The most successful second storey additions are the ones you don’t notice at all.
When thoughtfully designed and expertly built, a second storey should feel like it was always part of the original home. It’s not just about adding space, it’s about architectural harmony. Rooflines should align, materials should match or complement, and proportions must be balanced to preserve the home’s original character while enhancing its overall presence.
At Addstyle, we specialise in Perth second storey additions that blend so seamlessly with the existing structure, they appear entirely original, or purposely and cleverly contrasted. This considered approach not only protects the integrity of your home’s design, but also contributes to long-term value, both in terms of liveability and street appeal. The result is a home that feels complete, cohesive, and tailored to your evolving lifestyle.
Why Seamless Design Is So Important
As house prices continue rising, the average 4-bedroom home in Perth now costs $850,000, while 3-bed homes are closer to $700,000. This is leading many growing families and aspiring homebuyers to rethink their strategy. Instead of absorbing the costs and challenges of moving, more homeowners are seeing the financial and logistical benefits of adding a second storey addition to gain the extra space they crave.
Building up gives you more space and value without needing to buy a bigger. However, there are important considerations. In many Perth suburbs, such as Mount Lawley, Subiaco, and Claremont, regulations require that additions must match the style of the original home from the street view. Poor design can undermine the streetscape and reduce property value.
It pays to think about design and materials to ensure that your addition blends seamlessly with your existing home. Visual cohesion lifts street appeal and resale potential. A well-balanced home feels deliberate and integrated, rather than looking like an afterthought.
Learn more: Character Homes and Modern Additions: Blending Style and Functionality in Second Storey Design.
Factors That Impact Integration Success
Perth’s historical architecture ranges from Federation homes to 1980s brick classics and more understated modern builds. Designers must consider every detail so the second storey looks like it belongs:
- Original style: Whether you’re in a red-brick Federation home in Menora or a modern coastal build in City Beach, the new design should echo your home’s existing character or remodel the old to meet the stayle of the new.
- Roofline and slope: Match the roof pitch, size and scale of the addition to avoid the “box-on-top” look that is common in pre-fabricated builds.
- Facade materials: Choose brickwork, render, or cladding carefully so it matches or compliments, especially in suburbs with heritage overlays.
- Windows and frames: Continuity is key. Timber joinery on the ground floor requires investment of the same on the addition. Each era has a style, and mismatches stand out.
- Colour palettes: From sandy neutrals in coastal suburbs to darker tones inland, Perth’s unique style influences every design choice.
Learn more: How Much Does a Second Storey Addition Cost in Perth in 2025?
Design Tips for a Seamless Second Storey
Here’s how Addstyle brings cohesion to every elevation, whether we’re working on a Mount Hawthorn cottage or a riverside home in Applecross:
- Repeat defining features: Upper-storey windows must match or reflect the size and spacing of those below, especially in rows of period homes.
- Complement, don’t copy: If the ground floor is heritage, the upper can stay in keeping, or you can introduce a juxtaposition on styles and textures like cladding or render while keeping the tones sympathetic.
- Unify the roof: Re-tiling or changing your entire roof means one consistent finish
- Window alignment: Upper-storey windows should match or reflect the size and scale of those below.
- Elegant transitions: A central stairwell with natural light or a two-storey entry void makes the journey between levels feel graceful, not forced.
Real-World Examples from Addstyle
Addstyle has delivered second storey additions across Perth that blend seamlessly with the original home while adding space, light, and value.
Mount Lawley Federation Home Renovation Project
In Mount Lawley, we transformed a circa 1920 Federation-style home with a substantial second storey addition. The new level created a luxurious parents’ retreat with a main bedroom, walk-through robe, ensuite, lounge, study, and spacious balcony.
We also restored the ground floor, including tuck-pointing and rebuilding the surrounding verandahs. This second storey addition project won Best Alteration and Addition in its category at the MBA Housing Excellence Awards. It was also a finalist at the HIA Awards. It shows how we combine period restoration with modern family living.
North Perth Second Storey and Rooftop Terrace Project
In North Perth, we transformed the home with a full renovation, adding a second storey and rooftop terrace. We expanded the ground floor to include a dining area, scullery, and rumpus room. Inside, we refined the layout to improve flow and preserve the home’s character.
The second storey addition creates a private retreat with a main bedroom, en-suite, walk-in robe, and study. A dramatic void brings in natural light, and the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the Perth skyline, making it an ideal spot for entertaining and socialising.
View more Perth transformations in our second storey addition project gallery.
When to Consider Contrasting Designs (Strategically)
In Fremantle and Mount Hawthorn, homeowners often opt for bold designs and frequently choose contrasting second storey additions. Elevated glass or timber-clad upper levels open up views and complement the home’s original materials. Skylights, tall windows, and high ceilings bring in coastal breezes and Perth’s natural light.
Designers balance these modern elements by respecting the home’s scale and form. Sleek metal balustrades or minimalist cladding introduce a contemporary feel without overwhelming the structure. The goal is to use the same architectural language with a thoughtful, updated style.
Consider this second storey addition and ground floor project in Mount Hawthorn that won the 2025 HIA Perth Housing Awards Renovation/Addition Project $650,000 to $800,000 category. It blends a modern cladded second storey with a character home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Clients have asked us to fix many avoidable problems over the years. Here’s what to avoid:
- Underscaling: The new addition must look proportionate to the original single storey home. respecting scale is most important.
- Poor room sizing: A master suite must feel like an upgrade, not a downgrade. Always leave space for a king-size bed and bedside tables.
- Cramped stairwells: A poorly placed staircase can choke circulation and dim the home’s light flow.
- Ceiling compromises: Perth summers need cooling systems and airflow. Low ceilings upstairs stifle both.
- Affordable flooring systems: Many builders use compressed sheeting, but we choose aerated concrete. It offers better acoustic and thermal performance in multi-generational homes.
How Addstyle Ensures Seamless Results
As Perth’s most awarded renovation builder, Addstyle delivers lasting value and lifestyle. Addstyle gives you more than just extra space. We create homes that enhance everyday living. Our in-depth local knowledge enables us to design with character, not just function. We respect each suburb’s style and build with it in mind.
Our team works together from concept to completion. In-house designers and builders work together throughout, ensuring high-quality results without gaps or surprises. With decades of experience, we understand which materials best suit Perth’s style and climate.
Ready for an upgrade? Start with Addstyle’s Budget Indicator.
Build Up in Style
A well-designed second storey addition gives you more than extra space. It transforms the way you live in your home. With over 35 years of award-winning experience, Addstyle understands how to blend new levels with your home’s original style.
We specialise in second storey additions in Perth that add value, comfort, and lasting appeal.
Contact us now for a free consultation and start building with the Perth team that will transform your home with confidence.
