A 1980s haven in Sydney’s north cherry-picks the best of mid-century design

This blog post showcases a lavish and environmentally conscious home located in Sydney’s north-west, designed by architect Julian Brenchley and interior designer Jase Sullivan. The property, built on a north-facing block purchased in 2019, emphasizes both grand living and sustainable practices. The owners sought a 'forever home' that was self-sufficient in energy and water, built with robust, long-lasting materials, and able to withstand the demands of a family with four children. The design successfully integrates expansive, luxurious spaces with practical eco-friendly features, without compromising on style or glamour. The architectural vision, led by Julian Brenchley of Group Architects, incorporated a 70s Hollywood aesthetic, which the owners embraced. The six-bedroom, three-level home is strategically designed to maximize its northern orientation for natural warming and cross-ventilation for cooling. It features a mudroom, workshop, and garage embedded into the site, with living areas, an office, one bedroom, and a rumpus room situated above. The top level is divided into a parents' wing and a separate wing for the four children's bedrooms, all arranged in a U-shape. Sustainability was a core principle in the home's construction and operation. Large banks of solar panels on the roof and substantial water storage tanks contribute to the home's near self-sufficiency in energy and water. The material palette was chosen for longevity and low maintenance, featuring concrete, glass, stacked sandstone, and charred-timber cladding. These materials are described as 'bulletproof and time-tested,' with the timber cladding being pest- and rot-resistant and maintenance-free. The commitment to local sourcing is evident, as all custom light fittings were sourced from Melbourne, and a produce garden complete with chickens further enhances the home's eco-credentials. Interior designer Jase Sullivan joined the project in 2021, tasked with transforming the large, open spaces with stone and glass walls into warm and inviting environments. His approach was to create a cozy, mid-century atmosphere, starting with the owner's cherished vintage Danish armchair. Sullivan opted for a 70s vibe, using sculptural furniture and an earthy color palette. He addressed the challenge of the home's scale by emphasizing texture, employing handmade Moroccan tiles for a feature plinth and patinated brass fittings to add warmth and a sense of aged character. The color scheme predominantly features tan and black, with accents of blue inspired by Joshua Yeldham's artwork, which serves as a central focal point in the living room. Key design elements include a sinuous De Sede ‘Snake’ sofa and a Don Cameron Studio floor lamp, chosen for their curved forms to contrast with the straight lines of the architecture. Two custom six-by-six meter rugs were used to define and soften the open-plan living areas. The design seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor environments, with massive sliding doors on the ground floor providing an expansive connection to the outdoors. Upstairs, the raked ceilings and timber cladding create an airy feel, while the U-shape layout forms private family retreats. The use of natural materials throughout the home, including timber, concrete, and stone, contributes to its tactile and grounded feel, fostering a sense of warmth. The property is designed as a 'forever home,' intended to be passed down through generations, with the aspiration of it becoming heritage-listed in the future due to its modernist design and integration of classic mid-century furniture and art. #SustainableHome #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SydneyRealEstate #EcoFriendly #MidCenturyModern #HomeTours #GreenBuilding

This article details the renovation of a Sydney apartment by Jacob Olsen Interiors, transforming it into an elegant pied-à-terre with a modern Art Deco influence. The clients, who already resided in Observatory Tower, sought a larger apartment offering superior harbor views. A primary challenge in the renovation was the limited natural light in the entry, kitchen, and master bedroom, common in buildings converted from offices. To mitigate this, narrow corridors leading to the kitchen and living areas were removed, allowing natural light from the harbor-facing balcony to permeate deeper into the apartment. Another significant challenge stemmed from the building's past as an office, resulting in lower ceiling heights. To counteract this, Jacob Olsen utilized crisp, bright white paint for the walls, specifically Dulux 'Vivid White,' in contrast with dark chocolate timber floors in Woodcut 'Osaka Brown.' This design choice served to visually elevate the ceilings and frame the panoramic Sydney Harbour views. The renovation was also subject to tight deadlines as the clients planned to sell the property shortly after completion, necessitating seamless coordination among all parties given the apartment's location on the 21st floor of Observatory Tower. The interior design drew inspiration from the clients' lifestyle as part-time Sydney residents, focusing on creating a refined city escape. Their extensive collection of art and antiques, gathered from their travels, was a key consideration in the design process. The aesthetic aimed for understated elegance with an Art Deco sensibility, achieved through a blend of contemporary and classic elements. Finishes such as fluted glass, polished chrome and nickel, black-and-white marble, and dark timber floors were incorporated to evoke the Art Deco era while maintaining a bright and airy feel. Key design features included combining two bedrooms to form a spacious master suite with a lounge, walk-in robe, and ensuite. The kitchen was outfitted with a marble-clad island bench, an open bar, and Shaker cabinets featuring fluted glass inlays. The bathrooms showcased dramatic marble combinations, such as Calacatta Apuano on vanities and Nero Marquina on walls, with 'Labyrinth' mosaic flooring in Carrara and Nero Marquina. Light-colored stone, specifically Athena from Cav'Art Designer Stone, and light-hued joinery in Dulux 'Terrace White' were employed to enhance the sense of space. Transparent sheer curtains were installed to preserve the harbor views while ensuring privacy and optimal light control. The project concluded successfully, with the clients reportedly so pleased with the outcome that they delayed listing the property to enjoy the renovated space longer, appreciating its lightness, warmth, and glamorous yet refined atmosphere. #SydneyApartment #ArtDecoInfluence #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #HomeRenovation #ObservatoryTower #ModernElegance #SpaceMaximization #MarbleInteriors

