Photography: Alicia Taylor / Styling: Jack Milenkovic / Artwork: ‘Siena’ by André De Vanny, Curatorial+Co Vase Terunobu Hirata Sculpture (on right of fireplace) Ventifact Studio
Following a two-year search for the right property, Paullette and Charlie came across a modest red-brick home in a quiet Sydney suburb, overlooking a golf course.
They immediately saw its potential. “It offered the perfect combination of size, location and the opportunity to build a home that would better suit our lifestyle and accommodate our adult children, Eddy and Giaan,” says Paullette.
“Rather than demolish it straightaway, we decided to rent it out while we began planning and designing our new dream home.”
The vision was to create a home that felt open and light, with plenty of room for entertaining as well as spaces for retreat. It was clear early on that the existing two-bedroom home wouldn’t allow them to achieve this.
“Building from scratch gave us the freedom to start with a clean slate, ensuring every aspect of the layout, functionality and aesthetic aligned with our vision,” Paullette explains.
When Paullette and Charlie considered renovating their home, they realised they couldn’t achieve what they wanted to with their existing home, so they chose the new build path. “It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a home that genuinely made life easier and more intuitive,” says Paullette.
Rounded furniture in the living area – like the Paolo Castelli ‘Vao 380’ sofa from Atmosfera Studio, ‘Brise’ coffee table and Gervasoni ‘Kira’ side table, both from Anibou – fit snugly in the space. Other features include a custom pendant light from Mark Studios and two ‘Isoken’ long chairs by Marcel Breuer from Anibou. ‘Akari 14A’ floor lamp and Bertoia ‘Bird Chair’, both from Living Edge.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Inspired by their extensive travels, the couple were drawn to a contemporary yet classical aesthetic reminiscent of a boutique hotel. Natural, raw materials like stone, concrete and timber would add a calm and inviting layer to the sophisticated scheme. They spoke with three architects and felt an immediate connection with Laura and Wally Stanton from Stanton Architects. “Laura and Wally’s approach felt far more personal and collaborative. They asked thoughtful, in-depth questions and took the time to get to know our lifestyle and how we wanted to live in the space,” says Paullette. They kicked things off with a series of first concept drawings and a proposed floor plan.
PLANNING PROCESS
“I still remember that initial meeting; our reaction was, ‘Wow! They’ve nailed it’,” says Paullette. Spaces were designed to reflect the family’s day-to-day lives, with a big focus on proportions and flow. “Materiality played a central role in shaping the design, with a focus on a palette that feels striking and timeless – selected to ensure the home maintains its integrity and appeal over time,” says Laura. Once the plans were locked in, Laura and Wally managed all the council submissions and any approvals. They also engaged EDM Constructions to handle the build. “Having a strong team guiding us made a significant difference,” says Paullette.
The kitchen is defined by an island and splashback in Super White Dolomite stone, a rangehood in Axolotl ‘Anthra Zinc’ pseudo bronze and joinery in Navurban Ravenswood veneer from New Age Veneers. A ‘Serpente’ table lamp by Elio Martinelli from Secondi and artwork by Ventifact Studio add a flourish.
A bar and dining area extend from the kitchen. Meals are enjoyed at the ‘Leon’ dining table from Globe West while Thonet ‘S 33’ chairs and ‘Roquebrune’ chairs, all from Anibou, bring a layer of luxury. Custom pendant from Mark Studios. Kitchen The kitchen is defined by an island and splashback in Super White Dolomite stone, a rangehood in Axolotl ‘Anthra Zinc’ pseudo bronze and joinery in Navurban Ravenswood veneer from New Age Veneers. A ‘Serpente’ table lamp by Elio Martinelli from Secondi and artwork by Ventifact Studio add a flourish.
THE PALETTE
Bar in Verde Alpi
marble from
BC Stone
Island in Super
White Dolomite
stone from
Deemah Stone
Enveloped in rich Polytec Bottega Oak Woodmatt finish panelling and anchored by a moody Venetian plaster ceiling, the space feels intimate, cocooned and highly considered,” says Wally of the well-resolved study.
A large bespoke desk is topped with Verdi Alpi stone and paired with ‘Vega B’ dining chairs by De La Espada from Spence & Lyda. A 1960s table lamp from The Vault Sydney makes a statement, along with a wall sculpture by Montana Moore.
“The study is moodier in tone, designed as a more enclosed and focused space.”
WALLY STANTON, ARCHITECT
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
From the outset, Paullette and Charlie had a budget of approximately $2 million. “We made a conscious effort to manage the budget closely, but there were definitely areas where costs exceeded expectations,” says Paullette. They chose to invest in high-impact, nonnegotiable features, such as natural stone, while being more conservative in other areas. “It was really about prioritising where we wanted to spend for maximum impact, while being practical elsewhere,” explains Paullette. The finished home consists of multiple light-filled spaces with a strong physical and visual connection to the surroundings.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The living room, with its double-height ceilings and curved walls, is a particular highlight. “It’s anchored by the monolithic fireplace and textured plaster wall, with a strong connection to the courtyard and pool, which really captures the essence of the home’s indoor-outdoor living,” says Wally. Paullette values what she calls the “back-ofhouse” area, with the butler’s pantry and laundry, as well as the parents’ retreat with walk-in wardrobe. “I can actually see and access everything in my wardrobe easily, which makes such a difference. The space feels more like a sanctuary than a bedroom.
LESSONS LEARNT
As with all new builds, there were a few challenges and pivotal moments along the way. “We learnt the importance of staying across every detail and making decisions promptly,” says Paullette. “Delays in decision-making can have a cascading effect on the entire build schedule and budget.” And they weren’t afraid to speak up about details that were important to them. “Initially, the design included a shared driveway with our neighbours, but we advocated for a dedicated double driveway. It has made a huge difference in terms of accessibility, aesthetics and day-to-day convenience.” Today, they couldn’t be happier with their finished home. “We wish we’d done it sooner,” says Paullette.
“I genuinely enjoy being at home and have a much greater appreciation for the space we’ve created.”
Source book – your trusted directory to help you find the best team to help create your dream home
Architect & interior designer: Stanton Architects, stantonarchitects.com.au
Builder: EDM Constructions, edmconstructions.com.au
Joinery: INZ Kitchens, inzkitchens.com.au
Landscaping: Green Fern Landscaping, gflandscaping.com.au
Stone works: Deemah Stone, deemah_stone; BC Stone, bcstone.com.au
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