Practical MAGIC

Thanks to a family-focused makeover, this Federation beauty in Sydney’s east is all set for a lifetime of laidback living.

- Georgia Madden

THIS IS THE LIFE

“We love entertaining here,” says the owner. “The kitchen is an easy area to hang out in, especially with the bar nook so handy.” Being just five minutes’ walk from the beach, the area scores top points for this outgoing, outdoors-loving family too. “There are lots of other kids in the street for the boys to hang out with,” adds the owner. “They’re always together, down the beach for a surf or skating around the neighbourhood.”

With soft, coastal colours and an abundance of natural light flooding in from all angles, this renovated Federation home in Sydney’s east is a far cry from its former self. “It was a beautiful old house with lots of character, including high ceilings and stunning arches in the living area and hallway, but it was dark, rundown and in need of a refresh. It had been renovated several years before with a new kitchen and bathrooms, but they were already dated,” says Sally Rhys-Jones, the interior architect tasked with breathing new life into the home.