This article details the second major renovation of a 1930s Streamline Moderne house in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, by designer Greg Natale. The initial redesign, twelve years prior, transformed a two-apartment building into a 3,600-square-foot single-family home. This first renovation involved structural alterations, including a sunken living room and Juliet balconies, and adopted a Hollywood Regency aesthetic with a black-and-white palette, pops of color, checkerboard marble flooring, and rectilinear spaces. In 2020, socialite Eleni Taylor purchased the property, seeking a softer, more feminine interior that would integrate the exterior's curvilinear forms. Taylor, inspired by Cycladic architecture, desired pared-down, fluid spaces. Natale was commissioned again, undertaking a complete gut renovation, a unique experience for him, allowing for a reinvention of his design approach. While structural changes were minimal, such as reconfiguring and extending the second floor to four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and updating exterior elements like balustrades and fenestration, the interior envelope underwent a radical transformation. The renovated interior eliminates previous moldings, paneling, and ornamentation, replacing straight edges and angular corners with sinuous lines, swelling forms, and arching portals. The walls and ceilings are finished with a natural-clay plaster, imparting a silky tactility and creating organic, pristine living spaces that evoke a light-filled, sophisticated cave-like atmosphere. The entry features a custom bronze front door opening to a new sculptural staircase that ascends in a flowing arc. The entry hall is paved with Patagonia Verde quartzite, a Brazilian stone with sea-green and smoke-gray swirls, which introduces the home's extensive use of dramatic marble patterns and hues. The client's preference for marble is evident throughout, with full-slab bathrooms featuring Verdi Alpi in the powder room and Arcadia in an upstairs bathroom. Breccia Capraia, a Carrara marble with pink, purple, and charcoal gray veins on a white background, was imported from Italy and used for kitchen countertops, an island, a backsplash, a vent hood, and in the main bathroom for flooring, the shower cubicle, and a custom double-sink vanity. American oak serves as the principal wood, used for chevron-patterned flooring, minimalist kitchen cabinetry, and millwork in the children's bedrooms, including a built-in desk with travertine pulls. Furnishings blend mid-century classics, such as a Warren Platner lounge chair and a Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa in the living room, with contemporary pieces like Lara Bohinc’s Orbit chairs and Marco Pagnoncelli’s Masai pendant fixtures in the dining room. These selections, alongside items like Gio Ponti's Bilia table lamp and Grant and Mary Featherston’s Scape chair, reflect a spirit of 20th-century modernism. The overall design harmonizes the building's original Streamline Moderne exterior with a newly softened, curvilinear, and material-rich interior, creating a sophisticated and flowing residential experience. #GregNatale #StreamlineModerne #SydneyArchitecture #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #MarbleInteriors #CurvilinearDesign #LuxuryHome

Mid-Century Modern architecture, characterized by its effortless cool and quintessentially Australian aesthetic, is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity. This design style, prevalent from the 1930s to the 1970s, defines Australian homes through its distinctive flat or raked rooflines, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan layouts, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Key materials commonly used include brick, concrete, and timber, contributing to a robust yet elegant appearance. Notable architects who shaped Australia's Modernist movement, such as Harry Seidler, Robin Boyd, Iwan Iwanoff, and Hugh Buhrich, developed groundbreaking designs in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of these historically significant structures now hold heritage-listed status, reflecting their enduring architectural value. The renewed interest in these homes has led many owners to prioritize restoration over extensive renovation, preserving the original character and integrity of these sought-after properties for contemporary enjoyment and future generations. The article showcases 19 exemplary Mid-Century Modern homes across Australia, ranging from faithfully restored original builds to new constructions inspired by the style. One such example is 'The Quarterdeck,' designed by Glynn Nicholls in 1959. Its recent restoration meticulously updated the interiors while adding two new wings, ensuring consistency with the original design. This project involved careful preservation of features like the butterfly roof, exposed structural steel beams, shiplap paneling, bagged brick interior walls, and original 1950s windows. Another featured property is a character-rich 1890s terrace in Paddington, where interior designer Madeleine Wood blended existing architectural elements with a Mid-Century aesthetic, enhancing its north-facing courtyard, high ceilings, and distinctive arches. In Torquay, a new build, conceived by Melbourne architecture firm Kennedy Nolan, draws heavily from 1950s Mid-Century design, incorporating a carefully curated palette of colors, materials, and textures based on the owners' detailed vision board. Photographer Kara Rosenlund's late 1960s Brisbane home underwent a sensitive renovation that honored its originality, preserving its wood, finishes, and tones to maintain its spirit. A once featureless 1970s brick house on the NSW South Coast was transformed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects into a laidback, understated, and honest Mid-Century Modern home, using materials resilient to coastal conditions and bushfires. Sally McGarry's Byron Bay Hinterland home, 'Las Palmas,' captures the essence of her grandparents' Robin Boyd-designed 'The Fenner House' with its elongated roofline, extensive glazing, modernist lines, and passive orientation. A two-bedroom beach shack in Flinders, previously coated in brown paint and carpet, received a thoughtful revamp. Owners Bec and Marcus opted to work within the existing footprint, creating a spacious, open-plan family home without extending the original structure. An Adelaide Hills stone cottage, built in 1962, was updated in 2018 by architect Paul Cooksey and interior architect Bek Burchnall to improve insulation and refresh its interior palette while respecting its original design intent. M House on the Northern Beaches, designed by Rama Architects, presents a Brazilian modernist oasis that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting a tranquil and private living environment. In Beaumaris, Victoria, an untouched 1960s brick and weatherboard house served as a canvas for a sensitive renovation, preserving and restoring original features while introducing new elements inspired by the home's heritage. A modernist-inspired contemporary holiday home demonstrates how classic Mid-Century design principles, such as steel and glass structures, brickwork, and timber paneling, continue to influence modern constructions. A 1960s bush retreat in outer Melbourne underwent a sensitive refurbishment, maintaining its original timber paneling and dark terracotta brick floors. A Mid-Century Modern home in Moorooka, Queensland, designed by Robin Spencer, remains a remarkably preserved 1960s masterpiece, with its original bathroom and kitchen still intact. A renovated 1950s home in Sydney’s North Shore features a "raw and earthy" palette and a "Palm Springs flavor," highlighted by a custom mosaic tiled island bench and amber-colored glass doors. Georges Antoni's contemporized 1960s bungalow in Sydney’s Garigal National Park showcases a monochromatic palette of render, stone, travertine, linen, and timber, creating a calming family home that embraces its Mid-Century origins. A Mid-Century marvel in Mosman, originally an 'Australian House & Garden' cover star in 1959, has been carefully renovated to retain its original timber paneling and crazy paving. A Palm Springs-style home by Sunshine Beach embodies modernist design with sleek lines, playful use of color, and spaciousness. Finally, a "funky and functional" family home in Adelaide draws on Mid-Century Palm Springs architecture, featuring curves, a Californian desert-inspired color palette, white painted brick, and a relaxed ambiance. A 1960s modernist home in Melbourne’s St Kilda received a "perky facelift" by Bower Architecture & Interiors and LBA Construction Group, extending over the former driveway to create more space and light while honoring the home’s historical context. #MidCenturyModern #AustralianArchitecture #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #InteriorDesign #ModernistHomes #SustainableDesign #Renovation #HistoricHomes

