Photography: Tom Wholohan / Florals (throughout): Bess Paddington
With a charming facade and an enviable corner position in an inner Sydney suburb, this 1880s house immediately attracted the owners when they were looking for a property around 10 years ago. While they made some basic cosmetic improvements when they moved in “to zhoosh it up a bit”, says the owner, it took a little longer to commit to a full-scale renovation. A poky kitchen, disconnected spaces and limited access to the outdoors were unfortunate features they lived with – until they no longer could.
Having seen other projects in the area by Modify Homes they engaged the design and build company to revamp their property. Says marketing manager, Margot Warre, “The existing layout didn’t make the most of the available area and the goal was to create a home that was both beautiful and practical, with spaces that feel generous, well-connected and easy to live in.” The owners had a strong appreciation for design and a love of detail and were drawn to rich materials and layered finishes.
Their request was for the home to feel timeless, calm and considered, which prompted the design team of co-director and co-founder Jen Humphry and creative director Jeremy Unger to introduce classic elements such as arches, curves and mouldings in a contemporary way. The layout was able to be reconfigured without major structural changes.
The living room features the ‘Thursday’ sofa from Jardan. A ‘Palazzo’ coffee table from Casa Blanco, a Minotti ‘Cesar’ side table from De De Ce and an ‘Agra’ rug from Armadillo gleam in the space. The artwork is by Sidney Nolan. A 1970s Murano glass chandelier from Tamsin Johnson and Visual Comfort ‘Orsay’ wall sconces from Bloomingdales Lighting up the glamour quotient. The fireplace has a surround in Zafiro Blue marble from Surface Gallery. Joinery is painted in Resene Ivanhoe and finished with Armac Martin ‘Edgbaston’ pulls from The English Tapware Company. A Tom Dixon ‘Bone’ bowl from Living Edge and an ‘Aila’ large handblown glass vase from James Said add decorative details.
Living and dining spaces were rationalised, while improved access to the updated courtyard helped better integrate it with the home. Rooms now flow seamlessly, with embellishments such as arched gold-framed doors and the lavish use of stone creating a glamorous mood. Luxurious finishes and decorative details are the order of the day with colour, texture and a mix of materials adding depth and character to each room.
An ‘Inez’ dining table from Jardan is paired with ‘The Cara’ dining chairs from Coco Republic under a Moooi ‘Meshmatics’ chandelier from Space. The flooring in Grigio Imperiale marble and Baltic White marble from Surface Gallery is laid in a chequerboard pattern.
The powder room is the apogee of the focus on detail. Compact in size, it is packed with eye-catching features that wow guests. Wrapped in textured wallpaper and with the ceiling painted in gold leaf, it is like stepping into a jewel box. The whimsical swan-shaped brass tap, luxe Calacatta Viola marble vanity, elegant reeded glass wall lights and vintage mirror are the icing on the cake. Despite all the beauty in this house, the owners are not precious about it and allow their Cavoodles to go wherever they wish. “They are the sort of dogs that are meant for sitting on furniture,” the owner says with a laugh. Proof positive the refresh has answered the family’s wishes for a home that offers contemporary living while showcasing heritage features and glamorous detailing.
WE LOVE…decorative details
The home is enriched by an abundance of bold design details throughout. From the recurring curves to flashes of gold across the study doors, kitchen rangehood and island bench, through to the ensuite and even the powder room ceiling, the designers delivered on the brief for “lots of detail anywhere you could put it”.
“I can buy so many more things now to put in the kitchen.”
HOMEOWNER
The open-plan kitchen and dining area occupies one large room that opens to the courtyard through sliding glass doors from Enviro Window Designs. Curtains in Unique Fabrics ‘Averie’ frame the view to the garden, designed by Maintain by Modify. The artwork is by Michael Muir; the ceramics are from Mud Australia. The courtyard is furnished with an MCM House ‘Santos’ outdoor armchair in Evergreen and ‘Mason’ side table in Putty Matt and is a favourite spot to catch some sunshine.
INSIDE STORY
A FAMILY OF FIVE
Who lives here? A couple, their three children aged 19, 17 and 14, and two Cavoodles.
What initially attracted you to the home? Homeowner: “The corner position that permits a lot of natural light, the easy access in and out of the rear garage and the home’s elevation, which provides complete privacy from the street.”
How has the renovation improved your life? “Previously we had a lot of small rooms, which were unused. Now, everything is opened up and we have fewer rooms but larger ones. The living room and dining room are much more usable.”
A haven of luxury, the ensuite bathroom has Baltic White marble and Grigio Imperiale marble floor tiles from Surface Gallery, and the walls and ceiling are finished in microcement in Dulux Feather Soft. The custom vanity is topped with Calacatta Viola marble from Anterior XL. The Brodware ‘Yokato’ tap and towel rail in Brushed Swiss Brass from Candana provide gold accents. A pop of colour comes from the ‘Marquis’ hand-cut glass vase in Purple from James Said. Towel is from Bemboka.
“I love my bathroom with all the marble detailing. I’m so happy with it.”
HOMEOWNER
SOURCE BOOK – your trusted home directory >>
Design & Build: Modify Homes, modify.com.au
Landscape design: Maintain by Modify, modify.com.au
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