Homes

A Truly WHOA Warehouse Conversion!

Some partnerships just naturally fit together. For Shirin Pulitano, director and founder of Dot Dot Dash events agency, and her husband Daniel Pulitano, general manager of Pulitano Construction – their combined skill sets presented the perfect opportunity to collaborate on the design of their own dream family home in North Melbourne!

With the help of architect Nick Harding and landscape architect Frances Hale, this home was brought to life! Shirin and Daniel share their stunning home with son Oscar (7) and daughter Matilda (3).

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Supported by Dulux

The home of Shirin and Daniel Pulitano, renovated with assistance from architect Nick Harding and landscape by Peachy Green. This breezy living room features painting by Todd Hunter, Gentry Sofa by Moroso  from Salbini, Flag Haylard by Cult Design, Serge Mouille Light by Cult Design, Rug from Hacyon Lake, coffee table by Great Dane, and Afternoon Lounge Chair by Menu. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Sink into this Flag Haylard Chair from Cult Design. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The family at home! Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Welcome to this kitchen. Judith Sinnamon painting, Sussex Taps from Reece, stools from Great Dane, JL Moller dining Table from Great Dane, Hans J Wegner Wishbone Chairs from Cult Design, Fritz Hansen Vase from Cult Design. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

A sheltered outdoor space for dining. Landscape Construction by The Straw Brothers. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Kitchen views. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Kitchen details. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Study nook with String System by Great Dane, Eames Chair and Stool from Living Edge, Rug by  Halcyon Lake, Painting by Betty Mbitjana. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Poppies! Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Serge Mouille wall light from Cult, and Laura Jones painting. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Moroso Tables by Hub furniture, Sofa by Jardan, Rug from Halcyon Lake, Flos 265 wall light by Euroluce, and painting by Oliver Watts. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Kid’s bedroom with Enzo Mari Print from La Mela Danese Milano, book box by Like Butter, linen from Jardan, and throw and cushion by Coastal Living. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Enzo Mari Print from La Mela Danese Milano, and Caravan dresser by Kalon Studio from Kido Store. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

A very adult bedroom! Linen by Jardan. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Simple and serene bathroom details. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Hello wine cellar! Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
10th of December 2019

Shirin Pulitano of Dot Dot Dash agency, and husband Daniel purchased their North Melbourne home in May 2012. Daniel’s construction business Pulitano Construction were immediately set to task to renovate the property, in collaboration with architect Nick Harding from Ha Architecture. The group set out to redesign the space, within the confines of an existing permit, as Shirin explains ‘we didn’t want to slow down the process and resubmit new plans to council.’ A strategic design decision, with a stunning outcome!

Shirin prefaces the tour of her home by highlighting, ‘although I am constantly creating spaces at Dot Dot Dash, I’m always surprised how difficult I find making decisions when it comes to my own home, so having great people with a similar design ethos to collaborate with is a luxury I do not take for granted.’ She flags that Daniel managed the construction budget… along with Shirin’s expectations!

With limited ability to reshape the home and existing facade, there were significant restrictions in renovating this home – but the couple worked closely with Nick to make full use of the space. The brief was to create open space through high ceilings and clean lines, which they have resolutely achieved! Shirin describes ‘we are influenced by a mix of modern and classic design, and as we grow as a family, we’re inspired by the things that are very sentimental to us.’

Daniel’s love of wine and cooking has resulted in the introduction of a cellar and terrace pizza oven, while Shirin’s interest in Australian art and mid-century design has informed the aesthetics of the home. The space has evolved over time, and Shirin highlights that as the family grows up together ‘the remaining empty corners and blank walls will be filled with possessions we love, and keepsakes from our memorable family holidays.’ The interior walls are painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter, Shirin describes this as her ‘favourite residential white’, selected to give a crisp backdrop for art, ornaments and favourite furniture pieces.

While the limited outdoor space was initially a concern, the couple worked with Nick and Frances Hale from Peachy Green to maximise the outdoor space, and bring a verdant garden with olive trees, lemon trees and a thriving herb garden to life. Shirin enthuses ‘the birch trees are as tall as the house, and ensure every level has plenty of greenery for us to enjoy.’

Incredibly, Shirin and Daniel have lived on this leafy North Melbourne street for over 20 years, with this as their second home in the same neighbourhood! They love the proximity to the city, coupled with the local ‘village’ feeling, where nearby shops include a beloved barber, library and food market. After creating their dream family home here, we’re pretty sure the Pulitano clan will be passionate North Melbourne locals for many years to come!

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