Interiors studio Design Theory has undertaken a renovation of a 1960s house located in the City Beach suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The project aimed to update the residence while preserving the original design's rich palette of natural materials. The client sought a home suitable for entertaining friends and living with dogs, requiring durable, easy-to-clean, and pet-proof finishes. The reworked floor plan needed to accommodate three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The initial assessment revealed significant structural issues, including widespread rot and termite damage, necessitating extensive restoration work on the base-building elements. Design Theory's approach involved restoring these foundational components in alignment with the original architecture and interior style. New joinery, finishes, and furniture were introduced, all inspired by mid-century design principles. This strategy allowed the home to evolve with contemporary functionality and sustainability while respecting its heritage. Beyond the structural repairs, the house required sensitive restoration and minimal updates, owing to its original design's forward-thinking emphasis on natural light, fresh air, and unpretentious living. The design cues were drawn from the era of the house's construction, characterized by humble and honest materials and restrained detailing. Existing cabinetry was sensitively restored and updated, always with a nod to the home's original aesthetic. The material palette predominantly features warm, earthy tones. Exposed brick in terracotta hues, native Blackbutt timber, and a cork-like Forbo Marmoleum flooring were extensively used. In the sunken lounge area, carpet tiles were installed to add comfort and a distinctive gridded visual texture. The robust use of timber and brick is counterbalanced by painted white wall sections, grid-patterned window frames, and low-hanging pendant lighting, creating a harmonious balance within the interiors. For the kitchen counters and bathrooms, simple mosaic tiles were chosen to continue the textural theme and to subtly reference the home's early 1960s origins. The studio adopted a palette inspired by the Western Australian landscape, incorporating Eucalyptus greens, warm timbers, and sunset oranges. The kitchen cabinetry features subtle detailing, such as full-width handles, providing visual interest without being overly dominant. An orange range cooker adds a retro accent. Several vintage furniture pieces acquired with the house were retained and meticulously restored. To soften the architectural lines and prevent the interiors from feeling like a rigid period piece, contemporary furniture with gently curving forms was introduced. Key original hardware, including door furniture and pendant lighting, was refurbished and reinstalled, contributing to the home's authentic refreshed character. #Perth #Renovation #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign #DesignTheory #CoastalHome #HouseRenovation #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials

Pattern Studio, an Australian design firm, has completed a renovation project in Sydney, dubbed "Daddy Cool," transforming a previously dilapidated suburban terraced house into a harmoniously cohabitable space for a father and his two adult children. The renovation focused on creating areas for both shared family time and individual privacy. The client, a music lover, inspired the nickname "Daddy Cool" for the project, reflecting his desire for a stylish and comfortable home for his family. The original property was in poor condition, requiring extensive reconstruction while preserving its facade and some existing structural and decorative elements at the front. The design approach eschewed traditional built-in joinery in favor of freestanding furniture, aiming for a cohesive yet distinct aesthetic that avoids the uniform feel often found in commercial spaces. This choice allowed for the integration of unique pieces and materials throughout the home, contributing to its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The ground floor is dedicated to communal living, featuring an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. The kitchen is distinguished by a jade-green, veiny stone island and a sleek stainless steel unit housing the stove and additional storage. A custom-made cherry burl cabinet, designed to resemble a vintage wardrobe, discreetly conceals the fridge and pantry. These elements collectively contribute to a sense of understated luxury and functionality. The living area is characterized by oversized and comfortable seating, including a plump three-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Gubi and Faye Toogood’s Puffy lounge chair for Hem. Natural light significantly enhances this space, largely due to a small courtyard accessible through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. This outdoor area features lush plants and a terrazzo bench, creating a serene connection to nature within the urban setting. For entertainment, a record player is integrated into a custom-made slatted timber cabinet, positioned opposite an all-stone backlit drinks bar. Moving upstairs, Pattern Studio designed four separate bedroom suites, three on the first floor and a guest room on the second. Each suite is self-contained, offering spaces for sleeping, bathing, and relaxation, catering to the individual needs of the family members. The main bedroom exemplifies this luxurious approach, featuring a chunky green marble bathtub and an oversized stone headboard that echoes the rich material palette found elsewhere in the house. Decorative amber-hued glass sconce lights further enhance the room's ambiance. Throughout the renovation, timber accents, such as smooth Douglas fir cabinetry and light wooden bannisters, add warmth and natural texture. Each shower unit is equipped with its own skylight, a design choice intended to amplify the home's harmonious and light-filled environment. The walls are finished with neutral plaster, providing a subtle backdrop that allows the family's collection of colorful paintings, tapestries, and photography to stand out. This design philosophy, described by Pattern Studio as "sumptuous minimalism," balances pared-back aesthetics with rich textures and materials. Pattern Studio, founded in 2015 by Lily Goodwin and Josh Cain, extends its design expertise beyond residential projects to hospitality spaces, as seen in their work on a warm-toned timber restaurant in Melbourne and a bar in Byron Bay, demonstrating their versatile approach to creating distinct and engaging environments. #Sydney #HomeRenovation #PatternStudio #MultiGenerationalHomes #InteriorDesign #AustralianHouses #DouglasFir #Stone #CherryBurl

