Before & After: A run-down Federation kitchen transformed into a modern masterpiece

Celebrating the original architectural charm of this Federation home in northern Sydney was a no-brainer for interior stylist Liz and her husband Sean, who works in the construction industry. The biggest challenge was to make it a functional home for their family of three teenagers.

"Everything in the front section is original," says Liz. "We restored it, but we didn't make any big changes.

The work

Six months of planning and paperwork, then a 10-month build yielded a huge extension double the home's footprint and incorporated a brand new contemporary kitchen in the new open plan living space, along with a dining room and lounge room. The results are breathtaking. "It's very me and has bits of everything I love," says Liz. "I like to have a comfy space that's also a bit of fun."

"It's energising and interesting but we kept the interiors neutral, so it's also very relaxing."

Liz Homeowner and interior stylist

The details

Bar stools: 'Easy' bar stools in Black, Cafe Culture + Insitu

Benchtops, cabinetry & splashback: Polyurethane cabinetry in White with 5 percent gloss; Polytec timber veneer in Cocoa Spruce; Glass splashback; Caesarstone benchtop in Organic White, all Infracraft

Lighting: Oligo 'Grace' pendants, Koda Lighting

Gas cooktop: Barazza flush-mounted cooktop from Winning Appliances

"We had a vision of buying a Federation house and renovating it in a way that kept the feel of an older home, but with modern day conveniences."

Liz

"Although it's a Federation home, I wanted the kitchen to have a fresh, modern feel," says Liz. Two strip windows were installed for added light, with a discreet glass splashback in-between. "It works well with the kitchen's minimal feel, says Liz."

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