Simon Whitbread
This rundown 1890s cottage in Sydney’s eastern suburbs received a simple cosmetic makeover when it’s owners first moved in, with new carpets and a fresh lick of paint forming a liveable, comfy nest. The agenda quickly took a new turn however when the bathroom’s old pipes burst, forcing a rethink and fast tracking their ultimate plans for a full scale renovation, with stunning results.
By the time the old plumbing forced a new decision, the homeowners’ family had grown to five, so planning for a larger, family-friendly home with the cottage as a foundation proved an excellent decision. Keeping the home all on one level, the layout of the original house was reconfigured and an original garage was incorporated into the main part of the home.
“It was very important that this not be a showpiece home. It’s gorgeous while being perfectly suited to our family’s lifestyle,” Lee-Anne, homeowner
The home’s characterful, mellow sandstone informed the interior palette and the architect and builder were briefed to retain as much of it as possible. Natural, earthy materials such as warm grey ironbark flooring work well with the scheme. Interior designer Jo Philippsohn Simhi of Dwell By Jo helped pull it all together.
The interior design cleverly retains the cottage feel of the original home, with a number of statement pieces bringing new life to classic features. Aged metals in pendant lighting and pops of colour in rugs and soft furnishings, such as the bespoke citrus green Armadillo & Co eight-metre hall runner unify the spaces with a contemporary edge.
“We admired the sandstone’s character and wanted to preserve it. New blocks just don’t look the same”
Opting for Caesarstone slab benchtops over the more expensive concrete proved a practical and elegant design solution. ‘Cabana’ stools from CTR Imports draw up the island bench, creating a core meeting place for family.
More masculine touches in the master bedroom in Westlake grassweave wallpaper from Ascraft echo the natural tones of the timber and sandstone featured elsewhere in the home. Lustrous finishes and elegant upholstery create a Manhattan loft vibe, including a winged, diamond-buttoned bedhead by Ralph Lauren.
“I wanted the decor to have an earthy, organic feel”
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