The "Inside Her Home" series offers a glimpse into the residences of everyday women, detailing their renting or homeownership experiences. This installment features Lauren Li, a 45-year-old interior designer residing in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne. She lives with her husband and three children in a three-bedroom, two-storey home with an additional granny flat, which they rent for $3,910 per month. Lauren describes her home as a mid-century modern dwelling, built in 1961, retaining much of its original architecture. She emphasizes a deep connection to the house, feeling it "chose her" and that she and her family are deeply content living there. Lauren’s home is situated approximately 10km north-east of Melbourne's Central Business District. She highlights the fair price for the rental and expresses a strong belief that renters invest significant care and effort into making their houses feel like home. She and her family have occupied the property for three years, and her appreciation for the space has only grown. The house holds historical significance, having been the former residence of Victoria's first female Supreme Court judge, the Honourable Rosemary Balmford, who lived there since 1963. Lauren attributes the home's positive atmosphere and abundant built-in bookshelves to its previous owner, noting Balmford’s pioneering role as the first female lecturer in the University of Melbourne’s law faculty. The layout of the home is particularly appealing to Lauren, featuring a spacious living room with a fireplace, which provides ample room for the family while maintaining a sense of togetherness. The property also offers lovely views of trees, a beneficial feature for Lauren and her husband, who both work from home. The kitchen retains its original 1960s charm, which Lauren appreciates. The house includes an elevated deck that has been the setting for numerous family gatherings and summer dinners, contributing to its cherished feel. Their 12-year-old daughter enjoys a room with an impressive view of the Yarra River, while her 11-year-old sister and three-year-old brother share the other bedroom. Lauren explains that their move to this particular house was almost serendipitous. When their previous apartment was put up for sale, they needed to find new accommodation swiftly. A friend connected them with a real estate agent, and upon seeing the Ivanhoe East property, Lauren immediately felt a strong desire to live there. Her attachment to the house is so profound that she declares she is "never going to leave," underscoring her long-term commitment to the home. The article concludes with an invitation for other individuals to submit their homes for inclusion in the "Inside Her Home" series, encouraging [email protected] to be contacted for submissions. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #RentalProperty #MelbourneHomes #FamilyLiving #RealLifeStories #HomeTour

Australia's diverse coastline offers a unique setting for luxurious homes, attracting both homeowners and designers. These properties, whether situated harbourside or beachside, are characterized by their ability to integrate spectacular views with sophisticated interiors, effectively blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The designs often prioritize air, light, and the expansive sea and sky, showcasing natural assets through refined aesthetics. One example is an island-inspired family retreat on Sydney's Northern Beaches, which, despite its tranquil resort-like appearance, functions as a serene family home, featuring oversized timber doors and a calm compound layout. Another featured property is a modern coastal home in Sydney, which underwent architectural reorientation by Georgina Wilson. This redesign transformed a series of smaller rooms into a single, expansive space, maximizing natural light and capturing harbour views, thereby creating a seamless connection to the outdoors with a neutral palette. A free-spirited beachside holiday home showcases a vibrant and playful atmosphere, drawing inspiration from chic resorts. This makeover incorporates vibrant red hues, spicy ginger upholstery on outdoor furniture, and zesty citrus accents, complemented by intricate patterns throughout the space. A renovated Bronte Beach home by Tom Mark Henry features a simplified and restrained design. The renovation introduced new openings and large glass panels to provide uninterrupted views of the water. The interior design adopted a monochromatic palette of dove grey and milky white, with biscuity unfilled limestone flooring, creating a sandy texture that complements the coastal environment. In a relaxed harbourside property, interiors by Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke complement the natural surroundings of the sea and mature trees. The home is distinguished by statement furniture, Australian art, and a warm color palette that enhances the daily lives of its residents. A modern Mediterranean coastal home in Palm Beach, designed by Megan Burns of CM Studio, features pure-white pavilions with billowing sheer curtains, pale rosewood interiors, and rough stone walls, evoking a Mediterranean ambiance suitable for a family-friendly holiday retreat. A minimalist harbourside home, designed by Phillip Mathieson, exudes pure luxury with a powerful minimal palette and is anchored by a magnificent gum tree. The design fulfills the homeowner's request for a sophisticated and serene permanent holiday residence. An arresting concrete home, positioned above Sydney's Balmoral, showcases a strong character derived from its robust materials and confident embrace of its bayside location, offering clear views of Sydney Heads. Finally, a modern coastal home in Sydney's eastern suburbs, designed by architect Matthew Krusin of Tobias Partners, is terraced into a sloping site to maximize ocean views. The design emphasizes a simple, luxurious aesthetic, with each level providing a unique experience as one ascends the property. These homes collectively demonstrate a high level of design sophistication, integrating natural beauty with contemporary luxury to create living spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally harmonious with their coastal environments. #CoastalHomes #AustralianArchitecture #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #SydneyHomes #BeachsideLiving #ModernCoastal

