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‘A glamorous home with a dose of humour’ is how Arent&Pyke describe their vision for this alterations project in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The client had been living in the terrace home for some years prior, but after her four adult children moved out, it was time to update the house specifically to her taste. ‘It was just in need of a new life, to give this client their dream house,’ says Arent&Pyke principal Sarah-Jane Pyke.
The house was already large enough for Maryanne, so no addition was proposed. Instead, Arent&Pyke configured the existing footprint to feel more spacious and offer clearer sight lines between rooms.
‘I would say that was a major coup,’ says Sarah-Jane of the reconfigured floor plan. ‘When we started sketching it I thought, “Is this going to be possible?” and to make it work was actually incredible. I’m really proud of what we managed to achieve.’
Drawing on a Dana Dion painting gifted by Maryanne’s children, a rich colour palette was developed. This palette is constantly evolving to express mood and tone, starting with the forest green ceiling in the hallway, through to the golden glow of Dulux Buttercookie in the formal rooms, and eventually calming Dulux Spanish Olive. ‘It’s a chameleon colour – it’s green, it’s grey, it’s blue, it’s warm – it’s just a magical colour,’ says Sarah-Jane of the versatile shade.
These more mature colours are offset with more vibrant colours in the bathrooms, particularly Maryanne’s en suite that features a delightful shade of lipstick pink cabinetry (Dulux Loganberry).
Another theme that unfolds throughout the home is the use of feminine scallops and curves on joinery and window treatments. There’s also a refined yet generous application of brass and marble, which elevate the entire interior.
The majority of spaces in this home have been tailor made for Maryanne, such as the kitchen bench seat that offers an informal place to eat or work away from the main dining table. Other rooms however are designed primarily for Maryanne’s grandchildren, which is reflected in the whimsical feel of one bedroom and the family bathroom with monkey wallpaper!
‘Even though it’s one person’s house, I always say that it’s the hub of the family, regardless,’ says Sarah-Jane.
The completed home retains the classic qualities of the original terrace, but is now a ‘jewel box of delights that make the heart sing.’
Sarah-Jane says, ‘It was really special to make something for Maryanne where she feels really comfortable and feels really at home.’
