office with a solid oak wood desk that takes advantage of the window views.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/home-office-simple-wood-desk-by-window-200421-1136-04.jpg)
Both desks take advantage of the windows that add plenty of natural light and provide views of trees and shrubs outside.
![A home office with black window frames that has views of the garden.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/modern-black-window-frames-home-office-200421-1137-05.jpg)
![A home office with a view of the garden.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/modern-black-window-frames-home-office-200421-1137-06.jpg)
Let’s take a look at the rest of the home…
A large portion of the original house was retained thus minimizing unnecessary demolition, reconstruction, and waste.
![An Australian home with dark grey trim and red bricks.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/australian-house-design-200421-1137-07.jpg)
The design reworked the back of the original house by consolidating several rooms, opened the rear elevation to the garden, and added a smaller ‘service block’ to the side, that includes a laundry, walk-in pantry, and study.
![A modern rear addition that has a partially covered patio and large sliding glass doors.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/modern-rear-extension-addition-200421-1137-08.jpg)
The social areas of the home, like the living room, dining area, and kitchen, share the same polished concrete floor. This helps to create a seamless look and due to its light color, it helps reflect light throughout the space.
![The social areas of this mdoern home, like the living room, dining area, and kitchen, share the same polished concrete floor. This helps to create a seamless look and due to its light color, it helps reflect light throughout the space.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/open-plan-living-room-dining-room-kitchen-200421-1137-09.jpg)
A large picture window by the dining area perfectly frames the tree outside.
![A large picture window by this dining area perfectly frames the tree outside.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dining-room-open-to-small-garden-200421-1138-10.jpg)
In the kitchen, minimalist hardware-free white cabinets have been paired with complementing honed Elba countertops.
![In this all-white kitchen, minimalist hardware free white cabinets have been paired with complementing honed Elba countertops.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/modern-white-kitchen-with-island-200421-1138-11.jpg)
In the bathroom, honed Carrara Bianco marble was used for both the vanity countertop and the flooring.
![In this modern all white bathroom, honed Carrara Bianco marble was used for both the vanity countertop and the flooring.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/modern-white-bathroom-vanity-200421-1138-12.jpg)
![In this modern all white bathroom, honed Carrara Bianco marble was used for both the vanity countertop and the flooring.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/modern-white-bathroom-200421-1138-13.jpg)
In one of the original bedrooms, a custom furniture piece in mustard yellow adds a colorful accent that complements both the flooring and bedspread.
![In this updated bedroom, a custom furniture piece in mustard yellow adds a colorful accent that complements both the flooring and bedspread.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/custom-yellow-furniture-200421-1139-14.jpg)