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The history and pedigree of this five-bedroom Victorian Italianate home is immediately evident upon first glance at the façade.
The new owners of this Woollahra home had no intention of touching the grand structure, but were keen for the interior styling to better reflect their personalities and stage in life.
Claire Driscoll (née Delmar) of Studio CD was engaged for this project, having previously designed the family’s other property in Palm Beach. As the family had just moved in, Claire was given a completely blank canvas to work with, and a relatively open brief. The owners only requested there be nothing too ‘blingy.’
‘Our clients wanted a fun contemporary, city home with different areas to entertain and special unique places for the children to enjoy,’ Claire says. ‘It was to capture timeless elegance alongside playful youth and be more textural than anything shiny.’
The client’s existing art collection, including a couple of sentimental pieces and wedding gifts, were the key source of inspiration for this project. ‘The artworks bring a sense of fun and lightness to the house which softens its grandeur and masculinity,’ says Claire. ‘They express the client’s vibrant personality and youth through colour and context, and also show support to Australian contemporary art, which is fantastic to see.’
The clients placed their complete trust in Claire from the initial design concept, allowing her to push the boundaries of creativity. Progress updates were provided in a very active WhatsApp group (!) alongside general discussions about life’s daily disasters and joys.
The client’s love of art, travel and fashion were clearly integrated into the new design, creating a richly layered home, with different textures that speak to one another. Claire’s favourite space is the formal living room, that exudes a sense of fun, while still remaining calm and timeless.
Without making one structural change, Claire has successful updated this prestigious home, resulting in a uniquely refined space with a truly adventurous spirit.
