MIDDLE HEAD ROAD STAGE TWO
Having gained our client’s confidence with the first stage of refurbishment, we were invited back to redesign the rest of the home.
The existing DA on the property did not suit our client’s lifestyle and so they were keen to review the plans to create spaces that worked for their family. In conjunction with a draftsman, we reworked the floor plans of the existing DA for ground and lower ground floors and resubmitted the amended plans to Council.
Due to the heritage item listing of the home, it was not without its difficulties to get approval, but the final result was an overall floor plan that allowed seamless flow for the family as a whole but also separate spaces for the different generations to exist together or independently.
Some of the brief requirements and key challenges in this project were:
Heritage rooms that could be incorporated into modern schemes without feeling disjointed
Creating flexible spaces for family and friends that could expand and contract as required, including work spaces
Generous year round entertaining areas both outside and inside
Design an impactful entrance to the house
Ensure all furnishings were child and pet-friendly
Create kids zones for study and having friends over
Add as much built in storage as possible
Building on our previous colour schemes and client preferences, we set about designing the new extensive spaces which included a kitchen with new walk in pantry, main bedroom with ensuite and dressing room, study/guest bedroom, family bathroom, two further bedrooms (one with an ensuite), laundry, shower room and rumpus. The exterior spaces included a balcony with stunning easterly harbour views and built in bbq, plus a lower level pools-side undercover area with gas fire.
We drew on the intricate Federation architecture of the home, retaining the period features of ornate cornices, architraves, doors and deep skirtings to keep a consistent feel throughout but with a simplified version in the new spaces. Our clever builders even managed to save one of the original ceiling roses which was embedded in a cracked and failing lath and plaster ceiling by cutting it out and then repositioning it on the new ceiling.
Major elements of this project were beautiful materials, refined cabinetry and elegant contemporary lighting. We specified light timbers and painted joinery thought out in both a slim shaker and v groove profile to set a contemporary yet classical mood. The kitchen and bathrooms have gorgeous natural stone including Super White dolomite and Baltic White marble, and our tile selections included white Moroccan Zellij tiles and handmade blue and white Spanish subway tiles. Fittings, hardware and tapware in satin nickel blend harmoniously with the other materials.
A new oak veneer and stone kitchen with butler’s pantry in white v groove paneling opens onto a banquette family seating area. The island is crafted out of crown cut oak veneer with a practical porcelain slab bench top for easy care and low maintenance as well as seating for four and custom drawer fronts with recessed finger pulls requiring no handles. The sink and cook top area has a custom stainless benchtop with integrated sinks and Zip tap, backed with a stunning Super White stone slab which also conceals the range hood. The walk in pantry accommodates a deep sink for soaking pans and ample storage for food, glassware and vegetables, all behind a bespoke arched door that can be closed to hide any mess.
The shower and bathrooms were given individual consideration and treatments based on their usage and location in the house. For the main ensuite and family bathrooms on the ground floor we specified white Moroccan Zellij tiles, which reflect the light beautifully, showing their variation of colour and sheen, and Baltic white marble tiled floors. Cabinetry varied from oak veneer to painted styles giving each space an identity whilst remaining within a defined palette of colours and designs to achieve a cohesive, holistic home.
The main bedroom at the front of the house, with its original marble fireplace and bay windows allowed us to create a gorgeous classical yet modern bedroom with a bespoke, oversized navy headboard incorporating wall lights, full length curtains and storage to suit our client’s requirements. The adjacent walk in dressing room cleverly accessed the space under the stairs to the attic providing additional drawers, hanging areas and essential shoe storage. Continuing the marble tiling from the ensuite and happily uncovering a large skylight together with the white cabinetry, created an end result that is a light and bright dressing space.
During the redesign the internal staircase was dismantled and moved to where an existing bathroom had been. The new staircase with steel balustrades, v groove lining boards, exposed sandstone blockwork, and sisal carpet now elegantly leads downstairs to two new bedrooms, two shower rooms, a laundry, rumpus room, as well as a transformed sunroom with gas fireplace. The open sided sun room which connects beautifully with the garden and pool, was lined internally with recycled bricks set in a herringbone pattern, drawing on the brick construction of the house. The exterior is clad in dark stained Weathertex boards which create a distinctly contemporary addition to the house.
Photography by Brigid Arnott
“Kate worked seamlessly with our builder to transform our federation house from a much loved but tired property into a family home that superbly blends contemporary whilst maintaining its heritage.” Peter M.
House & Garden Magazine, October 2022.