The Best Renovation Layouts for Long Narrow Homes in Melbourne

If you live in Melbourne, chances are you’ve seen (or own) a long, narrow home.

Whether it’s a Victorian terrace in the inner north or a newer estate build on a tight block — these layouts come with challenges:

• Poor natural light

• Awkward traffic flow

• Boxy, closed-off rooms

• Wasted hallway space

• No connection to the outdoors

But with the right renovation plan, they can feel open, airy, and far more liveable.

Here’s how to do it.

📏 Know Your Constraints First

Before you start drawing lines, be real about what you’re working with:

• Frontage: Most long homes have a 5–8m width

• Orientation: Where does the sun hit in the morning vs. afternoon?

• Neighbours: Can you go up or out without overshadowing?

• Council rules: Especially important if it’s a heritage zone or tight on setbacks

We don’t guess — we model your home’s orientation and test different layouts before touching a thing.

💡 Best Layout Moves That Actually Work

1. Open Plan Living at the Rear

Put your living/dining/kitchen zone at the back where light is best. Use large glazing or sliding doors to bring in the outdoors.

Why it works:

• Connects you to your garden or courtyard

• Maximises north or west sun

• Feels larger than it is

2. Central Courtyard or Lightwell

Cut a slice out of the middle to introduce natural light and airflow. Even a 1.5m-wide void can transform the vibe.

Why it works:

• Breaks up the corridor effect

• Brings daylight deep into the floorplan

• Adds architectural wow

3. Skylights and Highlight Windows

Install fixed or vented skylights over bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Use clerestory windows above cabinetry or between rooms.

Why it works:

• You can’t widen the house — but you can go up

• Maintains privacy while letting in sun

• Keeps tight rooms from feeling boxed in

4. Minimal Hallways

Hallways waste valuable real estate in narrow homes. Use open transitions or multifunction zones instead.

Why it works:

• Makes every square metre count

• Encourages flow

• Visually enlarges the space

5. Zoning for Quiet vs Active

Group bedrooms at the front or top level. Reserve rear or ground floor for noisy/lively spaces.

Why it works:

• Separates sleep and social

• Helps families live without friction

• Makes long homes feel balanced

6. Laundry Understairs or in Joinery

Don’t sacrifice a full room. Tuck your laundry into a hallway cupboard, kitchen corner, or bathroom combo.

Why it works:

• Keeps layout clean

• Saves precious space

• Still 100% functional

🧠 Designer Tip: Use Vertical Space

In narrow homes, ceiling height matters more than floor space.

Raise ceilings to 3m+ where possible. Use vertical joinery, tall doors, and upper storage to draw the eye up and reduce clutter.

🛠 Why Bluestone Knows Narrow Homes Inside Out

We’ve renovated dozens of skinny houses across Melbourne — from Pascoe Vale to Preston to Port Melbourne.

We understand:

• How to legally maximise space

• What councils allow (and don’t)

• How to manage trades on tight sites

• How to design for light, life, and resale

Want a renovation layout that works with your narrow block — not against it?

👉 Book a free consultation and let’s open your home up to something smarter.