Tali Roth, a Melbourne-born interior designer, has carved out a unique niche in New York's design scene, bringing a fresh, personal touch to interiors, particularly within the city's prevalent rental market. After moving to New York in 2013 with her husband and limited funds, Roth initially faced challenges in securing a traditional design role. Leveraging her background in psychology and fashion, she found an opportunity with a start-up agency that facilitated freelance designers, allowing her to utilize social media to build her own brand. This ultimately led to the establishment of her independent design business and the launch of 'The Playhouse,' her innovative 'shoppable office.' Roth's design philosophy is significantly shaped by New York's renting culture, which contrasts with Australia's emphasis on home ownership. She believes that living in a rental for decades necessitates making it comfortable and personalized, demonstrating that extensive decoration and even reversible renovations are achievable. For instance, she transformed her own Chelsea loft by applying a faux concrete finish to the walls and adding wainscoting in a previous apartment, all with the understanding that these changes could be reversed without issue. Her approach challenges the conventional limitations of decorating rental properties, emphasizing comfort and personalization over strict adherence to original conditions. Over six years in Manhattan, Roth has refined her signature aesthetic, describing it as 'pretty but not overly feminine, clean-lined but with a warm, mid-century edge.' Her design rule dictates that every interior should incorporate a mix of vintage, custom, and affordable or retro-fitted pieces, creating a harmonious and layered look. For artwork, she often draws inspiration from Australia, featuring pieces from artists like Minnie Pwerle, Adam Pyett, Stephen Baker, and Leila Jeffreys, and introducing clients to Australian brands such as Dinosaur Designs and Contemporary Editions, as well as glass artist Amanda Dziedzic. Currently, Roth is engaged in diverse projects, including the design of a flagship coffee venue for Bluestone Lane in SoHo, the offices for AWAY luggage, a multi-residential development in Brooklyn, and numerous private apartments, including one for a high-profile couple in the entertainment industry. Her material preferences lean towards glass, wood, and marble, favoring natural states and avoiding overly stained timber. While clients seek her distinct style, Roth prioritizes integrating their personalities into the space. She avoids being prescriptive, preferring to incorporate client-provided items, such as a grandmother's vase, even if they don't align with her personal taste, believing that these sentimental pieces bring joy and contribute to the overall balance and unique character of a home. #InteriorDesign #NewYork #RentalDecorating #HomeDecor #DesignPhilosophy #TaliRoth #MidCenturyModern #AustralianDesignInfluences #PersonalizedInteriors

The article presents a case study of a Sydney apartment in Potts Point, a neighborhood known for its European ambiance, which was transformed by designer Tamsin Johnson. Originally an ordinary new build with modest proportions, the property underwent a complete renovation, demonstrating Johnson’s philosophy that small spaces can be exceptionally creative. The project involved gutting the entire interior, making it an entirely new design. The client, a young doctor, sought a comfortable and immersive escape from a demanding work life, with a particular emphasis on sophisticated kitchen functionalities. Tamsin Johnson is recognized for her ability to blend different periods and global styles, creating luxurious and livable spaces. For this apartment, she drew inspiration from the ornate decorations found in early 1900s European hotels, aiming to enrich every detail and envelop the owner in comfort. The redesign focused on achieving a refined yet eclectic aesthetic, incorporating elements of modernism, brutalism, and Art Deco. Key structural changes included the installation of steel-framed doors and windows and the enlargement of interior openings to eliminate any trace of the original mundane construction. The apartment now features a complex but harmonious dialogue between various styles. Furnishings sourced from Tamsin Johnson’s Sydney showroom, such as a 1980s green ribbon baroque chair by Anacleto Spazzapan and a 1950s Venetian pendant in the kitchen, contribute to its unique character. The designer highlights the importance of built-in bespoke joinery, particularly the living room fireplace, for its sculptural strength that anchors the room amidst its elaborate decor. Luxurious materials are prominently used throughout, with extensive application of marble and velvet on seating in the living and media rooms. Johnson emphasizes the interplay of textures—glass, sculpted timber, velvet, stone, and mirror—to create a visually rich and layered environment. The color palette is described as saturated but mild, deliberately avoiding vivid tones to maintain a calming atmosphere. Contrary to conventional wisdom about small spaces, Johnson advocates for a maximalist approach, encouraging designers not to fear scale but to infuse rich intimacy and visual nourishment into compact living areas. The apartment serves as an example of how a small space can become a special, jewel-box home through creative and thoughtful design. #SydneyHome #EclecticDesign #TamsinJohnson #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ArtDecoInfluence #MaximalistDesign #HomeRenovation

This article explores the transformation of a late-1990s, two-level apartment in Sydney, Australia, undertaken by Dylan Farrell Design. The renovation aimed to blend the relaxed aesthetic of Australian living with the sophisticated grandeur reminiscent of a Parisian flat. This unique fusion was developed for long-term clients who granted the design studio the creative freedom and financial backing necessary for ambitious aesthetic choices, including expanding the budget where exceptional results were possible. The 465 sq m apartment, featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms, was redesigned with a focus on its prominent city skyline views. Dylan and Nicolette Farrell, the New York-based duo leading Dylan Farrell Design, intended to counteract the typical lack of 'charming patina' in contemporary Australian buildings by importing the atmosphere of a classic Parisian apartment. This involved extensive work such as concealing modern systems within existing structures, designing and casting custom architectural mouldings, and developing bespoke finishes to evoke a sense of timeless elegance. The interior's color scheme is characterized by a deliberate tension between serene, airy neutrals and 'unexpected and almost overwhelming moments' of vibrant, saturated colors. For instance, the main suite maintains an almost entirely achromatic palette, while the stairwell is enveloped in a vivid aqua Venetian plaster. Throughout the apartment, quiet neutral tones are strategically punctuated by deeper greens and brilliant reds, creating visual interest and dynamic shifts between spaces. Material selections further amplify this exploration of contrasts. Adjacent areas may feature dramatically different textures, such as sandblasted surfaces juxtaposed with polished marble. Polished nickel fittings are contrasted with blackened steel and hand-forged metals, which were utilized for elements like doors, shutters, and lighting fixtures. Even the flooring, composed of rustic, variegated floorboards, provides a deliberate textural counterpoint to the smooth, glassy surfaces of the polished plaster walls. Ultimately, the project culminates in a home that masterfully combines austerity with glamour. It marries a contemporary, laid-back Australian sensibility with the opulence found in 19th-century Parisian design. This significant transformation was achieved by reconfiguring the original building's 'rabbit warren' of small, constrained rooms into an expansive, open-plan central core, establishing a distinctive character for the residence. #SydneyApartment #ParisianGrandeur #InteriorDesign #DylanFarrellDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ArchitecturalMouldings #MaterialContrast #ColorPalette #RenovationProject

