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In 2016, Daniel, Shirin, Oscar (9), and Matilda (5) Pulitano were living in multi-level converted warehouse in North Melbourne. When looking to buy a holiday house, the family were seeking the polar opposite. ‘We only had a deck and a small yard for the kids. We wanted somewhere we could retreat to that could accommodate a pool and was close to nature,’ says Shirin, who owns cult-status Melbourne bakery Bread Club, with Daniel and four other partners.
The family settled on a house in Sorrento, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, that was ripe for renovation. Working with David Dubois of Dubois, Daniel (who is also a builder), gutted the existing nondescript brick house, leaving only structural walls and some windows. Everything else, including the plaster and a small extension to the family room and the garage, is new.
Shirin designed the interiors herself (she’s also a designer and founder of events production and design agency Dot Dot Dash) to create bright, fresh and comfortable spaces. The mostly neutral palette of white and light timbers is punctuated with black terrazzo accents, and different hues of blue inspired by the coast. The Abbotson Linen Bed Cover by Sheridan in a summery lemon shade (Sandcastle) serves as a calming focal point, tying in with Shirin’s playful yet sophisticated art collection.
In addition to the extensive interior renovations, attention was also paid to updating the home’s facade. Shirin says, ‘Dubois added concrete rendered vertical blades to the front exterior, and continued as a theme in the rear and north-facing courtyard that completely transformed the house.’
Shirin and Daniel worked with landscape designer Peachy Green to create their outdoor spaces, forming a lush green oasis out the back, and a manicured front lawn. ‘We try to spend most of our time outside around the pool, otherwise we open the French doors and sit at the dining table or living room looking out into the garden,’ Shirin says.
The backyard pool is the absolute heart of this home, where the Pulitanos have spent many memorable summer days spent with friends and family. ‘A home to me is where you make happy memories,’ says Shirin. ‘I celebrated my 40th with close friends around our pool, the first summer we finished building, and my kids learned how to skateboard and ride their bikes here’. The dream family retreat!
Shop Sheridan’s latest collection, Harmony of Contrasts, at Sheridan Boutiques, sheridan.com.au, David Jones and Myer.
