There was never any question that Rachelle and David’s once-gracious Federation home would one day undergo a major transformation. Yet the couple were in no rush to get started. “We wanted to live in it first to understand the flow, light and other aspects of living,” explains Rachelle. “We wanted our family home to have a consistent style and feel throughout, whilst keeping all of the lovely period features.”
Grounded by the beauty of aged oak flooring from European Timber Floors, the living room’s palette of creamy ivories juxtaposed against sprinklings of soft greys and greens spells elegance. A watery-hued rug from De Poortere anchors the relaxation zone, furnished with an OZ Design ‘Giselle’ armchair upholstered in Warwick Fabrics ‘Hale Pepper’, an OZ Design ‘Kate’ sofa, and a custom-designed ottoman by Sabine Interior Design. (Credit: Susan Papazian)
Under the expertise of interior designer Sabine McDonald of By Sabine Interior Design and builder HR Constructions, the project was soon underway. “The design phase took six to eight months and the renovation about 11 months,” says Sabine. “After agreeing on an overall concept and design, we took on the house room by room, not losing sight of what we wanted to achieve throughout.”
Today, a soothing combination of crisp whites and misty greys, punctuated with accents of green, blue and inky black, brings a sense of timeless elegance to the abode, celebrating the beauty of organic texture and natural light. “I just love the design flow and consistency of Sabine’s colour palette,” says a delighted Rachelle. “Each room connects to the last, but still has its own feel and personality.” Follow interior designer Sabine on Instagram @bysabineinteriordesign.
At the heart of this stylish home, a symphony of beautiful fittings – including dramatically-veined marble benchtops and a combination of shaker-style 2-pac cabinetry in Dulux ‘Grey Pebble’ with glass-front cupboards, all by Gigsaw Joinery – serves up the recipe for a stunning Hamptons-inspired kitchen. “We introduced the glass cabinets to show Rachelle’s lovely white china, and added strip lighting inside the cabinets for added atmosphere in the evening,” says Sabine. (Credit: Susan Papazian)
Black accents in a pair of high-back stools plus a stand-out pendant at interest and texture to the space. (Credit: Susan Papazian)As characterful as it is tranquil, the homeowners sleep zone is a true style standout. The bed has been sumptuously layered with a selection of Sheridan linen and an inky Bemboka throw from Pond, while bedside lamps from Shack, partnered with custom shades, inject further doses of magical monochrome. In front of the exquisite bay window, a vintage armchair – snapped up at an auction house in London – has been given a stunning new lease of life with Mokum Textiles upholstery and No-Chintz braid trimming. “The shades of white paired with the contrasting blacks makes this one of my favourite rooms,” says Rachelle. (Credit: Susan Papazian)The honed white textured ‘Materia 01’ wall tiles in the bathroom work a treat with the Mate ‘Terra Grigio’ chevron floor tiles – both from Di Lirenzo Tiles. But it’s the gorgeous marble-topped Hawthorn Hill vanity stand, teamed with Perrin and Rowe tapware – both from the English Tapware Company – that proves details really do matter. (Credit: Susan Papazian)Mealtimes are social affairs in this household, with the clan’s long-held harvest-style dining setting [find similar at Early Settler] just right for everyday dining and casual entertaining. “The family likes more relaxed and flexible seating and these bench seats work really well,” says Sabine. Against the wall, under a trio of framed Payapa placements, a repurposed antique church pew injects character and charm to the room, “as well as extra seating when friends come to visit”, says Sabine. An Ikea floor lamp with custom shade is also on show. (Credit: Susan Papazian)
Susan Papazian