This article details the comprehensive renovation of a century-old Sydney home, originally built in 1914, transforming it into a modern family residence. The property, located on a corner block near Centennial Park, underwent extensive refurbishment after being purchased in 2017 by a young professional couple. The house was in a state of disrepair, requiring new wiring, plumbing, a new kitchen, and repairs to a collapsing ceiling. The owners enlisted architect Carla Middleton to oversee the project, aiming to create a 'forever home' suitable for a growing family. Middleton describes the original house as dilapidated but an amazing blank canvas. The renovation strategy involved reducing the number of bedrooms from six to three, which would be housed in a newly constructed second storey. Conversely, the number of bathrooms was increased to four, plus a powder room, emphasizing quality over quantity in terms of sleeping quarters. On the ground level, the design focused on creating expansive living areas. The original front rooms were preserved and repurposed as family rooms, a study, and a sitting room. Great care was taken to restore original features such as skirtings, cornices, fireplaces, and stained-glass windows, maintaining the home's historic charm. A key design objective was to implement an open-plan living concept, moving away from the smaller, separated rooms of the previous home. The new extension at the rear features an 11x8-meter living space that seamlessly connects to a sun-drenched deck. Given the home's north-south orientation, a primary goal was to maximize natural light in this area. Carla Middleton achieved this through a striking void space that reaches 6.7 meters at its highest point and extensive glazing. This design ensures that the northern light floods the living/dining area and extends to the upstairs bedrooms overlooking the void. The exterior of the extension, clad in James Hardie Scyon cement-composite boards, contrasts with the original brick structure while subtly referencing its form through a new roofline composed of three gables. These gables correspond to the kitchen, dining, and living zones downstairs. The original hallway was also maintained as a central axis, creating a clear vista from the front door to the light-filled rear living space. For the interior design, Carla Middleton collaborated with the owners to establish a palette that blends her neutral, natural material preference with their crisp, contemporary style and appreciation for darker tones. This resulted in an interplay of black, white, and mid-grey hues, complemented by stone elements throughout the home. The kitchen, a focal point for entertaining, exemplifies this blend with black and white cabinetry by Holtz Joinery and Elba marble benchtops and splashback, featuring a substantial 4x1.3-meter island bench. The renovation was completed as the family grew, with the owners welcoming two children during the project, making the newly transformed space a comfortable and functional home. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #ModernExtension #SydneyArchitecture #OpenPlanLiving #NaturalLightDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #CarlaMiddletonArchitect #AustralianHomes

The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney has launched a new installation called "Lavender Lane," transforming the venue into a purple floral paradise. This temporary exhibit, designed to celebrate the arrival of spring, features a tunnel of vibrant purple blooms and a diverse array of springtime florals. The installation includes several visually appealing elements, such as a walkway adorned with canopies of pink and purple flowers and a mirrored tunnel, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and making it highly Instagrammable. Lavender Lane specifically highlights Sydney's appreciation for purple hues, coinciding with the season for lavender, wisteria, and jacaranda blossoms. To complement the visual experience, The Grounds of Alexandria is also offering a range of purple-themed food and beverages. These include mini blueberry cakes and a lilac-hued floral fizz, which combines grapefruit lemonade with citrus and a hint of lavender. The venue aims to engage multiple senses, with the space emanating the scent of fresh blooms during the day. Beyond its daytime allure, the installation transitions into an equally captivating nighttime experience, illuminated by stunning purple neon lights. Visitors can access this floral laneway by dining at either The Cafe or The Potting Shed, two of the on-site dining establishments. Given its temporary nature, potential visitors are encouraged to make reservations to experience Lavender Lane before it concludes. This installation is part of a broader seasonal trend in Sydney, where various natural displays herald the arrival of spring. Other notable floral attractions across the city and its surroundings include golden daffodils, tranquil tulips, and pastel cherry blossoms, as well as fields of canola in regional NSW. The Grounds of Alexandria is known for its elaborate and visually striking installations, and Lavender Lane continues this tradition by offering a unique and immersive floral experience. #LavenderLane #TheGroundsOfAlexandria #SydneySpring #FloralInstallation #PurpleBlooms #InstagrammableSpots #ThemedFood #TemporaryExhibit #ThingsToDoSydney

