Chromatic VISION

With colour as catalyst, designer Brett Mickan reimagined a Federation bungalow on Sydney's Lower North Shore for an adventurous client.

- STORY Chris Pearson | STYLING Jack Milenkovic | PHOTOGRAPHY Pablo Veiga

Remodelling this home on Sydney's Lower North Shore was a colour-filled journey of discovery for its owner. “My husband loves colour and was instantly inspired by our designer Brett Mickan’s previous projects,” she says. “I initially wanted a more subdued look, but Brett's creativity and vision won me over.” The happy results speak for themselves. As well as being a celebration of the colour spectrum, the rooms are canvases of light and composition.

“I saw the house like an art collection, with punches of surprise in colour and texture. Each room has a special moment, whether it's a rug, wallpaper or ceiling treatment,” says Brett of Brett Mickan Interior Design.

Seduced by the water views and the heritage detailing, the couple bought the Federation four-bedroom bungalow in 2016, for them and their two sons, now 20 and 19. “We instantly fell in love with its solid bones, northern aspect and generous garden. And I have always loved a traditional long hallway!” says the owner.

But it also needed some serious TLC. “Ceiling heights varied, the dining room was far from the kitchen and dark, while the family room was little more than a passageway to the kitchen.” The kitchen, bathrooms and laundry were all tired and the plain garden lacked sitting areas.

“Our sons regularly come and go,” she says. “And as we are a blended family with three older adult children, we wanted a home big enough to flex up for them to stay, have big family meals inside and out and lots of parties, but to also feel comfortable when it's just two of us."