AGEING GRACEFULLY

FOR A SEASONED RENOVATOR, THIS SWEET HOME BY THE BEACH HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HER HEART

- STEPHANIE HOPE

FRONT FACADE “The entrance to a property needs to be inviting,” says Sarah, the owner of this cute cottage in Sydney’s Avalon. She ticked this box by designing the porch stairs in a staggered format, which allowed enough space for some potted plants. Additional accents were added overhead to reinforce the home’s heritage.

A diamond in the rough in need of some extra attention – that’s how interior stylist Sarah Parry-Okeden describes her delightful four-bedroom beach cottage that dates from the 1960s.

“Sometimes the older properties hold the most inspiration!” she says. “When I first saw it, it had a cute presence and was deceptively large once inside. I was drawn to its heritage accents and stained-glass windows – so many hidden design gems were within its walls.”

Historic charms aside, the property felt dim and dated inside, with carpeted floors, dark-stained window frames, and a tired front porch. “It was begging for a scrub down and a splash of white paint to brighten and lighten the interiors, coupled with some accents of colour to make it shine.” Sarah believes pattern and texture are also important. “I chose a mix of coastal canes and wicker pendants, coupled with the timeless warmth of brass,” she says.

Realising the dream