This article highlights twelve Seattle homes that exemplify a successful blend of midcentury design preservation and modern renovation. These properties demonstrate a nuanced approach to updating historical architecture for contemporary living while honoring their original character. The first featured renovation is a 1957 midcentury home, originally designed by Hawley Adelbert Dudley, that maintained its good bones through a striking makeover. Another project by SHED Architecture & Design focuses on a 1950s midcentury gem, where the goal was to enhance its inherent charm with modern elements rather than a complete overhaul, salvaging original features and updating the layout, finishes, and furnishings. A 1959 Northwest contemporary ranch home in Seattle’s Madison Park underwent a significant transformation, with SHED Architecture & Design peeling back years of random remodels. The renovation skillfully juxtaposes light and dark materials, such as Douglas fir against dark bricks and concrete floor tiling, aligning with the home's original palette while introducing a modern aesthetic. The Lake Forest Park Midcentury Renovation involved a complete re-working of a 1950s Northwest Contemporary house, altering the floor plan to create enlarged spaces for the kitchen, master bedroom, master bath, and study. This renovation also integrated large glass light monitors for natural light and utilized a rich material palette including steel, cherry, natural grass, terrazzo, and Douglas Fir. For a kitchen in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, the renovation prioritized combining midcentury modern style with enhanced functionality. A wall was removed to connect the kitchen and dining area, improving flow and natural light, while ensuring the new design respected the home's 1950s architecture. Another project tackled a 1961 midcentury home by George Lucker in Seattle’s Seward Park, aiming to restore its midcentury character and adapt it for modern life by making minimal yet impactful changes. The article also features a 1958 midcentury property where the owners updated the landscaping, deck, and exterior, including painting the exterior in Tricon Black and installing oversized house numbers. A spectacular Pacific Northwest home, originally built in 1977 and remodeled by Tom Kundig in 2000, connects its spacious interiors with the outdoors through immense pivot doors and floor-to-ceiling windows, incorporating materials like mahogany from Benaroya Hall. An ADA accessible 1954 home in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood was modified by architect Karen Braitmayer and Carol Sundstrom of Röm Architecture Studio to better accommodate Braitmayer's and her daughter's wheelchair use, focusing on universal access space planning. A midcentury home nestled in a Pacific Northwest forest, designed in 1962 by Ralph D. Anderson, maintained its original character through updates. Elements like a double-height glass wall, sunken living room, circular staircase, and wood paneling were preserved, alongside a renovated kitchen that kept original salvaged teak. The Art Deco Meets Midcentury renovation combined nostalgic 1950s architecture with elegant interiors and Art Deco influences, reconfiguring living spaces and adding bedrooms. Finally, the 'Zema Redux' project on Bainbridge Island revitalized a 1974 house by Gene Zema, known for his blend of modernism and Japanese architecture, which included rebuilding the central living space, reorganizing the kitchen, and adding an outdoor deck after years of decay. #SeattleHomes #MidcenturyModern #HomeRenovation #ArchitectureDesign #InteriorDesign #PacificNorthwest #HistoricalPreservation #ModernUpdates #SustainableDesign

This article details the transformation of a three-story Sydney beachside home by interior designer David Flack, founder of Flack Studio. The client, a hardworking New Yorker with a blended family, sought a complete respite from his busy life, and while the original home featured a calming "white on travertine on white" coastal aesthetic, it didn't align with his personality. Flack, known for his intuitive design approach that eschews extensive questioning in favor of understanding a client's essence and lifestyle, aimed to create a home that reflected the client's witty, straight-shooting, and kind nature, while also incorporating a blend of New York, European, and Australian influences. Despite no significant structural changes beyond the addition of a bathroom, Flack Studio reimagined every aspect of the interiors. This involved introducing rich materials like walnut and American oak, polished plaster in jewel tones, terracotta tiles, and a diverse selection of marbles. The design intent was to evoke a sense of global sophistication. For instance, the modern kitchen features a hammered brass rangehood, Portuguese tiles, and rust-colored stone, creating a look that Flack describes as reminiscent of a Renaissance oil painting, or a blend of "Mexicana meets Milan" with Palladiana flooring and handmade checkerboard tiles. The dining area, which connects to the kitchen, includes a banquette as requested by the owner, complemented by an organic-shaped Christophe Delcourt dining table and Mario Bellini chairs, alongside art by Nabilah Nordin and Reko Rennie. The living room exudes a brownstone-salon vibe, characterized by timber library walls, timeless furniture, and a curated collection of art. Flack emphasizes that this space, despite facing the ocean, deliberately avoids a typical coastal aesthetic, aiming instead for an antithesis of beachside Sydney property design. The lower-ground level features a cellar and tasting room that channels a 1970s nightclub aesthetic, complete with Kiron Robinson neon wall art and pieces by Indigenous Australian artist Tracey Moffatt. Attention to intricate details is a hallmark of Flack Studio's work, such as a thin red line subtly integrated into the library joinery. This level of bespoke craftsmanship is fostered by clients who appreciate such nuances. The home also boasts a carefully chosen art collection, including works by prominent artists like Daniel Boyd, Dale Frank, Bill Henson, and Tracey Moffatt, alongside pieces from emerging artists. The bathrooms incorporate American oak, Opus marble, and vintage Murano glass lights, creating dramatic and tactile spaces. The client's satisfaction is evident in his ongoing communication with Flack, sharing his continued love for the home and photos of family gatherings, highlighting the success of the personalized and deeply considered design. #InteriorDesign #FlackStudio #SydneyHome #ModernCoastal #LuxuryInteriors #CustomDesign #ArtCollection #Materiality

