Light Touch

In Sydney, a sensitive revamp transformed a 1930s bungalow into a fabulously functional forever home.

- Rachael Bernstone

KITCHEN A wall of cabinetry neatly contains all storage and appliances. Island bench in Savoy marble from Worldstone Solutions. Franke sink, Reece. Brodware tapware, Candana Bathroomware. Roman pendant light, Masson for Light. Joinery by JP Finsbury Bespoke Joiners (throughout). Grey ironbark flooring, Nash Timbers (throughout). Designer buy: Taburet bar stools, $449 each, Life Interiors. TV/GUESTROOM An enhanced connection to the outdoors has increased the home’s overall feeling of serenity. Custom sofa bed by Noble & Jones Furniture Designers.

LIVING/DINING

The fireplace was strategically placed to block afternoon sun. Marset ‘Aura’ wall light and ‘Soho’ pendant light, both Est Lighting. Eames side chair and walnut stool, both Living Edge. Existing dining table. Molloy dining chairs, Cult. Drawing by Roze from Project 82. Curtains in Eliza linen fabric by Simple Studio. Cedar windows and doors, Longma Joinery (throughout). Rugs, both Perryman Carpets.

An original 1930s California bungalow on a pretty street lined with Mid-Century homes in a walkable neighbourhood in close proximity to Sydney Harbour... It’s little wonder the owners – a couple and their teenage son – fell in love with this home.

Over time, however, they identified its shortcomings: the house was dark inside; it felt disconnected from the garden; and it didn’t offer sufficient separation for their various needs, ranging from cooking and entertaining to working from home and studying.

So they approached architect and interior designer Ricci Bloch to discuss their options. Together, Ricci and her clients settled on a plan to retain the existing house but improve the way it functioned for the family.