Situated in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, this two-story unit once lacked in storage, light and style. Home to a busy professional couple that often find themselves working from home, this Stylesmiths project puts comfort at the fore to create a home that feels easy to work, rest and entertain in.
With the coastline of Bondi, NSW on the doorstep, the sandy interiors reference the relaxed local context, bringing a slice of beachside serenity home. In the kitchen and living, ash oak timber and engineered white marble intersect with black detailing, harnessing the theatrics of light and shade to open up the heart of the home. Existing skylights were widened and an open tread staircase was introduced to help filter light downwards, creating soft pools of sunlit shadows throughout the day.
The brief called for innovative storage solutions, a space to accommodate for guests and a work station that’s separate to the upstairs study, all without impeding on the narrow floor-plan. This was an exciting challenge for the Stylesmiths™ knowing that a successful outcome would enhance our clients’ lives, modifying their home to suit their needs. Tall and low cupboards were custom designed to line the full length of the living area, opposite the kitchen workspace. Not only has the construct provided some much needed storage, hiding clutter that was previously exposed and making the home feel smaller than necessary, it has also improved the functional aspect of the entire communal zone.
Bench seating with underneath storage makes the most of a petite space beneath the stairs, offering the facility for entertaining which the homeowners had begun to think impossible in such a tight area. Now a perfect spot to sit and chat warmed by dappled daylight, this is a favourite for client and designer alike. Neighbouring this is an integrated bar area, complete with wine fridge, shelving and preparation bench that doubles as a coffee station, making it a practical addition for morning and night, fit with retractable doors for easy concealment.
The central section of this cabinetry naturally created an opportunity to insert a second study spot, disguised as a reading nook with shelves for décor items or family photos. All office necessities, such as a printer and stationary, have been allocated places within the cabinet walls to keep work out of sight when guests come to visit.
The designated zone at the back end of the home opens up to a sunny courtyard, separated by sheer curtains that ensure privacy while embracing the natural light. Long drawers in timber veneer create a media unit that runs parallel to the tan leather sofa in the lounge. Scallop shaped wall panels line the wall above, introducing an organic motif that’s comforting and tactile. This smoothness is replicated in buclè fabrics, rounded furnishings, curved joinery, cylindrical twin range hood and circular tap-ware.
Upon entry, a brand-new streamlined kitchen, renovated to improve the home’s connection and flow, features surfaces that were chosen for their stylish durability. Porcelain marble stone look slabs, iron bronze fixtures and exposed cooktop plates that are heat, scratch and stain resistant transform what was a dark and dated
kitchen design. The soft ash oak finish of the custom joinery adds to the soothing ambience, like driftwood washed ashore the patterns of natural grain offer subtle depth and texture without being overwhelming in a compact space.
Upstairs this minimalistic approach continues, with each design choice made to benefit the owners and improve visual appeal with refined character. Understated bedroom wardrobes were designed to be simple and practical, the black handles adding all the drama necessary, a notion repeated in the study also. Floating, pigeon hole side tables are attached to a bespoke timber bedhead that continues the length of the bedroom wall, bouyed by soft grey carpet.
Kit-kat tiles in the bathroom and powder room add tactility to an otherwise tranquil space. Backlit LED lighting brightens the washroom from behind a line of mirrors, encapsulating task and accent lighting in one. The illumination flatters the elegant stone and warm timber, creating a peaceful room to unwind while soaking in the generously sized tub. The lighter elements are contrasted by modest tap-ware in matte black that gives the design its modern edge, reflecting the overall renovation that has resulted in a grown up beach house, where earthy tones meet intelligent design made for living.
