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Sophie Trippe-Smith and her family have lived in this 1880s Balmain terrace home since 2013. After a few years in the house, they decided to enhance the ‘good bones’ of the property with a fresh lick of paint inside and out, and some structural renovations. The family bravely decide to live in the home throughout the renovation, which Sophie admits was challenging, but ‘we overcame this by having a positive happy attitude and “light at the end of the tunnel” feeling.’
Sophie is a born and bred Balmain enthusiast, and describes ‘walking up and down this street since I was a little girl, thinking that one day I would like to live here.’ The family initially lived just around the corner, but outgrew their small property. When this terrace came on the market, Sophie ‘walked inside and instantly fell in love.’
Her adoration of the property has only grown with the renovations, where the new garden oasis and double garage provide new sanctuaries and functionality in the home. The renovations also included new joinery and lighting in all of the bedrooms. Sophie highlights that she was initially slightly daunted by the renovation process, but found solace in the capable hands of interior designer Kate Bell and landscape designer Adam Robinson.
The home is now filled with beloved items; Sophie explains that ‘I feel like my home’s style is always evolving. I adore eclectic, colourful interesting pieces. I don’t really like anything to “match”.’ Favourite treasures include the Gubi Beetle chair covered in green velvet (that no-one but Sophie is allowed to sit in!) and a grasshopper floor lamp. Green carries into the dining area, with a green leather banquette.
As a self-described ‘art addict’ Sophie cannot choose her favourite art work, but she particularly loves the Esther Stewart piece in the dining room, and the neighbouring Mark Howson work. She describes ‘they are both Melbourne artists, and seem to compliment each other and just “complete” the house.’
The piece-de-resistance of this home is the rooftop terrace, which offers sweeping views across the city, hugged by Anzac bridge. The family love dining on the roof, waving goodbye to a cruise ship, and watching the sunset. Sophie enthuses ‘it really is a happy life in Balmain!’
