Amongst the vibrant, slightly scruffy, and very cool streets of Newtown, this renovation transforms an old character villa into a modern yet historically sensitive home.

The internal planning was reworked, merging spaces that no longer served their purpose whilst retaining the ornate characteristics of the original villa. With the homeowner’s special interest in all things oceanic, the bathroom was redesigned with a pale watery palette, reflected in the tiled pistachio nib, milk white walls, and stippled glazing to culminate in a soft, serene space. The vanity was handcrafted out of the old timber backdoor, with hand routed vertical groves mimicking the rhythm of the tiles behind.

The kitchen and dining areas were altered to seamlessly integrate the exterior, elevating the home's ability to entertain. Crafted with a refined palette of American white oak and solid stainless steel, the kitchen is simple and hard wearing, with a bespoke coffee station serving as the heart of daily rituals. The adjacent dining area was thoughtfully redesigned to provide an inviting space for intimate gatherings. Its connection with the bush-lined views of Brooklyn and the western setting sun made obvious through the addition of large sliding doors, allowing an easy transition between in and out, and inviting natural light and openness into the home.

A subtle refinement of the entry, bedrooms and study completed this renovation, with carefully selected paintings by local artist Hannah Walsh giving depth and richness to the lofty 3.2m high walls. The culmination of work reflects the bringing together of old and new, creating an atmosphere that respects the past whilst embracing the comforts (and occasional chaos) of contemporary living.