Interior designer Elise Croker has transformed her 1920s Art Deco apartment in Woollahra, Sydney, into a unique Airbnb rental named Frida's. This is the fourth property Croker, a self-taught designer and nurse, has renovated for short-term stays, driven by a desire to create comfortable and happy spaces. The apartment's design emphasizes character and personality, shunning overly perfect aesthetics. A graphic wallpaper from Casamance around the fireplace serves as a central design element, with its textural, earthy colors informing the palette throughout the apartment. These colors, described as 'dirty colors,' are intended to evoke an earthy and calming sensation, as exemplified by the green carpet in the bedrooms, which provides a soft, tactile experience underfoot. Croker's design approach is intuitive, stemming from her nursing background, which prioritizes comfort and well-being. She carefully selects art pieces that complement the home's overall aesthetic, often incorporating timber, black, white, and green elements to connect with nature. The renovation of the Woollahra apartment was largely superficial, focusing on updates rather than structural changes. The original cornices and skirting were preserved to maintain the apartment's historical integrity, aligning with a gentle and sustainable renovation philosophy. The kitchen and bathroom, originally from the 1980s, were completely overhauled. The Woollahra location was chosen for its community feel, which reminded Croker of a country town within a large city. The top-floor apartment offers good natural light with a north-east facing orientation and views of Double Bay and Bellview Hill. Key features of the renovation include a green kitchen painted in Porters Paint 'Sediment,' chosen for its dark, elegant tone that changes with the sunlight. Lemon wallpaper from Morris & Co. throughout the space influences the overall mood, with its yellow tones echoed in other design choices. The main bedroom features pink walls and a custom-made bed head by Croker, crafted from plywood and upholstered in leftover boucle and a blue-green stripe, creating an elegant and luxurious feel. In one of the bedrooms, two low-lying bunks are centrally placed, a quirky decision that maximizes sleeping space without overwhelming the room. Croker sources art from up-and-coming artists, often through platforms like BlueThumb, and also finds unique pieces at markets and antique stores. Old-style light fittings, sourced from a local shop, and hardware from Trad Co contribute to the Art Deco ambiance and tactile experience, appealing to the five senses. Custom-made cabinets and wardrobes with curved and fluted ends, painted in Porters Paints 'Obsidian,' demonstrate Croker's innovative approach and willingness to challenge traditional craftspeople. The renovated bathroom also heavily features green tiles, harmonizing with the overall color scheme and the building's Art Deco heritage. The living room includes a gas log fireplace, a library with vintage collections, and various books, further enhancing the eclectic and welcoming atmosphere of Frida's. #ArtDeco #SydneyApartment #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AirbnbStay #EclecticStyle #Woollahra #EliseCroker

The center hall cottage located at 503 Adams St. in New Orleans, built in 1888, showcases a unique blend of its original late 19th-century architectural features and a distinct 1970s aesthetic. Current owner Christine Albert purchased the house seven years ago, finding it to be a "time capsule of the 1970s," which marked the last significant renovation period. Albert's design approach respects the historical integrity of the 1880s structure while incorporating 1970s-inspired colors and patterns, creating an eclectic and personalized living space. The cottage retains its original characteristics, such as high ceilings, wood floors, tall windows, fireplaces, pocket doors, and a front porch adorned with decorative arches featuring cut-out circles. Albert acquired the property at an estate sale, drawn particularly to its front porch, which she frequently uses for informal gatherings. Upon purchase, the house, though maintained by previous owners for several decades, required considerable renovation and care. The initial phase of renovations, undertaken with contractor Stephen Adams of Adams Construction, focused on essential upgrades. This included the installation of central air and heat, along with new plumbing and electrical systems. Other significant tasks involved exterior painting, restoration and replacement of shutters, installation of a new water heater, removal of old carpeting to reveal original wood floors, and comprehensive hardscaping and landscaping. This initial period of work spanned approximately 4.5 months. Albert consciously lived in the house for several months after the initial renovations before making decorative decisions, a piece of advice she received from friends experienced in home renovation. This allowed her to understand the space better before committing to further design choices. The original layout of the house, with the exception of eliminating a door between the primary and guest bedrooms, remains largely intact. Repairs and paint refreshes were also applied to the kitchen, bathroom, and a mother-in-law addition, believed to have been built in the 1920s or 1930s. Following the necessary structural and utility updates, Albert collaborated with Nomita Joshi-Gupta of Nomita Joshi Interior Design for the interior decoration, a process that unfolded over four years. Joshi-Gupta described Albert as a sophisticated, well-traveled individual with a strong appreciation for color, pattern, and narrative, which informed the "bold stroke" design, aligning with Joshi-Gupta's Indian Modernist style. A key inspiration for the interior design was the 1970s gold damask pattern wallpaper found in the front parlor, which served as a reference point for the overall vintage vibe and color palette. This mustard yellow hue, originating from the front parlor wallpaper, extends to the ceiling of the adjoining room, formerly a dining room and now part of a double parlor connected by original cased openings with pocket doors. A 1970s-inspired zigzag pattern, present in the front parlor rug, is creatively repeated in the bathroom's wallpaper and in the upholstery of a club chair in the guest room, inherited from Albert's godparents. The home also features other cherished, sentimental items, such as Albert's childhood piano, an art deco side table from her mother's first apartment, and custom artworks depicting her dogs, including a piece by Martin Laborde in the second parlor. Many of the furnishings, including the blue Chesterfield sofa in the second parlor, burled chests in the foyer, a glass-top coffee table in the front parlor, and various paintings, were sourced from local consignment shops, estate sales, and auctions, emphasizing a vintage and eclectic collection. Bold statement lighting is a prominent feature throughout the house, with examples like a modernist chandelier in the living room and a large metal leaf fixture in the second parlor. The most recent renovation project involved the bathroom, showcasing a combination of colorful floral wallpaper, the recurring zigzag paper, and a custom-designed Cristallo quartzite vanity complemented by sconces resembling oversized jewels. Albert also has plans for future updates to the kitchen. The home is one of six featured in the Preservation Resource Center's Spring Home Tour, highlighting New Orleans' vernacular architecture. #NewOrleansCottage #HomeDesign #VintageDecor #1970sInspired #1880sArchitecture #EclecticInteriors #RenovationProject #HistoricalPreservation #InteriorDesign